Revised 6/12/19

 

During spring and summer bees and other flying insects are busy collecting food. Unfortunately sometimes we humans get in their way. In order to protect themselves, they end up attacking and stinging us. Most insect stings produce only local discomfort. Occasionally it can lead to more severe reactions called anaphylaxis.

 

The National Pest Management Association reports that stinging insects send more than half a million people to the emergency room every year. Those with allergies to stings are most at risk, although anyone can be affected if a large number of stinging insects swarm and sting all at once.

 

Having a swarm of bees, hornets, yellow jackets or wasps is never a good thing for a homeowner or a business owner. As warm weather starts, these foraging flying insects are drawn to the heat and their need to survive, and therefore also often drawn to human activity as they provide ample food sources. With ample shelter under eves, sheds and play structures; and ample food supplies such as water, flowering plants, garbage cans, BBQ’s, and outdoor eating, the following stinging insects have everything they need to make a sustainable home:

 

Honeybees are commonly found throughout the US. They usually nest in hives built in hollow trees or rock crevices or in building walls. They are not usually aggressive unless they are near their hive. They sting only once and leave behind a barbed stinger with a small venom sac attached.

 

Wasps are able to sting more than once. They build paper nests that resemble a bee’s honeycomb without any covering. They usually nest under eaves or rain gutters, behind shutters, in crevices and vent openings, and sometimes on the underside of wooden decks and outdoor furniture. You can often see wasps on the outside of their nests.

 

Yellow jackets are a kind of wasp that are aggressive and sting with little or no provocation, especially when near food. They are able to sting more than once and usually do not lose their stinger. They are more common in the late summer and fall. They usually make their nests underground, but nests may be found in walls, crevices, and hollow logs as well. They are attracted to food and may be found around open trash cans and dumpsters.

 

Hornets are extremely aggressive and able to sting more than once. They build paper nests in shrubs, trees, and other high places, such as the eaves of houses. Hornets are sensitive to vibration, and people are often stung when they disturb a nest while clipping hedges or mowing. Some hornets fly at night and may be attracted to lights.

 

 

6 STEPS OF SERVICE

 

Following the 6 Steps of Service:

• Meet the homeowner or tenant and listen to any concerns.

• Inform the customer of your general inspection and treatment plans.

• Let them know what you expect to see while treating and ask if they are currently experiencing any other pest issues.

• Explain what they can expect from the treatment.

 

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SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS

 

Inspection:

• Inspect the entire outside, looking for stinging insect harborage areas and access points.

• Inspect all areas that could provide conducive conditions to insect activity, including attics, crawlspaces, exterior foundations, basements, etc.

• Identify or verify the stinging insect pest that has the customer concerned to determine the treatment method and the material to be used.

 

Approved Product List:

• Treatment Materials: Demand; Temprid SC; Nygard; Archer; PT 515 Wasp Freeze

 

Outside Treatment:

• Start at the right (or left) front corner of the structure.

• With back-pack sprayer or tank sprayer hose, locate and treat the nest(s) on the outside of the house as necessary.

• Remove wood or other obstructions (with permission of the customer) in order to treat – access is critical to treat the nest.

• Continue in the same direction of the property, inspecting and treating as necessary until back at your starting point.

• Stay at least 10 feet away from all ponds and other water areas – use caution against drift on windy days.

 

Other Notes:

• For honey bees, it is usually best to utilize one of our preferred certified Bee Keepers to remove them. If the nest is located on the outside of the structure and accessible, we will remove the nest.

• Stinging insect nests located on the structure or on shrubbery located within 4 feet of the structure are usually covered by the A-1 Home Shield Service.

• If the stinging insect nest is greater than 14 ft. we may be able to kill the insects but not able to remove the nest. If the nest is not accessible, a contractor may be necessary.

• Wear long sleeves and a respirator on windy days.

• While providing treatment, examine for termites and other pests living outside to recommend other A-1 services.

 

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6 STEPS OF SERVICE (continued)

 

Continuing to follow the 6 Steps of Service:

• Let the customer know what was found and what was done. If the customer is not available, leave a “Door Hanger” with written notes specifying what was found, what was done, and any recommendations deemed necessary.

• Inform the customer what to expect over the next few days, weeks, months, etc. Set clear expectations for upcoming visits.

• Ask the customer: “Do you have any other Pest Control needs I can take care of today?”

• If the customer does NOT already have a Home Shield service, ask them, “May I tell you about our routine service for continuous pest protection for your family?”

• Ask the customer, “If you feel that I provided you with good service today, I’d like to invite you to give us a positive online review – we’ll make it very easy for you.”

 

 

NO WARRANTY – 1-Time Service

(any other additional services, such as removing large nests or 2nd treatment may be chargeable as determined by the Tech/Manager)

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