Bees & Wasps

Adult hornets somewhat resemble yellow jackets but are much larger (about 1½ inches) and are brown with yellow markings. Queens, which may be seen in the spring, are more reddish than brown, and are larger than the workers. Nests are typically built in hollow trees, but they are often found in barns, sheds, attics, and wall voids of houses.

The best time to treat for hornets is first thing in the morning (just after sunrise) when it's cool and they are not as active or about 15 minutes after sunset. You can use an over the counter hornet spray, but make sure to read the label to make sure it is not oil or petroleum based. These type of products can leave stains on siding and can also kill bushes and parts of trees that it comes in contact with. By treating at the time stated above, it is the best chance of having all of the wasps on the nest and killing them all. Knock down the nest after treatment.

All wasps will defend their nests, but the yellow jackets are the most aggressive. They can be distinguished from bees by their thin "waists." They fold their wings lengthwise when at rest. Like all wasps, yellow jackets prey on a variety of insects.  Yellow jackets will also forage on foods that people eat, especially sweets and meats.

They are considered beneficial insects, eating other insects. The yellow jacket colony will remain active for only one summer, after which the queens will fly away to start more colonies. The remaining ones, die at the end of the summer and the nest is not reused. They can build their nests both above ground and below ground. Just like hornets, it’s best to treat either first thing in the morning or about 15 minutes after sunset.

Carpenter bees look somewhat like bumblebees. They nest in burrows or tunnels in the outer surface of wood and can be found in wood trim, or fascia and unfinished wood.  Applying a fresh coat of paint or stain to the exposed wood can help deter these pests from causing damage to your home or deck.