There’s a reason you might notice more stinging bugs buzzing around your backyard in August.

Bees, hornets, yellowjackets and other types of wasps are all entering peak season, meaning they’re most aggressive as summer winds down.

They've spent all spring and summer building their hives and caring for their young, so by August, colonies are at their largest size, with thousands of workers.

Once the nest is at full capacity, they switch from building it, to protecting it, which triggers extreme defensive and aggressive behavior.

(MORE: Do you have yellowjackets nesting in your walls?)

At the same time, food is becoming more scarce, as the seasonal plants and insects they normally snack on start to fade.

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That means these colonies aren't just crowded and aggressive, they're now desperately hungry too. 

Enter: Your backyard barbecue.

As resources become harder to find, stinging insects are more likely to venture toward humans for their meals.

Many of these bugs are attracted to protein, making burgers, hot dogs and other meats hard to resist.

They’ll also go after sweet drinks because adult workers rely on sugar for the energy they need to fly and forage.

(MORE: Get your yard glowing with these firefly tips)

The best defense

1. Make your outdoor space less inviting. Keep food covered, use lids on sugary drinks and check cans or cups before taking a sip.
2. Watch your step. Many yellowjackets build nests underground, while some bees and hornets take up residence in trees, shrubs, eaves or doorways. Be especially cautious when mowing, gardening or doing other yard work.
3. If a stinging insect starts flying around you, don’t swat, as quick movements can make it feel threatened. Instead, stay calm and slowly move away, giving it as much space as possible.

August is prime time for outdoor fun, but it’s also when stinging bugs are at their busiest. A few simple precautions can help you enjoy the season without any late summer stings.