Thinking of pouring gasoline into a yellow jacket nest in the ground? Extension experts say don't. Here's why it's risky, often fails, and what to do instead.
Yellow jacket sting pain usually fades in hours. If it won't stop hurting, it may be a large local reaction or an infection. See when to call a doctor or 911.
One yellow jacket sting can be dangerous if you're allergic. With no allergy, doctors want labs after 50+ stings in adults or 1 per kg in kids. See the signs.
Wasp sting swelling after 48 hours is often a large local reaction that peaks at 2-3 days and fades in about a week. Signs of infection and when to call 911.
The stinging insects in Virginia, ranked by their real sting risk: yellowjackets, hornets, paper wasps, bees, fire ants, velvet ants and stinging caterpillars.
Saw a giant hornet in Maryland? It is almost certainly a European hornet or a cicada killer. Compare sizes, photos and nests, and rule out the murder hornet.
Virginia has 477 documented bee species. Here are the types you'll really meet at home, sorted by where they nest, plus which ones actually need treatment.
Saw a giant hornet in Virginia? It is almost certainly a European hornet. Identify Virginia's two real hornets, their nests, and five common look-alikes.
Maryland has over 400 documented bee species. Here are the 8 types of bees you will actually see at home, how to tell them apart, and which ones to leave alone.
The wasps you actually see in Virginia: yellowjackets, paper wasps, hornets, mud daubers and cicada killers. Photos, nests, and which ones really sting you.
Wasps in Maryland? Learn to identify local species, prevent nests on your property & know when to call a professional for removal.
Yellow jacket nest vs paper wasp nest - how to tell them apart. Compare key differences in appearance, size, and location to identify your pest.
Bee vs wasp vs hornet: compare body, sting, nest and colony size in one table, and learn which nests need a pro in Northern Virginia and Maryland yards.
European hornet nest in your yard? Learn how to identify these large stinging pests and discover professional treatment options for your home.
Learn how to kill ground bees with our complete guide covering identification, allergy risks, and the most effective removal methods for homeowners.
Hornet vs wasp: every hornet is a wasp, but hornets grow up to 1 3/8 inches. Compare size, nests, and color for the species in Virginia, DC, and Maryland.
Types of hornets and wasps with pictures: the 22 true hornets, the one in Virginia and Maryland, and the wasps people mistake for them. Sizes, nests, stings.
7 types of wasp nests with photos, plus how to tell if a wasp or hornet nest is empty or still active. Field notes from a Northern Virginia pest tech.
