Bees & Wasps

Bees and Wasps are common insects around homes, fortunately most stay outside and are not aggressive in nature. However, those Bees and Wasps that live in colonies can present a problem to homeowners.

First, these insects may build nests in, on or around the home. Some are ground nesting, others build nests in trees and shrubs, while others may nest in attics, wall voids of the home or on the eaves around the home.

Second, because these are visible nests and there are many "Bees", the homeowner is rightfully concerned about stings; also, these insects live in organized colonies. Although beneficial to the environment - making honey or feeding on insects or Spiders - the colony's individuals can become aggressive if disturbed and stings, especially multiple stings, can be life threatening to some people.

QUESTION: What do these insects look like?

ANSWER: The most familiar is the Honeybee, with a hairy brown-yellow body. Wasps can be black and yellow or black and white. Yellowjackets and Hornets also fit this description. There are also Wasps that may be black or brown and yellow that make small umbrella shaped nests - these are Paper making Wasps.

QUESTION: Where do they nest?

ANSWER: Honeybees usually nest in attics or wall voids of homes. Paper Wasps are usually found nesting around the eaves of the houses or under railings on decks, or fences. Yellowjackets can be ground nesting or nest in shrubs around the home, or in walls or attics of homes. Baldfaced Hornets (black and white Yellowjackets) usually build football shaped nests in trees or shrubs and, occasionally, on the sides of structures.

QUESTION: How do I spot them?

ANSWER: In the spring or summer the easiest to spot is the Honeybee. You may even see a swarm, several hundred Bees moving from place to place until a suitable site is found for a nest. In the spring, Wasp queens (Yellowjackets, Hornets and Paper Wasps) that have overwintered will be seen looking for a place to start the nests. Wasp colonies grow slowly, enlarging the nest as the season progresses. Later in the summer, these nests can be quite large with several hundred Wasps inside.

QUESTION: What should be done for Honeybees?

ANSWER: For Honeybees you should call a beekeeper to see if they can remove the colony. This should be done because the honey in the combs of the nest can turn rancid or attract other insects once the Bees are removed or killed. In Ontario, there is legislation, The Bees Act, and it can be an offense, under certain circumstances, to harm Bees.

QUESTION: What about Wasps?

ANSWER: Wasp nests should be treated and removed, if possible, when they are located close to, or around, structures. Remember, these insects are more aggressive and one Wasp can sting many times.

QUESTION: What should be done about stings?

ANSWER: Stings can be dangerous, some people are highly sensitive to the sting. If you want to determine your or a family member's sensitivity, consult your Physician. Your Doctor can also describe what type of reactions or symptoms to look for from a sting. The symptoms may be slow or rapid in developing; many people die every year from Wasp and Bee stings.

See Wasps and Hornets for more information.

CONTROL

PROPOXUR formulations are registered for use against Wasps & Hornets.

WASP & HORNET AEROSOL is also effective, and can be used with the "AeroPole" Dispenser for those up-high locations.

The Non-toxic "WaspCatcher" is effective for local protection.