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FAQ #6202

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I live in Tempe, Arizona, and my dog almost died from a wasp sting. Can you please tell me which plants to get rid of to keep from encouraging bees and wasps from coming into the yard? I have lantana, verbena, catnip, Mexican honeysuckle, eucalyptus tree, cat's claw vine, and eggplants.

Last Updated: June 14, 2007


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The most common bees are nectar-gathering insects and will be attracted to most blooming plants. This is very fortunate because these bees are not just gathering nectar for honey but are pollinating our plants by moving the pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers. If we did not have these insects to act as pollinators, much of the agricultural and food industry would be doomed. Yes, at times there are stinging incidents, but it is usually when the domain of the insect is endangered by humans or animals.

Wasps are not usually attracted to the blossoms of a plant, but some, such as the paper wasp, may build their nests in plants. Again, it is very infrequent that they are agitated enough to sting, and it is usually when their nest is threatened. Wasps, while not pollinators for the most part, are beneficial insects as they are predators helping to control many of the insects that are destructive or dangerous. Venomous spiders are one of the main food sources of the wasp larvae, having been placed in the nest with the egg to be available when the egg hatches.

Short of removing all plants and other structures where nests may be built, there is no way to eliminate the "stinging" insects from your yard.

It seems odd for a dog to be so affected by a wasp sting. Make sure you check with your veterinarian as to the actual cause of your dog's distress, and rule out scorpion stings and snakebite. If there is a wasp nest or bee hive in your yard, there are pest control companies that specialize in the removal of stinging insects.

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