Wasps are a particularly nasty insect to have living in your yard, landscaping, or around your garden. They are a nuisance, they are aggressive, and in the case of allergies, they can be deadly. If you have a wasp problem in your backyard and want to know how to get rid of them safely, here are some things you can do.
Bees and wasps frequently build nests and hives in bushes, shrubs, and other densely foliaged areas in yards. While beneficial for pollination, their presence can become a nuisance or even a danger. Stings are likely if you disturb an active nest while gardening or doing yardwork. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to get rid of bee and wasp nests in your bushes and maintain a safe outdoor space.
Why Bees and Wasps Nest in Bushes
The thick, protective foliage of bushes provides an ideal shelter for bees and wasps to establish nests and hives. The many nooks and cavities in the branches allow them to construct comb structures and egg chambers. Evergreen bushes with dense leaves give year-round protection from the elements.
Bushes also contain abundant small insects that bees and wasps prey on And bushes often have nectar-rich flowers that attract the pollinating insects
Proximity to a water source is another factor as bees and wasps need water to cool their nests and make honey. The seclusion of backyards gives them the peace to forage and expand their colonies.
Dangers of Nests in Bushes
While bees and wasps normally do not bother humans, active nests in bushes pose some risks:
-
Stings – Bees and wasps aggressively defend their nests if disturbed. Multiple stings are likely.
-
Allergic reactions – Stings can trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
-
Fear and avoidance – Nesting areas become difficult to use or access due to fear of stings.
-
Structural damage – Colonies expand over time and can damage bush branches and foliage.
-
Disease transmission – Diseases like encephalitis can spread via mosquitoes attracted to bee/wasp nests.
Signs of Nests in Bushes
Watch for these clues that bees or wasps may have established nests:
-
Flying insects entering and exiting from the same spots on bushes.
-
Presence of small, papery gray nests stuck to branches.
-
Buzzing or humming sounds emanating from inside bushes.
-
Multiple bees/wasps hovering around or resting on bushes.
-
Poor flowering or dieback of branches where nests are located.
-
Sawdust-like material or damaged foliage under nest sites.
Effective Removal Methods
Once you confirm bee or wasp activity, use these methods to get rid of their nests:
Insecticide sprays
-
Spray insecticide directly into the nest opening in the evening when activity is minimal. This kills insects inside.
-
Use fast-acting sprays containing tetrafluoroethane for best results. Avoid neonicotinoid products.
-
Repeat applications may be needed for large, established nests. Follow all label directions.
Dust insecticides
-
Puff small amounts of dust containing silicon dioxide or diatomaceous earth into nest openings. The sharp particles kill insects.
-
Apply at night and reapply if needed. Avoid inhaling the dust.
Soap spray
-
Make a spray of 2-3 tablespoons insecticidal soap in 1 gallon water. Spray nest openings in the evening.
-
Can help eliminate smaller new nests. May need reapplication. Rinse off foliage after.
Pruning
-
Prune away nest branches in fall and winter when most insects are inactive or dormant.
-
Wear protective clothing when pruning nests. Dispose of pruned branches immediately.
Vacuuming
-
Use a wet/dry vac on a low suction setting to suck out nest contents at night. Cover the vac end with mesh to avoid clogs.
-
Insert the vac tube opening directly into nest access holes. This removes insects and nest material.
Nest removal
-
Wear protective gear and use a long pole to dislodge intact nests at night. Place in a sealed bag and dispose of.
-
Can be done for paper nests attached to outer branches. Not for hives inside cavities.
Professional pest control
-
For severe infestations, hire a licensed exterminator. They have commercial-grade insecticides and equipment.
-
Professionals can also remove nests from hard-to-access spots high up in large bushes.
Prevention Tips
Stop bees and wasps from nesting in the first place using these proactive measures:
-
Keep bushes trimmed and thinned out to eliminate protected nesting sites.
-
Fill cavities and holes in bushes with silicone caulk or expanding foam.
-
Apply repellents like mint oil, citronella oil or neem oil on and under bushes.
-
Install screened boxes for solitary nesting bees – this keeps hives small.
-
Use fake nest decoys coated with anti-nesting substances.
