While most stinging and biting pests don't present a significant risk to many people, their attacks can be very painful. In addition, a number of bug bites and stings can be dangerous to babies and young children, the elderly, and people with allergic reactions to insect venom.

Here is some inside knowledge – on a few of the worst offenders – from the entomologists at Terminix.

Stingers

Bumblebees: Most bumblebee hives are located in old animal burrows and other cavities within the ground. Homeowners usually stumble across these hives when gardening or mowing the yard. Bumblebees will attack to protect their hive, so they are considered a health hazard.

To banish bumblebees, fill in old burrows and holes in the ground. Seal holes in your home's exteriors and ensure all vents have tight-fitting screens. Seek professional treatment if you discover a nest in or near your home.

Honeybees: Honeybee colonies can last for up to a decade or more. While their honey is sweet, the waxy combs it's stored in make removal of honeybee nests a messy and time-consuming chore. And in the southwest, homeowners now face the threat of Africanized or "killer" bees. These bees will aggressively defend their colonies, pursuing intruders for up to 1/4 mile from their hive. Victims may be stung numerous times with potentially fatal results. Because Africanized bees are almost indistinguishable from native bees, any colony or swarm in Florida or the southwest (Texas to California) should be treated by professionals. After treatment, it is vital to remove the honeycomb to prevent it from rotting and attracting other pests.

Hornets: These large wasps are black with white markings on their heads and abdomens. Social insects, hornets live in colonies that grow to include hundreds of insects. Colonies located in or near a home can become a danger, as these wasps will attack if their nest is endangered. Unlike bees, which sting only once, wasps can sting again and again.

Here are a few tips to avoid accidental stings:

• Be aware of numerous wasps flying to and from a single point in the garden or the side of the house. This is usually a good way to pinpoint where a colony is located.
• When working around trees or shrubs, look for large, gray paper nests hanging in the branches.
• Be careful using powered lawn equipment near hornets' nests. Loud, vibrating noises can send them into an attacking frenzy.
• Stay away from known areas of infestation and consult a professional exterminator.

Yellow Jackets: Like hornets, yellow jackets live in colonies that can contain thousands of insects. They will aggressively attack when their nest is disturbed. Yellow jacket stings are painful, and the same wasp can sting repeatedly. Because of the risk of treating these infestations, you should call for professional help.

Here are a few tips that can reduce your risks:

• Be aware of numerous wasps flying to and from a single point in the garden or the side of the house. This is usually a good way to pinpoint where a colony is located.
• Be careful using powered lawn equipment near a yellow jacket's nest. Loud, vibrating noises can send them into an attacking frenzy.
• Stay away from yellow jacket nests once you know their location.
• If you see yellow jackets entering your home through a hole in the wall, DO NOT PLUG THE HOLE. The yellow jackets will try to find another way out, and may eat through an interior wall.

Scorpions: These predators feed on insects, and may crawl into buildings through exterior cracks. Once inside, they may hide in clothing, shoes, or beds. Scorpions typically reach a length of two inches, and may be yellow, blue, brown, or black. Their large pinchers and long tails make them easy to recognize. Scorpion bites are painful, but rarely life threatening; however, they can be fatal to young children, the elderly, and people with allergic reactions.

You can reduce the risk of scorpion bites by keeping clothing off the ground in the house and eliminating piles of debris and leaves. Scorpions glow green under a black light, so you can check your home for these invaders at night. Chronic infestations should be treated by a professional.

Biters

Black Widow Spiders: Black widow spiders are up to 3/4 inches long, with a dark body. The famous red hourglass marking does not always occur, so any spider should be treated with caution. Its bite can be fatal to the very young and the very old.

Because black widows build their webs at ground level, it's a good idea to eliminate piles of bricks, boards, and other debris. Store firewood away from the house, and keep boxes away from walls. Wearing gloves when moving items reduces the risk of bites, as does shaking out shoes before putting them on. Serious infestations of these spiders requires professional treatment.

Brown Recluse Spiders: One of the most feared spiders, brown recluse spiders are usually light brown and have a leg span of 1½ inches. They are also known as violin or fiddleback spiders because of the distinctive fiddle-shaped marking on the head end. While its bite is not fatal, if left untreated it can result in ulcerating sores and severe damage to surrounding tissue. Any spider bite should receive prompt medical attention, especially in parts of the country where these spiders are common.

Taking these precautions can reduce your risk of being bitten by spiders:

• Store clothing in sealed plastic bags and storage compartments.
• Avoid keeping clothing on floors. Shake out shoes and any other clothing that have been left on the floor or clothing basket.
• Position beds so that they do not touch walls or curtains. Avoid bed skirts and bedspreads that touch the ground.
• Inspect bedding before going to sleep.

To help keep stinging and biting pests away from your family and home, schedule a free pest evaluation from Terminix.