Stinging
Insects: Bees, Wasps, Hornets, Yellowjackets
Least-Toxic
Options
Is it a Problem?
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A stinging insect nest out of reach and away from buildings, doorways or
outdoor work or play areas may not be a problem. Many stinging
insects are beneficial, pollinating flowers and crops and preying on
pests including houseflies and garden-eating caterpillars. Carefully consider if the nest presents a
danger.
Individual stinging insects may occasionally enter
buildings and
can be encouraged to leave simply by opening a door or
window. A very carefully wielded fly swatter or vacuum is
another option.
If
a stinging insect lands on you, stay calm. Do not move
quickly. If you can't sit still until it flies off on its own,
gently brush it off with a piece of paper using slow, deliberate
movements.
WARNING: Many
individuals are highly sensitive to stinging insect venom. A severe
reaction can lead to serious injury or death. Professional help in
dealing with stinging insect nests is highly recommended! Use the
information on the web page at your own risk.
Prevention ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect
and repair the exterior surfaces of the structure. Seal or
repair cracks,
splintered or rotten wood, holes in stucco or the foundation,
unscreened vents, loose shingles, holes around plumbing or electrical
entries and loose fascia boards. Cover
attic and crawl space vents with fine mesh insect screen.
Choose
perfumes, hair spray, sunscreen,
cosmetics, deodorants and shaving lotions that are not attractive to
stinging insects, or avoid using these products entirely.
Don't
wear brightly colored, patterned clothing. Do wear shoes.
Don't
squash wasps or yellow jackets. This can release a chemical alarm that
signals other wasps and yellowjackets in the area to
attack.
Stinging
insects can be attracted to food. Use
a lid and straw with soft drinks and juices. Carry sugary or meat
snacks in closed containers. Feed
pets indoors or in a screened enclosure.
Place
potential attractants, such as garbage cans, dumpsters, flowering
plants or pet food dishes away from doors or windows.
Keep
garbage cans clean and tightly covered, or seal all food garbage in
plastic bags. Equip outdoor garbage cans with removable domed
tops that have vertical, spring-loaded swinging doors or with
spring-fitted lids. Clean
recyclables before storing them. Empty
and clean outdoor trash cans and dumpsters frequently. Dumpster lids should seal
tightly and be kept closed when not in use. The area around the
can or dumpster should be monitored daily, and any mess cleaned up
immediately.
Inspection ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I
f
you have an ongoing problem, have the insect identified
accurately. Knowing which pest is the problem can help you learn
where nests may be located, what attractants to avoid, and other
useful information.
Inspect the
affected area
methodically to locate attractants, access to buildings and any nests. Nests can be found in the
ground, under eaves, and in attics, basements and wall voids of buildings. Ground nests
are frequently located under shrubs, logs, piles of rocks, and other
protected sites. Entrance holes sometimes have bare earth around
them. Nest opening in the ground or in buildings can be
recognized by observing the wasps entering and leaving. Many
stinging insects can fly long distances to food and water sources, so
nests may not be located on your property.
Inspect
buildings and grounds monthly to detect new attractants, access to
buildings or nests.
Least-Toxic,
Non-Chemical Options --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Traps
can be used to monitor some stinging insects, but have not shown to be
consistently effective in reducing populations or problems. Baits, placed in
the saucer or plate at the bottom of the trap (dog food, ham, fish and
meat scraps early in the season, sugar syrups, spoiled fruit and jelly
late in the season), attract the insects. Once flying in, they
can't escape. Traps should be placed out of reach of
children.
Physical
removal of the nest is best left to professionals! Any disturbance to a nest
can trigger a mass attack. Special protective
clothing is required. Removal is best undertaken at night, when
the majority of the insects will be in the nest.
Vacuuming
can be effective for nests in wall voids, attics, basements and
underground, and again is best left to professionals. Special
lightweight, powerful vacuums are available with removable
bags that can be stuffed closed with cotton or a rag while the machine
is running. Vacuuming underground nests is a two-person job,
with one person operating the vacuum and the other excavating the nest
with a trowel.
First check for auxiliary nest openings in a 40-
to 50-foot area around the main opening, and fill any found with
soil. Wear protective clothing. The vacuum should be held
about 3 to 4 inches from the entrance of the nest so that the wasps
are sucked in as they fly from the nest. Before the vacuum bag
is full, vacuum up two tablespoons of cornstarch to incapacitate the
wasps. Once the nest is empty, with no more wasps entering or
leaving, dig out the underground nest structure. With the vacuum
still running, open the canister and tape over the bag opening with
duct tape. With the motor off, take out the bag and place it in
a cardboard box. Seal the box and place it in a freezer at least
overnight. Aerial nests and ground nest fragments that contain living
larvae, should be placed in thick plastic bags and put in a freezer at
least overnight.
Least-Toxic Chemical Options ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
following pesticide products do not meet our criteria for least toxic and
should be used as a last resort, only when non-chemical measures are not
effective. The precautions listed can reduce hazards to applicators
and others. Warning.
For detailed
information on EPA- registered pesticides, click on the product
name to link to the Pesticide Action Network Database.
-
EcoPCO® D
- A dust. Apply only to the inside of
stinging insect nests as per label directions. EPA Reg. No. 67425-2.
-
ECOPCO® Jet Wasp/Hornet/Yellow Jacket Spray
- An aerosol spray. Apply to individual insects or insect
nests. EPA Reg. No. 67425-4.
-
Victor® Poison-Free Flying Insect Killer -
An aerosol spray. For application to individual insects or insect
nests. Exempt from EPA registration.
-
Victor® Poison-Free
Wasp & Hornet Killer -
An aerosol spray. For application to individual insects or insect
nests. Exempt from EPA registration.
Click here
to see a list of pesticides that do not meet our criteria for least toxic.
