The presence of buzzing insects near landscaping often creates a dilemma for homeowners. While the immediate impulse might be to reach for an insecticide, it is important to remember that many insects, particularly bees, are invaluable pollinators. Approaching the situation with caution and prioritizing non-lethal methods is the most responsible strategy. This guide focuses on identifying the insect, understanding its behavior, and outlining safe steps before considering chemical intervention.
Identifying the Insect: Bee, Wasp, or Hornet
Accurate identification is the most important step in addressing an insect presence on a bush, as the appropriate action depends entirely on the species. Bees, wasps, and hornets, all members of the order Hymenoptera, exhibit distinct physical and behavioral differences. Bees, such as honeybees and bumblebees, typically have rounder, fuller bodies covered in dense, fuzzy hair specialized for collecting pollen. This fuzzy texture often gives their coloration a less sharply defined appearance.
Wasps and hornets, in contrast, possess sleek, smooth, and largely hairless bodies with a noticeable, narrow waist connecting the thorax and abdomen. This slender shape makes them highly efficient predators, and their color bands, usually black and yellow, are sharply defined. Hornets are generally larger than wasps, sometimes measuring over an inch, and may feature lighter, sometimes white, markings instead of bright yellow.
Behavior also serves as a strong differentiator between these groups. Bees are generally non-aggressive, stinging only when they feel their hive or themselves are directly threatened. Wasps and hornets, especially yellow jackets, can be aggressive scavengers, often encountered near human food sources in late summer and fall. Unlike honeybees, which die after stinging due to their barbed stinger, wasps and bumblebees can sting multiple times.
Understanding the Activity: Foraging Versus Nesting
Once the insect is identified, observing its activity determines the risk level and the need for intervention. Insects visiting a bush are typically either foraging for food or actively nesting nearby. Foraging involves moving slowly and deliberately from flower to flower, collecting nectar and pollen.
This temporary activity is a sign of a healthy ecosystem and usually requires no action, as the insects will move on once the blooms fade. However, a high volume of traffic consistently entering and exiting a specific, fixed point indicates a nesting site. Examples include a hole in the ground, a cavity in the bush, or a crevice in a structure. Observing insects repeatedly flying into a hidden entrance with a consistent flight path suggests a nearby colony or hive that may need attention.
Safe and Non-Lethal Removal Methods
For situations involving bees or temporary foraging activity, non-lethal methods are the preferred and most environmentally sound solution. Instead of attempting to spray the bush, use natural scents that act as deterrents without harming the insects. Bees and wasps are often repelled by strong aromatic plants and essential oils, such as:
- Peppermint
- Citronella
- Marigolds
- Spearmint
Planting these herbs near the affected bushes or using essential oil sprays on adjacent surfaces can create an olfactory barrier. A simple spray can be made using a ratio of two drops of oil per ounce of water, applied to non-flowering parts of the bush or surrounding objects. Removing other attractants, such as standing water or exposed sugary foods, can also reduce the insects’ interest in the area.
If a bee swarm is present, the safest course of action is to contact a local beekeeper or bee removal service. These professionals are equipped to safely capture and relocate the entire colony without resorting to pesticides. For aggressive wasps or hornets, eliminating their ability to nest is a preventative strategy. This can involve hanging decoy nests or using reflective objects like aluminum foil to discourage them from building new nests.
Chemical Options and Professional Intervention
Chemical control should always be considered a last resort, reserved primarily for confirmed wasp or hornet nests that pose a direct danger to people or pets. Spraying broad-spectrum insecticides directly onto bushes where bees are foraging is highly discouraged, as it poisons the pollen and nectar, causing widespread harm to pollinator populations. Products intended for stinging insect control typically use fast-acting pyrethroid ingredients, such as prallethrin or lambda-cyhalothrin, which offer quick knockdown.
These aerosol products are designed with a long-reaching jet spray to target the nest entrance from a safe distance, often up to 27 feet. The most effective time to apply these chemicals is after sunset or before sunrise when the insects are least active and all members of the colony are inside the nest. After soaking the nest, wait at least 24 hours before attempting removal, allowing the residual product to eliminate returning insects.
For any large, established nest, particularly those in hard-to-reach or inaccessible locations like inside walls or underground, professional intervention is mandatory. Pest control operators have specialized equipment and stronger restricted-use chemicals to ensure complete eradication with minimal risk to the homeowner. If honeybees have established a hive inside a structure, a professional bee removal specialist should be called. They ensure the live relocation of the colony and the proper removal of the honeycomb to prevent issues like rot and secondary pest infestations.