Publication E-44
July 1978
Purdue University
Cooperative Extension Service
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907

Bees, Wasps, Hornets and Yellow Jackets
Ralph E. Williams, Extension Entomologist and John F. McDonald, Research Entomologist
Controlling bees and wasps in and around buildings may be difficult. The insects themselves are not hard to kill, but the problem is how to do it without getting stung. Some people are hypersensitive to bee stings, while others are simply afraid of these insects. Although all female bees and wasps are capable of stinging (males are harmless), only honey bees, bumble bees and "paper-making" wasps will do so in defense of their nests. Commercial pest control operators are equipped to control bees and wasps and can provide this service to those who desire it.

HONEY BEES IN BUILDINGS
Honey bees may build nests in walls, chimneys and attics of buildings. These bees not only sting or annoy people, but their combs may melt and allow honey to seep through the walls and ruin interior finishes. In addition, old honey combs sometimes become infested with the wax moth or other insects that get into the home to cause further annoyance.

Control: Honey bee colonies in buildings can be destroyed by injecting either a 5% chlordane* or carbaryl (Sevin) dust or a 1% dichlorvos (DDVP) or propoxur (Baygon)
spray into the nest opening. Dusts are most easily applied with a plunger-type garden duster with the baffle removed. Use about 1/2 pound dust per colony.

Dichlorvos and propoxur are available in pressurized containers that shoot out a long, narrow stream of spray. The can is usually labeled "Bee and Wasp Killer" or something similar. Other formulations may be available which are to be mixed with water to make a 1% spray. The spray can then be applied with any type of sprayer that will get a quart or so of the mixture into the opening without wasting time.

Dichlorvos kills rapidly. It has quick "fumigating action" but no prolonged residual effect. Chlordane*, and to a lesser extent carbaryl and propoxur, are slower acting materials which kill over a longer period of time.
Treatment is best made late in the evening when bees are less active and when most of them are inside the colony. If possible, enlarge the nest opening so the dust or spray can be applied more easily. To avoid stings, wear a bee veil and gloves, and tie shirt sleeves and trouser legs to keep the insects from getting inside clothing.

After the bees have completely disappeared, close the entrance to the nest with caulking compound or other suitable material. If possible, remove the honey to prevent trouble from staining and secondary pests.

PAPER WASPS, HORNETS, AND YELLOW JACKETS
Paper wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are beneficial in that the workers forage for insect prey, such as flies and caterpillars