Wasps and Bees

Frequently Asked Questions

• I think I may have wasps or bees but it's January - is this possible?
• Does the Pest Control Officer remove the nest?
• Is there anything I can do to get rid of a wasps' nest?
• Where can I buy something to kill the wasps?
• I've got an old wasps/bees nest and I'm afraid they will come back this year.
• How can I avoid getting stung?
• What if I've been stung?
• How can I get rid of bees without killing them?

I think I may have wasps or bees but it's January - is this possible?

Its very unlikely that you will have wasps but it could possibly be bees due to the change in climate over the years whereby winters are so much milder it is possible.

Does the Pest Control Officer remove the nest?

No they do not remove the nest. We will spray the nest, which means the returning wasps enter the nest contaminated with the insecticide. This then poisons the whole inside of the nest and once the wasps are dead, the nest can be disposed of, as its only made of a papery material that the queen makes by chewing small pieces of wood mixed with saliva known as wasp paper.

Is there anything I can do to get rid of a wasps' nest?

Individuals react differently to being stung (see 'What if I've been stung') by a wasp and, therefore, we would always advise that a professional Pest Control Officer deal with a nest, for the reasons contained in the information above. If you do elect to treat the nest yourself, it should be carried out early morning, late evening or when wasp activity is at a minimum.

Where can I buy something to kill the wasps?

Most hardware shops and garden centres will sell insecticide sprays and powders but you must take care to follow the manufacturers instructions.

I've got an old wasps/bees nest and I'm afraid they will come back this year.

In the case of a wasps' nest - in the Autumn the young queens mate and leave the nest to hibernate. The rest of the nest dies out and the nest is never used again. Provided you are absolutely sure the nest is dead you can knock it down and dispose of it.

In the case of a bees' nest - it could be that other bees may 'adopt' the nest, whereas honey bees hibernate over winter as a colony and use the same nest.

How can I avoid getting stung?

Try to stay still, wasps and wild bees are programmed to chase and sting anything that moves. With bumblebees, this is the reverse as they defend themselves rather than attack. If you have disturbed a nest, wait till they have calmed down then retreat slowly.

What if I've been stung?

If you have disturbed a nest and been stung a rapid retreat from the nest is recommended, as one sting will provoke the other wasps.

For most people bee and wasps sting are painful for about half a minute and later the area swells as the body reacts to the venom. This may last for a couple of days before subsiding and becoming itchy. Anti histamine cream may help or even an ice pack.

Occasionally swelling may increase to alarming proportions or even a rash may develop. If this happens see your doctor immediately.

Medical help is also necessary if you have been stung in the mouth or throat area, as there is a risk that the swelling will interfere with breathing.

A tiny number of people can be hypersensitive to stings and may lose consciousness soon after a sting. It is very important to get them to hospital as soon as possible.

How can I get rid of bees without killing them?

If you phone our office we will contact a local beekeeper for you who may be interested.