Florida Sting Ops: Bees, Wasps & Mud Daubers in Sarasota–Manatee

Life in Sarasota and Manatee counties offers sunshine, palm trees, and backyard bliss—until the buzzing begins. Whether it’s a gentle honeybee or an angry yellowjacket, stinging insects can turn any patio party into a full-blown sting operation. Let’s break down the buzz on who’s flying around, how to keep them at bay, and why Westfall’s Lawn & Pest Control is your best backup when they won’t buzz off.

Meet the Usual Buzzpects

Bees
Florida’s honeybees are more peacekeepers than pests. They pollinate gardens and rarely sting unless threatened. That said, colonies in walls or attics are no joke—and removing them requires care, especially since bee protection laws apply in Florida.

Wasps
Now we’re talking attitude. Paper wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets are the neighborhood enforcers of the insect world. They build nests under eaves, in trees, or in the ground—and they’re not afraid to defend their turf.

Mud Daubers
These solitary artists build tube-shaped mud nests on walls, soffits, and ceilings. They're not aggressive and rarely sting, but their homes are unsightly and often reused by more hostile insects if left alone.

What Attracts Them?

Food & sugar: Spilled sodas, fruit, and pet food invite wasps faster than a picnic invite.
Standing water & mud: Perfect for dauber construction crews.
Gaps & overhangs: Real estate for nests.
Spider populations: A dauber’s dream dinner.

Prevention 101: Don’t Invite the Sting

Seal it up: Caulk cracks, fix screens, and seal attic access points.
Clean it up: Keep outdoor eating areas wiped down and trash tightly sealed.
Dry it out: Fix leaky hoses and eliminate puddles.
Cut it back: Trim bushes and trees near the home.

DIY or SOS?

DIY Dos:

Catch mud dauber nests early and scrape them off before they’re occupied.
For wasps, aerosol sprays work best at dusk when they’re home and sleepy.
Use soapy water sprays as a mild deterrent—but keep your distance.

DIY Don’ts:

Never try to remove bee colonies on your own—it's risky and illegal if done improperly.
Don’t swat at wasps; it only escalates the situation (and makes you look silly).

Enter Westfall’s: Your Local Bug Bouncer

Westfall’s Lawn & Pest Control isn’t just another pest company—they’re the hometown heroes Sarasota and Manatee residents rely on when the sting hits the fan.

Why they’re different:

Local Pros: Family-owned and Florida-grown since 2001, they know our pests better than most people know their neighbors.
Full Coverage: From eaves and soffits to pool cages and patios, they’ll clean out nests, knock down webs, and treat the whole perimeter up to 15 feet high.
Same-Day Service: When there’s a wasp party in your lanai, waiting isn’t an option.
Eco-Smart Treatments: Safe for pets, kids, and yes even bees when removal is needed.
Prevention-Minded: They don’t just treat today’s pests; they plan for tomorrow’s.