News

Avoid going viral by managing stinging pests safely | Sponsored

A close up image of a wasp Photo: Metro Services, Saga Communications


WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – When faced with a problem, many people like to take on the challenge themselves. If you are looking for an example, just watching a few hours of the DIY Network will illustrate the pros and cons of do-it-yourself home renovation. But there are definitely drawbacks to doing carpentry without the skills to properly build a shelf.

Building a shelf is not nearly as risky as removing a pest from your property that could cause injury.

A common sentiment that Bio Bug’s Steve Cornwall communicates when it comes to managing bees, hornets or wasps is: “It’s cheaper to call a pest control company than it is to call 911.”

You don’t want to be chased around your yard by a swarm of attacking hornets, as much as that could be good fodder for your YouTube channel. And you certainly don’t want to be in the hospital for treatment after receiving insect stings.

It is safer and cheaper to let the experts handle this one. Pest management companies have the tools and the know-how to remove the wasp or hornet nest. There are real dangers that come with potentially antagonizing these animals. Yellowjackets and bald face hornets among other species release an “attack hormone” when under threat, which will aggravate the full colony and escalate a situation that could really hurt you and any innocent bystanders.

Luckily, bees are generally less aggressive. Pest management experts can even safely extract a honey bee colony from an area for relocation using different methods that keep both the person and the colony safe. Bio Bug does not personally remove honey bee colonies, but can still put you in contact with a trustworthy team.

“Without the proper knowledge and equipment, treating yellow jackets and wasps can be a dangerous proposition,” Cornwall said.

Give your local pest expert a call if you’re concerned about the buzzing outside your home rather than trying to swing the bat yourself.

Recent Headlines

1 day ago in Health and Wellness, Local, Outdoors, Trending, Weather

Air quality rapidly declines in Whatcom County

Smoke is likely coming from ongoing wildfires in BC.

1 day ago in Business, Government, Local, Trending

Bellingham to hold public hearing for proposed affordable housing incentive

The city council is considering an ordinance that would exempt some city-funded development projects from most zoning and land use regulations.

1 day ago in Community Events, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Outdoors, Traffic

Bike ride through Whatcom, Skagit Counties may cause delays

Cyclists are travelling from Seattle to Vancouver in two days starting Saturday.

1 day ago in Local, Outdoors, Trending, Weather

Fire weather watch issued for eastern Whatcom County

Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to hit the region from late Friday night into Saturday evening.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Trending

Noisy Waters Mural Festival announces 2026 winners

Three new murals will grace the streets of Bellingham in 2027.