Rising temperatures brings blooms, buds, bees, and wasps. We both appreciate and despise them. Bees are a very integral part of our food chain as they help in pollination. Wasps prey on pests that are harmful to vegetation and crops. While they can be helpful they tend to pose a threat at times in the most inconvenient places. Did you know that each year about 50-100 people die from bee or wasp stings? The first step in preventing them is to identify the different types of bees, wasps, and hornets. Although we often use these names interchangeably, not all of them are a threat.

One thing wasps and bees have in common is that they are of two distinctly different species – solitary and social. Often “social” bees and wasps are the ones that cause havoc and are harmful. Killing one of them will do more harm than good. Their body releases a pheromone and their counterparts sensing the danger will come and attack. In severe cases it’s best to get help from professional bee removal services and experts. Crazy enough, social wasps and bees often create nests that are close to our social areas such as outdoor dining spaces, pools, or patios.

Preventing wasps and bees from forming colonies and hives near your outdoor living spaces is easily achieved with a bit of planning and awareness. Here are a few tips from our pest control professionals in South Florida.

Keep Areas Clean and Clear

Put away all the leftovers from an outdoor party. Bees and wasps are especially attracted to sweet smelling sugar-based foods. They build their nests close to places where they find food or water near. You often find wasp nests near dumpsters or bodies of water.  A garden is also an ideal residence for our winged friends because natural food is plentiful. Disposing of clutter in a proper manner is essential for preventing nests and hives from forming. Ensure the trash is sealed and closed completely.

Set Traps  

Wasps and bees fly for miles at a time and get thirsty quickly. They are attracted to water as they fly around. You can make your own bee or wasp trap. For all you bottle collectors, this is an effective way to make use of the plastic bottles as your very own bee removal service. Cut off or unscrew the top half of the bottle. Fill the bottle with sugar water and spray the outer rim with cooking oil. The bees and wasps will fly toward the bottle towards the sweet aroma; when they stoop in for a drink, they will slip in and drown in the water. The water in the bottle should not be at a level where they can climb out.

Cut up some cucumbers and place them outdoors or around the place where you intend to keep your party. Cucumber’s acidic property will keep them away. Keep the cucumbers handy when you plan on having an outdoor activity and you will not have to be afraid that your kids may get stung by these pests.

Keep Pet Food Stored Away

Food for our pets contain a high amount of protein that attracts these insects. Pet food sometimes is kept outdoors for the pets to access their food easily. Unfortunately, this attracts bees and wasps. Keep your pet’s food covered or in a place where these insects will not be able to get to them easily.

Re-Seal and Spray (at your own risk)

Bees and wasps like to make nests in crevices and small, narrow openings. Ensure that all the small openings and unsealed awnings in your house have been properly sealed. Even garbage cans have not been properly closed can turn into a potential nest. All trash cans – especially the ones in open areas such as parks and outdoor playing fields – should have tightly sealed lids.

This is a quick and non-toxic way of getting rid of bees and wasps. Spraying a nest with soapy water soaks the nest and the insects in them. The soap will cling to their wings and weigh them down and eventually they will suffocate. Be sure to wear protective clothing when you do this.

Keep a bottle of insecticide handy. Remember to spray the nest at dawn or dusk when the nests and bees are least active. Spraying the nest with it is a quick way to get rid of them. Be careful!

Avoid Bright Colors

Wearing bright colors attracts these insects. Even floral patterns attract them. Springtime is when they fly around from flower to flower. While looking for nectar they might get attracted to the bright floral pattern on you, so be careful.

Paper Bags

This is an easy and effective method to avoid bees and wasps. Hang a crumpled paper bag from the corner of the roof. This will deter the insects. Wasps are very territorial and on seeing the bag they will mistake it for a nest. They will not make a nest in a place where they assume another wasp has built its nest.