One of the biggest fears Central Floridians have in regards to insects is the sting that these pests can give. When most people are stung by an insect, they develop redness, swelling, and itching at the sting spot. However, a small number of people are allergic to these stings, meaning that their immune systems overreact to the venom produced when stung. For an even smaller number of people, these stings may be life-threatening. But, taking certain precautionary steps, including being aware of symptoms and knowing what habitats these insect live in, can help save a life.

The condition of severe venom allergy is called Anaphylaxis and symptoms can include: itching and hives, swelling in the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and even a rapid fall in blood pressure that can result in shock and loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and can be fatal, so be certain the afflicted individual receives medical treatment immediately if they display these symptoms.

In order to avoid stinging insects, it is incredibly important to be able to identify them. Yellow jacket nests are made of a paper maché-like material and are usually located underground. Honeybees and bumble bees are typically non-aggressive, but will sting when provoked. Wild bees live in colonies in honeycombs located in hollow trees or cavities of buildings. Wasps’ nests are usually made of a paper-like material that forms a circular comb of cells which opens downward. Hornets are larger than yellow jackets, and their nests—typically gray and football-shaped—are found high about the ground in trees. Lastly, fire ants build high nests of dirt in the ground.

To prevent an insect sting, obviously the first precaution is to stay away from these insects. The insects are most likely to sting if their homes are disturbed. If flying stinging insects are close by, remain calm and move slowly away. Avoid being barefoot outside, and keep food covered until eaten. If you have been stung, remove the stinger within 30 seconds to avoid receiving more venom. Gently clean the area with soap and water, and use topical steroid ointment to relieve itching. See your physician if swelling progresses or if the sting site seems to be infected.

No one enjoys being stung by insects. Keep your Central Florida home and yard free of these nasty pests with our all-inclusive annual pest control and lawn treatment services. Give Pro-Staff Pest Control a call today at (407)292-7378 for a free evaluation today.

Pest control companies often get calls to reschedule their pest inspections/treatments on rainy days. This is because most people think that pest control treatments will be washed up with the rain, so they reschedule for another day. However, pest control treatments are usually not affected by the rain because most of the walls in your home are protected by overhangs and rarely get wet. In fact, it is usually dry around the windows, door frames, and cracks where pest control companies seal up and spray.

Also, rain can soften the soil, which helps to draw insects out. This is why you may sometimes see a trail of ants traveling indoors on a rainy day. If the insects are already out of where they live and breed, being exposed by the rain, it is easier for exterminators to rid your home of these pests.

Another reason why rain can be beneficial to pest control is because specially formulated granular pellets are placed on the lawn during pest control treatments that actually need water to help activate them. The rain carries these granular insecticides deep into the soil and prevents ants, crickets, spiders, earwigs and other pests from sneaking into your home.

So, if you have an appointment set up for pest control and it begins to rain, don’t reach for the phone right away to reschedule. Instead, let your pest control company do its job in the rain or shine by preventing unwanted pests from getting inside your home. If you have discovered unwelcome pests in your home, give the pest control experts at Pro-Staff Termite & Pest Control in Orlando a call today at to schedule your pest inspection. Our seven-step pest prevention program controls all crawling insects for one full year!