Stinging insects are those insects that defend themselves with a stinger. This stinger is located at the end of their abdomen. Stinging insects can be both beneficial as well as dangerous. For example, the benefits to the environment of the honey bee is well known. Various species of stinging insects help reduce the nuisance of pests in your garden. Furthermore, many species are responsible for pollinating flower, plants, and crops. While stinging insects look very similar, there are many different species, each with their own unique looks and behaviors.

In Lansing and other areas in mid-Michigan the stinging insects that are most common are wasps, carpenter bees, hornets and yellow jackets. Carpenter bees are solitary species, while hornets, yellow jackets and wasps thrive by living together in large groups and are social.