What Kills Bees and Wasps: Instant Hacks

Bees and wasps are typical insects that are useful for pollination. However, they can be a danger when nesting close to residences. Although bees are important to the ecosystem, their presence in undesirable locations may cause stinging and irritation.

Wasps are hostile and will defend their nests aggressively. Understanding the kinds of bees and wasps that live in homes and how to best get rid of them is vital for a secure and pest-free home.

Common Household Bees and Wasps

Various bee and wasp species are found living in and around homes. Some bees, such as honey bees and bumble bees, are helpful pollinators. On the other hand, carpenter bees can be destructive to wooden structures. Here are the some physical characterstics to identify bees and wasps:

Bees

1.Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)

Honey bees are tiny, brown-colored insects that exist in large colonies of as many as 50,000 individuals. Unlike wasps, they keep building their colonies whole winter. Their nests, constructed of beeswax, typically are found in trees, rock crevices, and building cavities. Honey bees swarm in the spring, when a new queen leads a colony of worker bees to establish a new nesting site.

2.Bumble Bee (Bombus spp.)

Bumble bees can be easily identified by their fuzzy, yellow and black striped bodies. They occur in small colonies within abandoned rodent burrows, porches, or wall voids. Their nests can accommodate as many as 200 bees, but bumble bees do not stock honey like honey bees.

3.Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica)

Carpenter bees resemble bumble bees but have a shiny black abdomen in place of their fuzzy one. Carpenter bees are solitary and dig into wood to create nesting tunnels. Female carpenter bees insert eggs into their nesting tunnels and feed the larva pollen and nectar. Although they’re not a part of colonies, their tunnel work can weaken wood structures.

Wasps

1.Paper Wasps (Polistes spp.)

Paper wasps are commonly seen in the area around homes and possess umbrella-shaped nests, which they suspend from eaves and overhangs. The nests consist of one layer of hexagonal cells are built with chewed wood that is mixed with saliva.

The wasps are insectivorous and prey on caterpillars, which makes them a beneficial aspect of natural pest management. Their colonies may have up to 75 workers, and wasps become hazardous if their nest is invaded.

2.Yellowjackets (Vespula spp., Paravespula spp.)

Yellowjackets are the most antagonistic of all the wasps. Their bodies has yellow and black stripes, serving as a caution. They construct large, underground paper nests built in ground and crawl spaces. Their attic have space for thousand members within colonies, especially prosper in tropical climates. While adult yellowjackets consume nectar, they feed their larvae with captured insects.

3.Hornets (Dolichovespula maculata and Vespa crabro)

Bald-faced hornets and European hornets are two common species that infest home regions. The bald-faced hornet, kind of a large yellowjacket, constructs oval paper nests in trees and sometimes on buildings. Colonies of as many as 700 wasps live in their homes.

Effective Ways to Get Rid of Bees and Wasps

1.   Essential Oils

Essential oils can act as natural repellents for bees and wasps. Peppermint oil, as well as a combination of clove, geranium, and lemongrass oils, can deter these insects. Mixing a few drops of essential oil with water and dish soap and spraying it around potential nesting areas, such as under eaves and porch roofs, can help keep them away.

2.   Wasp Traps

Setting up traps is a proven method to reduce the number of wasps and bees. These traps use sugar water or another sweet substance to lure the insects inside, preventing them from escaping. Homemade traps can be made by cutting a two-liter bottle and inverting the top, or ready-made options can be purchased.

3.   Insect-Repelling Plants

Certain plants, like citronella, thyme, and eucalyptus, naturally repel wasps. Planting these around your home can make the area less attractive to them. These plants not only keep wasps away but also enhance the aesthetics of your yard.

4.   Patch Up Cracks & Make Repairs

To get rid of bees and wasps from entering your home, seal cracks and gaps with waterproof caulk. Repair any holes in window screens to keep these insects from getting inside. The best time for sealing entry points is during winter or early spring before wasps and bees become active.

5.   Dispose of Waste Properly

Food waste attracts bees and wasps, making proper disposal essential. Always seal outdoor trash bins tightly and avoid leaving food scraps in open areas. If composting, consider an indoor composting system to prevent pests.

6.   Aerial Nets

Aerial nets can be used to remove wasp nests safely. Covering the nest with a net and submerging it in water can eliminate the colony. However, this method requires caution, as disturbing the nest may provoke aggressive responses from the wasps.

Precautions for Controlling Bees and Wasps

Wear Protective Clothing

When dealing with bees or wasps, it is crucial to wear protective gear, including long sleeves, gloves, and a face covering. This reduces the risk of stings, especially if attempting to remove a nest.

Avoid Sudden Movements

Bees and wasps become aggressive when they feel threatened. If one approaches you, remain calm and avoid making sudden movements that may provoke an attack.

Choose the Right Time

The best time to remove wasps or bees is at night when they are less active. Using a flashlight with a red filter can help avoid disturbing them.

Conclusion

Bees and wasps can be beneficial but also pose risks when they nest near homes. Identifying them correctly and using natural or chemical-free methods can help manage their presence safely. Always take precautions when dealing with nests, and if the infestation is severe, seek professional help to ensure safety.

FAQs

1. What is the easiest way to repel wasps naturally?

Using essential oils like peppermint, clove, and lemongrass mixed with water can effectively keep wasps away.

2. Can soap and water kill bees instantly?

Yes, soap water breaks their protective coating, causing them to suffocate and die quickly.

3. When is the best time to remove a wasp nest?

Nighttime is the safest, as wasps are less active and inside their nest.

Call a Professional if Needed

If the infestation is severe or the nest is difficult to access, it is best to contact a professional pest control service. Experts like Safe Pest Sol have the right equipment and knowledge to handle the situation safely.