Current Pest & Termite Threats

BEES & WASP ALERT & CONTROL
September 16, 2008
Wasp

MANAGING BEES and WASPS

The most important element of wasp and bee control is to destroy the nest.

Aerosol "wasp and hornet" sprays can be used to knock down bees/wasps around the nest.

Small amounts of pesticides (dust and wettable powder formulations work well) applied into the nests.

Nests of mud daubers also can be treated this way or by simply scraping them off structures.

To prevent reinfestation, finishes (paint, etc.) can be applied to unfinished wood to discourage carpenter bees.

In some cases, attempting to destroy a nest becomes a greater health risk than simply tolerating and avoiding it. But nests, especially those of social species, should be destroyed if they are close enough to humans to pose a stinging threat. The nests of honey bees, bumble bees, yellowjackets and hornets should always be approached with caution, preferably at night when most of the workers are present but reluctant to fly. Try not to carry a light, as wasps and bees may fly toward it. Instead, set the light aside or cover it with red cellophane (insects cannot see red light). If there is direct access to the nest, a fast-acting dust or wettable powder formulation can be applied. If possible, inject the material into the nest. If you must approach these nests during daytime, a quick knockdown aerosol can be used to keep the bees/wasps at bay, while you treat the nest as above. Heavy clothing or a "bee suit" can be worn for added protection.

Sometimes, yellowjacket and honey bee nests occur in voids such as vents, crawlspaces or hollow walls. Destroying nests in these locations can be difficult, often requiring the services of pest management professionals.

Honey bee nests contain honey that must be removed after the bees are eliminated because it will rot and attract secondary pests. Also, be mindful that nests may be located several metres away from the point at which the bees/wasps are entering the structure. Simply applying pesticides into the entrance holes may not be sufficient. It may be necessary to drill into the structure to enable injection of pesticides directly into the nest. Entrance holes should never be plugged, even after treatment, because the bees/wasps will look for other ways to get out of the nest and have been known to chew their way into living quarters, endangering persons inside. Also, use extreme caution when performing bee/wasp control from a ladder.