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How to Remove Bees & Wasps

Bees and wasps can become a nuisance around the home; the last thing you need is to be afraid of walking out the door in case you upset a stinging wasp that decides to attack. You might not need to hire an exterminator if the problem is localized, as there are a few simple things you can do yourself.

Common insecticide sprays might not work on bees and wasps; however, there are now a few types that have been specially manufactured to get rid of these insects. These are by far the easiest way to remove bees and wasps, and are available at hardware stores or over the Internet.

Things You'll Need

Drill
Insecticide
Soap
Water

Instructions

Removal Without Insecticide
- 1
  Make a solution of soapy water; dishwashing liquid or any detergent will work.
- 2
  Pour the liquid over the nests that are in the ground, as pouring over a nest that is suspended in the air will be tricky.
- 3
  For a small nest that is suspended, cover it with a sturdy bag once it's dark, when the bees and wasps are asleep.
- 4
  Remove the nest and seal the bag shut.
- 5
  Put the bag in the freezer, which will kill the insects. Bear in mind the possible dangers of using this method; if you don't handle the nest gently enough and the bees or wasps are woken, they are likely to attack.
Removing Visible Nests
- 6
  Spray a visible nest with insecticide. The best time to do this is in the evening when all the bees will have returned to the colony. Keep in mind also that late winter or early spring are the best times to spray a colony because the bees will be at their weakest. Spray as close to the nest as possible.
- 7
  Remove the nest once all the insects are dead.
- 8
  Paint over the area. Bees and wasps will be able to smell the old nest, which will encourage them to build a new one.
Removing Hidden Nests
- 9
  Tap on the wall in different places and put your ear against it until you hear a buzzing sound. Quite often, bees will find a way of getting between walls and build their nests there, hidden from would-be attackers. Unfortunately, even if you locate the hole where the bees are going in and out, the nest may still be some distance away.
- 10
  Drill a hole through the wall where you think the nest might be, and spray insecticide through the hole.
- 11
  Seal the hole once you've killed the bees. Don't be tempted to seal the hole without killing the bees first in a bid to trap them in; they will find an opening somewhere.

Animals & Science