The presence of buzzing insects in landscape vegetation requires careful management to ensure safety and protect beneficial pollinators. Bees, wasps, and hornets frequently use bushes for foraging, temporary resting, or establishing nests. Understanding their behavior is the first step in deciding on a safe course of action. This article details practical methods for encouraging insects to move on or for safely addressing established colonies, emphasizing non-lethal approaches.
Identification and Essential Safety Precautions
The primary distinction is between true bees, which are generally docile pollinators, and more aggressive insects like wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. Bees, such as honey bees and bumblebees, have rounder, stouter bodies covered in fine, fuzzy hairs, which help them collect pollen. Wasps and hornets, by contrast, possess a distinctly narrow “wasp waist,” smooth, shiny bodies, and more slender legs. Wasp nests are typically paper-like and made from wood pulp, while honeybees construct wax combs, though both can be hidden within dense foliage.
Before approaching any area with high insect activity, taking safety precautions is paramount. Aggressive insects like yellow jackets will sting multiple times without provocation to defend their nests. Honeybees usually only sting when their hive or queen is threatened. Always wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, closed-toe shoes, and thick gloves to minimize skin exposure. Avoid wearing bright colors, strong perfumes, or sweet-smelling body products, as these can attract or agitate the insects.
Non-Disruptive Strategies for Foraging Bees
Most frequently, the insects in your bushes are individual bees actively collecting nectar and pollen, a behavior called foraging. Honeybees and bumblebees are generally non-aggressive while foraging and pose little threat unless they are physically handled or crushed. When temporary deterrence is needed, non-lethal methods are preferred to encourage them to move to another area without causing harm.
One gentle method involves using a fine mist of water from a spray bottle or garden hose to briefly disrupt their activity. A mild water application is not harmful but can make the foliage less appealing for landing and collecting pollen. Bees rely heavily on their sense of smell, so introducing scents they dislike can be an effective, temporary deterrent. Peppermint is one such scent, and a solution of peppermint essential oil mixed with water can be lightly misted around the bush or on nearby surfaces.
Applying deterrents when the bees are naturally less active, such as early morning or late evening, is best to avoid direct confrontation. Other strong scents like cinnamon or garlic powder sprinkled at the base of the bush may also discourage them from lingering in that immediate area. These strategies will not displace a permanent nest but can gently redirect foraging individuals to other blooming plants in the yard.
Addressing Established Nests and Swarms
When a large cluster of bees, known as a swarm, is found hanging from a bush, it is usually a temporary resting point for honeybees seeking a new home. Swarms often look like a large, tightly packed ball of thousands of bees and are surprisingly docile because the bees are engorged with honey for the journey. They may relocate naturally within a few hours or a day, but if they remain, the safest course is to contact a local beekeeper or bee removal specialist. Beekeepers are often willing to collect swarms for free because they can be safely captured and relocated to a managed hive.
For established, aggressive nests of wasps or hornets, extreme caution is necessary, and professional pest control is often the safest option. If you choose a do-it-yourself approach for a wasp nest that is a clear danger, apply targeted insecticidal treatments late at night when all the insects are inside the nest and their activity is at its lowest. Wasps are dormant at night and less likely to actively defend the structure. Any nest removal should be done wearing full personal protective equipment. If the nest is large or difficult to access inside dense bushes, a professional should be called immediately.