Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

May 23, 2025

A carpenter ant colony can have multiple satellite nests — often up to 20 or more, depending on the size, age, and species of the colony, as well as the availability of suitable nesting sites.

Here’s how it works:

• Parent (primary) nest: This is where the queen resides and where most of the egg-laying occurs. It usually contains the brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae).
• Satellite nests: These are extensions of the main colony and may house workers, pupae, and mature larvae, but not the queen or eggs. Satellite nests are often located in different areas from the main nest and are used to expand territory and access food sources.

Factors that influence the number of satellite nests:

• Species: Some species, like Camponotus pennsylvanicus (black carpenter ant), are especially prone to forming extensive satellite networks.
• Colony size: Larger colonies are more likely to spread out and establish multiple satellite nests.
• Environmental conditions: Moisture, temperature, and the presence of wood or voids suitable for nesting can increase the number of satellite nests.

If you’re dealing with an infestation, this behavior is important to know because eliminating only one nest won’t eradicate the colony — you need to find and treat both the parent and satellite nests.

https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/carpenter-ant-co…-satellite-nests

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/carpenter-ant-colony-can-have-multiple-satellite-nests-randy-bilesky-5bdhc

Carpenter ant colony can have multiple satellite nests

Randy Bilesky

President at Go Green

May 12, 2025

Yes, wasps and hornets can seem nasty—especially when they’re buzzing around your food or stinging unprovoked—but there’s more to the story:

Why They Seem Nasty:

1. Aggressive Defenders: Hornets and some wasps (like yellowjackets) are very territorial and will defend their nests aggressively.
2. Multiple Stings: Unlike bees, they can sting multiple times, which makes encounters more painful and memorable.
3. Attracted to Humans: They’re drawn to sweet smells and proteins, which is why they often crash picnics or hover around trash bins.

But They’re Not All Bad:

1. Natural Pest Control: Many wasps eat other insects, including garden pests.
2. Pollination: While not as efficient as bees, some wasps do help pollinate plants.
3. Ecosystem Role: They keep insect populations in check and are food for birds, reptiles, and mammals.

So while their behavior can definitely feel aggressive, it usually comes down to defense or food-seeking, not malice.

Getting stung by a wasp or hornet can be painful and sometimes serious, depending on your body’s reaction. Here’s what typically happens:

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🐝 Immediate Effects:

1. Pain & Burning Sensation: Almost instantly, you’ll feel a sharp pain and burning at the sting site.
2. Redness & Swelling: The area becomes red, swollen, and may develop a welt or bump.
3. Itching: After the initial pain fades, itching often kicks in.

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🧬 Why This Happens:

Wasps and hornets inject venom that contains toxins and enzymes. These cause:

• Pain by irritating nerve endings
• Inflammation by triggering your immune system
• Allergic reactions in some people

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⚠️ More Severe Reactions:

1. Large Local Reaction: Swelling can spread significantly, especially on arms or legs, but it’s not usually dangerous.
2. Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis) – This is serious and can include:

🚨 If these occur, it’s a medical emergency.

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✅ What to Do If You’re Stung:

• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply ice to reduce swelling.
• Take antihistamines for itching or swelling.
• Use pain relievers like ibuprofen if needed.

If you’re stung multiple times or react badly, get medical help.

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/wasps-hornets-so-nasty-randy-bilesky-cfimc

Randy Bilesky BScF CPA RPF

President at Go Green

May 2, 2025

Wasp and hornet stings can be a real nuisance, especially during the warmer months when these insects are more active. Here’s a quick guide on what you should know about wasps, hornets, and how to handle their stings:

1. Key Differences Between Wasps and Hornets:

• Wasps: Generally smaller and more slender with bright yellow and black coloring. They tend to be more aggressive, especially if their nest is threatened.
• Hornets: Larger, more robust, and typically darker in color (often black with white or yellow markings). They are a type of wasp but are more aggressive and can defend their nests more aggressively.

2. Why Wasps and Hornets Sting:

• Defense: Wasps and hornets are protective of their nests, and they sting when they feel threatened.
• Seasonal Behavior: In late summer and fall, the nest’s colony size peaks, and the wasps become more irritable, especially as food sources decrease. This is when stings are more common.

3. Symptoms of a Sting:

• Pain: Sharp, immediate pain that usually lasts a few minutes.
• Swelling and Redness: The area around the sting can become swollen and red.
• Itching: After the pain subsides, itching may occur.
• Increased Risk for Allergies: If you’re allergic to wasp or hornet venom, stings can lead to more serious reactions, such as difficulty breathing, swelling in areas away from the sting site, dizziness, or even anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction).

4. What to Do If Stung:

• Stay Calm: Don’t panic, as this could provoke more aggression from other wasps or hornets nearby.
• Remove the Stinger: If you’re stung by a wasp (not a hornet, since hornets don’t leave their stinger behind), you can use a flat edge (like a credit card) to scrape the stinger off.
• Clean the Area: Wash the sting site with soap and water to avoid infection.
• Ice or Cold Compress: Apply ice to the sting site to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
• Over-the-Counter Treatments: Hydrocortisone creams, antihistamines, or pain relievers can help with swelling and pain.

5. Allergic Reactions to Watch Out For:

• Mild Reactions: Redness, swelling, and itching at the site.
• Severe Reactions: Trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, throat, or face, dizziness, or a rapid pulse. If this happens, seek medical help immediately. Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) is recommended for people with known allergies to stings.

6. Preventing Stings:

• Avoid Nesting Areas: Keep away from areas where wasps or hornets nest. These are often found in eaves, attics, tree branches, and sheds.
• Wear Protective Clothing: When gardening or doing outdoor work, wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves to minimize exposed skin.
• Stay Calm Around Wasps and Hornets: Avoid swatting at them, as this can provoke them. Instead, calmly walk away from the area.
• Seal Trash and Food: Wasps are attracted to food sources, so keep food covered when eating outdoors and seal trash tightly.

7. Dealing with Nests:

• If you discover a nest on your property, it’s best not to try to remove it yourself, especially if it’s large. You can call a pest control professional who will handle the nest safely.
• Some people use DIY methods, like hanging a decoy wasp nest to deter other wasps, as they tend to be territorial.

8. Natural Remedies for Sting Relief:

• Baking Soda: A paste of baking soda and water can help neutralize the acidity of the sting.
• Vinegar: A vinegar compress can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Honey: A small amount of honey can soothe the sting area, and its antimicrobial properties can reduce the risk of infection.
• https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/wasp-season-agai…wasp-and-hornets/
• https://insectandrodentexterminators.com/wasp-season-again-what-you-need-to-know-about-wasp-and-hornets/
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/wasp-season-again-what-you-need-know-hornets-randy-bilesky-fddyc