-
Limit flowering bushes that attract pollinators – replace with non-flowering varieties.
-
Contact a pest control company in early spring to treat potential nesting sites.
With some persistence and the right techniques, you can successfully rid your bushes of unwanted bee and wasp nests for good. Pay attention to signs of new nest building and enact preventative measures to avoid future issues. This will let you and your family fully enjoy your yard without fear of stings.
Use A Decoy Nest as a Deterrent
With all the bad buzz that wasps get, they actually do have an important role in the ecosystem. Wasps are predatory insects and they feed on pests like aphids, caterpillars, and mosquitoes, among others. Wasps also aid in pollination and can be very beneficial to gardens and crops. Instead of killing any wasps you see right away, decoy nests are a less violent but just as effective way to get rid of them. Decoy Hornet’s Nest work by acting as a scarecrow. Hornets naturally eat wasps, so putting up a decoy nest near where you see wasps gathering or where you don’t want them to be tells the wasps that their enemies are nearby and makes them less likely to build their hive there. Decoy nests can work very well, but their main job is to stop wasps from building a nest in the first place. If you already have a wasp nest, you will have to remove them first. So, if you see wasps in the area and don’t want them to start building a hive, buy this wasp decoy online right now.
Trap the Queen in the Spring
Understanding the behavior of wasps is crucial to keeping their numbers down. The entire hive is reliant on the queen wasp, and without her, the hive cannot last. Because of this, worker wasps will follow her wherever she goes and protect her at all costs. The queen hibernates in a safe place all winter until it gets warm enough in the spring for her to leave and find a new place to lay her eggs. At this point, the worker wasps will build and take care of their hive. They will also gather food for the queen and help her while she lays eggs and the hive’s population grows.
If you catch the queen wasp early enough in the spring, before she chooses a place to build her hive, the hive will not form in the first place, and you won’t have to deal with a whole colony of wasps living in your space. A very effective and environmentally friendly way to do this and avoid major problems all summer is to use a wasp trap. These traps use pheromones to attract wasps but not bees, so you don’t have to worry about catching these helpful pollinators in a trap made for wasps. If you see wasps flying around your yard or have had problems with wasps in the past, buy a wasp trap online right now.
Pest Control : How to Keep Bees Out of Shrubs
FAQ
How do you get rid of wasps in a bush?
How to get rid of bees in a bush?
Why are bees swarming around my bushes?
Why are there wasps in my bushes?
How do I get rid of a wasp nest in a bush?
Getting rid of a wasp nest in a bush is a little more complicated than if you found a nest hanging from the eaves of your house. Certain products can be harmful to your plants and bushes if you spray them. You’ll want to look for something that is made with pyrethrin.
Does a plant repel bees & wasps?
Yes. It actually works. The answer is simple- you just set up a bunch of plants that bees and wasps hate. If they hate the plant, then they’ll stay away. There are multiple ways a plant can act as a natural repellent: Does using plants really work? Yes- they work. Are you still in doubt that such a natural and simple solution can work wonders?
How do I get rid of wasps in bushes?
Clove oil, for instance, is a natural wasp repellent that I’ve used with great success. Its scent is repugnant to wasps, yet it’s harmless to plants, making it an excellent choice for gardens. With a combination of deterrents, traps, and safe removal techniques, it’s possible to get rid of wasps in bushes effectively.
How do I keep bees and wasps away?
Bees and wasps naturally steer clear of plenty of natural scents, oils, and colors. So, take advantage of nature’s own repellants. Placing any of these 30 plants in your garden will keep bees and wasps away. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best-growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more!
Do insecticides keep bees and wasps away?
However, harmful chemical insecticides can ruin important pollinators and our environment. Bees and wasps naturally steer clear of plenty of natural scents, oils, and colors. So, take advantage of nature’s own repellants. Placing any of these 30 plants in your garden will keep bees and wasps away.
How do you keep bees from stinging your plants?
You can spray it on your plants to deter the stinging insects, but make sure to dilute it with water. Add clove oil and water to a plastic spray bottle and give the bottle a shake. It will leave a subtle scent on your plants that deters bees and wasps but also keeps your plants safe.