Stinging Insects Services

In Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, and Rio Verde, the most common stinging insects we deal with are Africanized honey bees (also called killer bees), paper wasps, yellow jackets, mud daubers, and various species of hornets. Africanized bees are by far the most dangerous because they are extremely aggressive when their hive is disturbed and can chase perceived threats for long distances.

Africanized honey bees look virtually identical to European honey bees, so you cannot tell them apart by appearance alone. The key difference is behavior — Africanized bees are much more defensive of their hive and respond more aggressively to disturbances. If you notice a large number of bees entering and exiting a hole in your wall, a tree cavity, an irrigation box, or any other sheltered area on your property, assume they could be Africanized and contact Cummings Pest Control immediately. Do not attempt to remove or disturb the hive yourself.

Yes, because Africanized honey bees have been established in Arizona since the early 1990s. Most feral bee colonies in the East Valley are now Africanized to some degree. These bees are responsible for several serious incidents each year. Combined with Arizona’s year-round warm weather, which keeps stinging insects active longer than in cooler climates, the risk is elevated. Cummings Pest Control takes stinging insect calls very seriously and responds promptly.

Do not try to knock it down or spray it yourself, especially if it is a large nest or located in a hard-to-reach area. Disturbing a wasp nest can trigger a defensive swarm. Paper wasps and yellow jackets can sting multiple times, and their stings are painful and potentially dangerous for people with allergies. Call Cummings Pest Control and we will safely remove the nest and treat the area to discourage rebuilding.

Absolutely. For most people, a sting causes localized pain, swelling, and redness that resolves within a few hours. However, some individuals experience severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis, which can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, rapid pulse, dizziness, and a drop in blood pressure. If anyone experiences these symptoms after a sting, call 911 immediately. People with known allergies should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector.

Stinging insects are active year-round in Arizona’s mild climate, but activity peaks from late spring through early fall. Bee swarming season typically runs from March through June, when established colonies split and scout bees look for new nesting sites. Wasps are most aggressive in late summer and fall when their colonies are largest and food sources become scarcer. Cummings Pest Control recommends regular inspections during these peak periods.

This likely means a bee colony has established a hive inside your wall void. This is a common problem in East Valley homes, especially in stucco walls with small gaps or openings. Do not seal the hole — trapped bees can find their way inside your living space, and decomposing honeycomb can attract other pests and cause structural damage. Cummings Pest Control can safely remove the colony and, when necessary, coordinate hive removal to prevent future problems.

Our approach depends on the hive location and situation. For exposed nests, we carefully treat and remove them. For hives inside walls or structures, we treat the colony and then work to ensure the remaining honeycomb does not cause secondary problems. In all cases, safety is our top priority. Our technicians are trained and equipped to handle Africanized bee colonies. We serve the entire East Valley including Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, and Rio Verde.

Regularly inspect your property for early-stage nests, especially under eaves, in attic vents, around sheds, inside irrigation valve boxes, and in landscape features. Seal gaps and cracks in exterior walls, and keep vegetation trimmed. Remove standing water and open food sources like uncovered trash cans. Cummings Pest Control offers preventive treatments that discourage stinging insects from establishing nests on your property.

Arizona does not have specific laws prohibiting the killing of Africanized bees that pose a threat to people or property. However, if you have a colony of European honey bees and would prefer live removal, we can recommend local beekeepers for relocation when appropriate. When safety is at stake, particularly with Africanized bees in residential areas, Cummings Pest Control prioritizes protecting your family first.