Dealing with stinging insects can interfere with enjoying your outdoor space. A thoughtful approach involves understanding the specific insect and choosing a method that prioritizes safety and conservation. Effectively managing these insects requires proper identification and the application of targeted removal or relocation techniques. The goal is to safely remove nuisance insects like wasps and hornets while protecting beneficial pollinators like bees.
Identifying the Stinging Insect
The first step in any removal strategy is accurately identifying the insect, as their behavior and ecological role differ significantly. Bees are beneficial pollinators with a rounder, robust body covered in fuzzy, branched hairs for collecting pollen. They are herbivores, subsisting on nectar and pollen, and typically only sting when threatened or their hive is disturbed. Their nests are often made of wax and located in cavities like tree hollows or roof spaces.
Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are predatory insects that are generally smoother and less hairy. They feature a more slender body and a distinct, narrow “waist.” These insects are carnivores, feeding their young other insects, and they can be aggressive, especially in the late summer when they scavenge for sugary foods. Unlike honeybees, wasps and hornets can sting repeatedly because they do not lose their stinger. Wasps construct papery nests from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, which can be aerial or subterranean.
Safe Removal of Active Nests
The approach to dealing with an active nest depends on whether the insect is a bee or a wasp. Since bees are essential for pollination, avoid lethal methods and focus on relocation or deterrence. For a bee swarm or an accessible hive, contact a local beekeeper or specialized bee removal service. Beekeepers often remove and relocate the colony safely, sometimes for free, ensuring the bees continue their work elsewhere.
If the bee nest is small and not threatening, non-lethal deterrents can encourage them to move. Smoke, created from materials like cardboard, can simulate a fire, prompting the bees to evacuate the hive. Strong scents like peppermint, cinnamon, or garlic spray can be applied near the hive entrance to make the location unattractive. Always wear protective clothing and conduct any activity after dark when most bees are inside the nest and less active.
For wasps and hornets, timing and protection are crucial for successful DIY removal. Nests should be treated at night, several hours after sunset, when the insects are less active and all foragers have returned. Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a face covering to protect against stings. Avoid shining a white light directly at the nest, as this can provoke a defensive response. Instead, use a flashlight covered with red cellophane, as wasps are less sensitive to red light.
For aerial nests, apply a specialized aerosol spray designed for wasps and hornets from a safe distance of 10 to 20 feet. Ground nests, commonly built by yellow jackets, can be treated by dusting the entrance hole with an insecticidal powder. The dust is carried into the nest by returning wasps, treating the entire colony. Alternatively, a mixture of soapy water poured directly into the hole can quickly drown the nest. Never seal the nest entrance before treatment, as this can cause insects to chew a new exit point, potentially into a wall void or living space.
When to Call Pest Control
While small, accessible wasp nests can be handled by a homeowner, professional pest control is necessary in specific situations for safety and effectiveness. Nests exceeding the size of a basketball harbor a massive population and pose a significant risk if disturbed. Nests located in structural voids, such as inside a wall or attic, also require specialized equipment for complete removal. A licensed professional can apply insecticide deep within the void and properly seal the entry point afterward.
Calling an expert is warranted if highly aggressive species, such as Africanized honey bees or certain large hornets, are present, as they defend their colonies fiercely. If anyone in the household has a severe allergy to stings, the risk of a DIY attempt is too high, and a professional should manage the removal. Pest control services identify the species and extent of the infestation, followed by safe extermination and removal, often providing a guarantee against recurrence.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once the immediate threat is managed, preventative steps are crucial to discourage stinging insects from returning. The most effective long-term strategy is eliminating potential attractants, particularly food and standing water sources. Ensure all outdoor garbage and compost bins have tightly sealed lids, and promptly clean up any food debris, sweet spills, or fallen ripe fruit. Wasps are especially drawn to sugary items and protein sources left outdoors.
Stinging insects look for sheltered, dry spots to build their nests, so sealing entry points into the home and structures is effective. Use caulk or weatherstripping to close cracks in foundations, walls, and gaps around windows and doors. Regularly inspect and repair any openings in soffits, eaves, and vents, which are common nesting sites.
Natural deterrents can make your yard less hospitable to new colonies. Hanging a fake wasp nest, often a paper lantern, can deter territorial wasps from building nearby. Planting herbs with strong scents, such as mint, basil, or eucalyptus, around high-traffic areas can help repel both bees and wasps. Regular maintenance, including trimming overgrown vegetation and removing debris, reduces concealed spots where a queen might start a new nest in the spring.