Bee Control & Bee Hive Removal

Learn how to get rid of unwanted bees and wasps.

If you have nasty wasp or bee nests around your home, don’t worry. We can help you get rid of them.

Use caution whenever you deal with bee hives. If you don’t feel comfortable with these steps, or you have an allergy to bee stings, call an exterminator. We can’t guarantee that you won’t get stung, as bees and wasps can be unpredictable.

Here are some tips from Blain’s Farm & Fleet for bee control.

Waiting It Out

Above-ground nests of hornets and paper wasps become most apparent late in the summer when the colonies are largest. If the wasps are not causing a problem, it’s best to wait until the nest is abandoned in the fall before removing it.

You can safely remove the nest in the winter. Or, if left alone, it will break up on its own during late fall and winter.

Wasp Traps and Wasp Killer Sprays

Commonly sold wasp traps are only effective against yellow jackets. They are not attractive to paper wasps or hornets and will not help you control them.

For exposed nesting species, such as paper wasps, you can easily spray insecticides directly onto the nest with excellent results.

If you need a quick fix to get rid of a beehive or wasp nest, you can use a wasp killer. Apply it several times before trying to touch the nest.

If you decide to spray the wasp nests, take a few safety precautions. Wear long sleeves, gloves, a hat with a towel draped over your neck, and even a face mask.

Beekeeping protective clothing is ideal, and if you have recurring bee problems, a suit is well worth the money.

The most important element of wasp and bee control is to destroy the nest. You can use aerosol wasp and hornet sprays to knock down swarms of bees or wasps around the nest.

Always approach the nest at night when bees are reluctant to fly. Some wasp killer sprays shoot up to 22 feet, so you can remain a safe distance from the nest.

When to Call a Pro

If possible, hire an exterminator for extreme circumstances. They are trained professionals who can quickly, thoroughly, and safely remove beehives from anywhere on your property.

Destroying beehives in vents, attics, crawlspaces, or hollow areas can be difficult. It often will require the help of a pest control company or professional bee removal service.

And if you have a honey bee problem and you’d prefer not to kill the bees, you have another option. There are some local beekeepers and other professionals you can hire who will remove and relocate the bees to a new location.

Keep in mind that bee hives containing honey must be removed after the bees are eliminated. If you leave them, they will rot and attract other pests.

For more tips like this one, visit our Home Maintenance Blog.