New Jersey Stinging Insect Activity Report (2026)
Key Insights and Trends About Bees, Wasps and Hornets
Green Pest Solutions analyzed local service-request data to measure where stinging insect activity is most concentrated across New Jersey, how those concentrations compare with a typical area, and which markets are gaining momentum.
The results point to a market with moderate geographic concentration but meaningful seasonal volatility. New Jersey’s leading hotspot does not reach the elevated levels observed in Pennsylvania, but several communities are moving upward faster than the wider service region.
Analyst summary
- Green Pest Solutions logged 1,873 stinging insect service requests across New Jersey from 2024 through mid-2026.
- Hillsborough leads the state at approximately 2.8× the regional average.
- New Jersey’s leading rates are more moderate than those measured in Pennsylvania, suggesting less extreme geographic concentration.
- Hillsborough and Mount Laurel show the clearest positive momentum, with activity increasing faster than the wider region.
- Approximately 72% of annual reports occur in July, August, and September, making late summer the most important period for monitoring and prevention.
New Jersey stinging insect hotspots
The rankings compare stinging insect service requests per home in each town with the average across the Green Pest Solutions service region.
| # | Town | Compared to a typical area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hillsborough | 2.8× more |
| 2 | Sewell | 2.0× more |
| 3 | Sicklerville | 1.9× more |
| 4 | Flemington | 1.8× more |
| 5 | Mount Laurel | 1.8× more |
Hillsborough tops the list. Stinging insect reports there occur about 2.8× more often per home than in a typical area across our service region.
A rate of 1× represents a typical area in the Green Pest Solutions service region. The further a town rises above that benchmark, the greater the concentration of local service requests per home.
Momentum analysis
Current concentration and recent momentum measure two different things. A town can have a high service-request rate while growing more slowly than the wider region. A lower-ranked town can also become more important if its activity is accelerating.
- Hillsborough ▲ climbing currently has the highest concentration and is also increasing faster than the surrounding region. This combination makes it the clearest market to monitor.
- Mount Laurel ▲ climbing ranks fifth by current concentration but is gaining momentum faster than the region. Its direction may be more significant than its present ranking.
- Sewell ● steady remains elevated at 2.0× the regional average, with recent movement approximately in line with the wider market.
- Sicklerville ▼ easing continues to report above-average activity, but its growth is slower than the wider region.
- Flemington ▼ easing also remains above average while showing softer relative momentum.
Trend methodology: Momentum compares 2024 with 2025 relative to the wider region, which grew sharply overall. “Climbing” means activity increased faster than the region. “Easing” means it increased more slowly. “Steady” means it remained approximately in line. Trends should be treated as directional, particularly where yearly town-level counts are modest.
Seasonality analysis
New Jersey’s stinging insect activity follows a concentrated seasonal cycle. Reports remain low through winter, begin increasing in spring, rise sharply in July, and peak in August. Activity then declines in September and returns to lower levels during fall and winter.
Property-level risk indicators
Higher activity in a town does not mean every property has an active nest. At the property level, the clearest sign is repeated insect traffic moving into and out of the same area.
Common nesting areas to inspect include:
- Eaves, soffits, and rooflines: Look under overhangs, along gutters, and around porch ceilings where insects may use sheltered spaces.
- Attics, sheds, and wall voids: Watch for repeated activity near cracks, vents, gaps, and utility openings.
- Decks and outdoor furniture: Check beneath stairs, railings, tables, chairs, and other protected areas.
- Trees and shrubs: Inspect carefully before trimming branches or disturbing dense vegetation.
- Ground openings: Yellowjackets may nest in old rodent burrows and other underground cavities.
Risk-reduction recommendations
- Inspect in spring: Small starter nests are easier to identify before colony growth accelerates.
- Watch for repeated flight paths: Insects consistently entering the same opening may indicate a concealed nest.
- Cover outdoor food and drinks: Sweet foods and beverages can attract foraging insects, especially in late summer.
- Keep trash containers sealed: Clean away food residue and spills from outdoor trash and recycling bins.
- Use caution while mowing or gardening: Vibration and yard work can disturb ground-nesting yellowjackets.
- Do not swat at active insects: Move away calmly and give them space.
- Do not block an active nest entrance: Sealing an opening can redirect insects into another part of the structure and may trigger defensive behavior.
- Use a professional for large or concealed nests: Nests inside walls, above ground, or near frequently used areas can be difficult to address safely.
When a sting may require medical attention
Stings can be especially dangerous for people with an allergy. Seek medical help immediately if someone experiences trouble breathing, dizziness, or swelling that extends beyond the sting area.
About this unique local data
Figures reflect stinging insect service requests received by Green Pest Solutions from January 2024 through August 2026. Requests were grouped by service ZIP code and adjusted using U.S. Census home counts so towns of different sizes could be compared fairly.
The rankings include towns with enough reports to support a meaningful comparison. Some smaller communities are not shown. Trends compare 2024 with 2025 relative to changes across the wider service region.
This report measures Green Pest Solutions service activity, not the total number of stinging insects or nests in each community. Results may also reflect property characteristics, customer awareness, service availability, and other local factors.
Stinging insects can appear anywhere, and activity can change over time. Use these findings as a planning and prevention resource, not as a guarantee that a particular property has or does not have a nest.
This data is proprietary to Green Pest Solutions and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, published, or used without prior written consent.
About The Author
Dennis Guinan brings nearly 14 years of experience in the pest control industry, all with Green Pest Solutions. He currently serves as Quality Assurance Manager, where he oversees service standards and ensures consistent, high-quality operations. An ACE (Associate Certified Entomologist), Dennis combines deep technical expertise with a strong background in sales leadership, including seven years managing and coaching pest inspection teams.