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Those pesky bees! They like to come out of hiding in the early spring, so it’s likely that they’re already out and about now that it’s summer. You may already be struggling to keep these cute little bumbling things out of your garden or home. If so, read on for some safe and humane ideas.
Look around before calling a pest control service. You might be able to fix the problem yourself. You might be able to save time and money by doing it yourself, but the best pest control companies also know safe ways to get rid of or move bees.
But how do you get rid of bees in a moral way? If you don’t have a friend who keeps bees, then why are you reading this? Before you call a pest control company, try these simple, quick ways to get rid of bees at home.
Dealing with stinging pests like bees and wasps can be frustrating and even dangerous. Learning safe, effective methods to get rid of bee and wasp nests around your home is important This guide covers proven techniques to kill bees and wasps using natural ingredients or commercial products.
Understanding Bees vs Wasps
Before taking any control measures, it’s important to properly identify if you are dealing with bees or wasps Some key identification differences include
Bees
- Hairy, robust bodies
- Feed on nectar and pollen
- Live in hives with honeycomb
- Includes honeybees, bumblebees, carpenter bees
Wasps
- Smooth, slender bodies
- Feed on other insects, meats, sweets
- Build papery nests
- Includes yellowjackets, hornets, paper wasps
Honeybees are generally docile and play a vital role as pollinators. But bumblebees and carpenter bees can become a nuisance by nesting in structures.
Wasps are more aggressive and likely to sting. Their nests often pop up under eaves, fences, or in the ground, putting people at risk.
DIY Methods to Kill Bees
Here are some homemade remedies to eliminate bee nests:
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Soapy water – Spray nest openings with dish soap mixed with water to suffocate bees.
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Essential oils – Treat entrances with peppermint, clove, lemongrass oils to repel bees.
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Aluminum foil – Plug holes with rolled up foil to block carpenter bees from entering.
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WD-40 – Spray into crevices daily for a week to kill carpenter bee larvae.
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Powder puffer – Apply insecticide dust into nest openings to poison bees.
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Liquid sprays – Use ready-to-use bee kill sprays into entrances after dark.
Take safety precautions by wearing protective clothing when approaching nests. Only treat nests at night when bees are less active.
Ways to Kill Wasps
Here are some recommended methods to destroy wasp nests:
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Soapy water – Mix dish soap with water and spray nests to kill wasps.
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Essential oils – Peppermint, clove, and lemongrass oils repel wasps when sprayed on nests.
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Boiling water – Pour directly into ground nests to kill wasps by scalding.
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Wasp & hornet killer – Ready-to-use sprays are effective for above ground nests.
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Dust insecticides – Puff dust into nest openings using a hand duster.
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Insecticide foams – Inject foam into voids and cavities to suffocate wasps.
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Traps – Lure wasps in with sweet baits but traps won’t kill entire nest.
When using any pesticides, carefully follow label directions for proper dilution and application.
Natural Ways to Deter Bees and Wasps
Some simple, non-toxic methods to repel stinging insects include:
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Plant flowers they dislike – Marigolds, lavender, mint, citronella
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Use fans to disrupt flight paths
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Seal or screen potential entry points on structures
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Avoid wearing sweet perfumes or bright colors outdoors
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Eliminate food sources like exposed trash and rotting fruit
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Install smooth covers over exposed wood surfaces
When to Kill Bees and Wasps
Timing plays an important role in successfully eliminating bee and wasp nests:
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Spring – Kill new queens starting nests when colonies are small.
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Summer – Treat nests at first sign of activity before they expand.
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Late summer – Destroy nests before new reproductives emerge.
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Early fall – Eliminate remaining worker wasps that are more aggressive.
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At night – Bees and wasps are least active making control safer.
Professional Bee and Wasp Control
For severe infestations, it’s often best to hire a pest management professional. Services exterminators can provide include:
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Fast elimination of large or difficult to reach nests
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Effective treatments not available to consumers
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Preventative services to keep new nests from forming
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Removal of hives for honey bee relocation
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Customized plans with ongoing monitoring
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Advice on exclusion and nest deterrents
Though DIY methods can be effective for bees and wasps when applied correctly, hire an exterminator if you are uncomfortable with managing these stinging pests yourself. This ensures proper control with minimal disruption to your home and outdoor activities.
Learning how to safely eliminate bees and wasps gives you the power to reclaim your outdoor living spaces. Whether using common household products or proven pesticides, following best practices helps minimize stings and ensures nests are destroyed effectively. Combine removal tactics with preventative measures for lasting relief from these stinging nuisances.
How to get rid of bees
Honey, drinks, food, and nectar from flowers are all things that most bees like because they are sweet. Honey bees and carpenter bees may come to your garden. Carpenter bees will probably build their nests in nearby trees or wooden structures. If you have a bee problem inside, you might want to look for a hidden carpenter bee nest.
If you think there are bees in your home, there are a few things you should do right away. The first thing you need to do is make sure you have bees. Other pests, like wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets, look a lot like bees and are easy to mistake for the flying yellow guys.
Start by getting to the root of the bee problem
How can you tell the difference between bees and other flying bugs? If you can see one of the bugs that is living in your home, look for certain things. Wasps and hornets are typically narrow-waisted and hair-free, while bees are more plump and fuzzy. Wasps are also brighter in color, with clear yellow bands around their bellies, while bees may be a duller brown or yellowish color. Both hornets and yellow jackets are usually bigger, brighter and more aggressive than bees.
Your next job is to find the source of the problem. If you see a lot of bees, there may be a nest nearby. Look in dark, safe places like tree hollows, under porches, or under eaves. If you don’t find a nest, that’s great! One less thing to worry about. Keep reading for ways to keep bees from coming to your house or yard when it’s warm outside.
If you do find a nest, remember to keep a safe distance so as not to rile the insects and risk getting stung. Keep pets and small children clear of the nest. Then consider finding a local beekeeper to come and safely relocate the nest. Bee Culture has a nifty search tool for finding beekeepers across the US, but many states also have an online directory you can check, such as the New York State Beekeeper Club Directory.
Remember, bees are an important part of our ecosystem, so safe removal options should be your top priority.
How to kill wasps safely
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