Stinging & Biting Insects
Everything You Need to Know About Stinging & Biting Insects
What Are Stinging &
Biting Insects?
South Africa has a wide variety of insects capable of biting or stinging humans and
animals. While many are harmless or even beneficial, others can trigger painful reactions, allergic responses or become a nuisance when colonies grow near homes or businesses.
The most common stinging and biting insects include:
Honey Bees
Paper Wasps
Chicken Mites (Bird Mites)
Bumble Bees
Carpenter Bees
Mosquitoes
European Hornets
Fleas
Velvet “Cow Killers” Ants
Open Pipe Mud Daubers
Honey Bees
Paper Wasps
Chicken Mites (Bird Mites)
Bumble Bees
Carpenter Bees
Mosquitoes
European Hornets
Fleas
Velvet “Cow Killers” Ants
Open Pipe Mud Daubers
Where These Insects Are Commonly Found
Different species prefer different environments:
Bees and wasps build nests under roofs, gutters, trees, and outdoor structures
Bird mites appear indoors after birds abandon nests in roofs or air vents
Mosquitoes thrive near standing water, gardens, drains, ponds and damp areas
Fleas infest bedding, carpets, upholstery and pet resting areas
Hornets and daubers build nests on walls, garages, doors and outbuildings
These insects enter homes in search of shelter, food or new breeding sites often after nests are disturbed or when weather conditions shift.
While some of these species are important for the environment, they pose risks when they settle near people:
Painful stings or bites
Swelling, redness and irritation
Allergic reactions (mild to severe)
Risks for children, pets and sensitive individuals
Infestations in walls, roofs or ceilings
Contamination of living or working spaces
For commercial environments especially restaurants, guest houses and schools, these pests create hygiene concerns and can trigger customer complaints.
Signs of Stinging or Biting Insect Activity
You may be dealing with an infestation if you notice:
Visible nests (mud tubes, paper nests, wax hives)
Insects swarming near windows, lights or entrances
Sudden unexplained bites on people or pets
Birds nesting in roofs followed by mites indoors
Buzzing sounds from walls or ceilings
Mosquitoes active even during daytime
Early detection can prevent a serious outbreak or colony growth.
Prevention Tips
Reduce the chance of attracting biting or stinging insects by:
Removing standing water (important for mosquito control)
Sealing cracks and openings in walls, roofs and vents
Keeping gutters clean and free of nesting material
Clearing vegetation close to buildings
Encouraging good waste management
Regularly inspecting high-risk areas like eaves, roofs and outbuildings
Ensuring pets are on flea control treatments
Proper housekeeping is key to keeping these insects away.
Professional intervention is strongly recommended when:
Nests are in roofs, ceilings or hard-to-reach spaces
Honey bee or hornet colonies grow close to people
Bird mites spread indoors after a nest is abandoned
Mosquitoes are breeding around your property
Fleas persist despite DIY treatment
DIY attempts can aggravate colonies, especially with bees, hornets and wasps.
Trained specialists safely remove nests, manage populations and prevent them from returning.