Home Supply Stores Pack a Sting

Don’t you love a good home supply store? I know I do. There are all sorts of things that can truly make a house a home. Kitchen cabinets. Washing machines. Patio furniture. Screwdrivers. Plants. Food. Wasp Spray.

Wasp spray, or any insecticide, will make a house a safe haven. People who want to rid the premises of pesky stinging, biting, crawling, nudging, buzzing, crazy acting, foolish insects, frequently head to the local home supply store to browse the pest control aisle. I do it too. This day was no exception. The only difference was that I didn’t go to the home supply store to just look at the pesticides. I went to get lumber to build a pest control themed PLINKO board for a business expo booth.

With dowel rods in hand, the husband and I made our way to the front cash registers, all while passing through the pesticide aisle. There stood a woman carefully looking at a blue and black can of wasp spray. I slowed my gait a bit to watch her. She was seemingly confused. By this point, my husband had noticed my “on the clock” look and my body language. In a medium, but stern voice, I was scolded, “Not today. Can’t you just leave it be?” Out of habit, my head moved side to side, indicating that I was on a quest to educate.

I always carry business cards, and my phone is ready at a moment’s notice to transfer contact information to a potential client. It’s my nature to help. It feeds my soul when I can gain a repeat client. I get joy from educating others about why pest management is crucial to health and safety. I was ready to share my many years of hard-earned knowledge.

Stinging insects don’t play nice with people. Many individuals have allergic reactions to the venom from wasps, mosquitoes, bees, and ants. The number of people who go to the emergency room for allergic reactions every year exceeds more than 500,000. There isn’t anything that qualifies as a “bee repellent”, but several prevention methods exist. Most insects will only sting when threatened, and they can follow moving objects. Seasonal changes affect the defensive strategies for bees and stinging insects when protecting their nests.

Many stinging insects double as pollinators, and it becomes a conscious choice whether to remove them or save them. When stinging insects and humans can abide by the personal space rule, nature and nurture will coherently survive. Defensive measures ensue when one group encroaches upon the other. Simple reasoning can apply when trying to decide to remove stinging insects. 1: Is there harm to people, pets, or habitat? 2: Is the insect an invasive species? 3: Can you safely manage this on your own?

You can always call your favorite pest control company for help. Any of them worth their salt will give educated, informed, and concise answers. If you choose to browse the pest control aisle in the home supply store, there will likely be a certified pest control professional spying an opportunity to help. I will be that such person.

Ask questions. Compare the ingredients on the container. Read the label. Understand the risks of DIY. Repeat. Then REPEAT Again! Still unsure? Get professional assistance.