Wasps and Bumble Bee problems

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

Last couple years I have had paper wasps in my outside storage. Couple shots of the "Steffi Friendly" spray can and they died. This year, they or one of their cousin breeds, have a hole in one of my garden raised beds near the frame. I figured the first thing I would do is to put a wasp trap near them. I put it too near them and they got mad. As I walked through the garden later in the day, one found me and left his mark. So out comes the spray and I showed no mercy. Then an hour later comes the garden hose and they get flooded. Later in the day I bought a non Steffi friendly spray and gave 'em hell with that spray. I will hit them again after sunset so they are in their home.

Next, I have the bubble bees or what every they are called. These are the ones that are about the same size as humming bird. Well...when they are flying at you, that is how big they look. They have moved in under the front cement steps. I hate to kill them, but don't want to have a fight with them too. I would end up loosing.

Do it just kill them and be done with it, or is there another option?

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

if they are nesting by the front door I don't see how you avoid killing them! Bumble bees are one of the few that can sting repeatedly.

[falmouth3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close falmouth3]

Just as long as they aren't honey bees!

We recently had a colony of honey bees set up shop in a crack next to the chimney. While I was contacting a former co-worker who was a bee keeper, DH called an exterminator. Exterminators can't kill honey bees - at least that's what we were told. My friend had to cut through some wall board to get the bees, but they are now in a new home and we are bee-free.

Sue

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

Okay, at sunset, the mad man with the spray can will do double attack on flying insects.

[Pstreet1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Pstreet1]

When we moved to Arizona, we had a swarm killed; I was surprised because I thought they would attempt to move them or something. Maybe what they are allowed to do with bees depends on state/county law.

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

After all the rounds of attacking the wasps with the sprays and the water, I went back to give them a final blast of spray, but all I found was dead bodies. I did get a small hoe and dug around and found no other wasps. Even if there were any alive, I don't think they would hang around as there is no home anymore.

I did spray into the bumble bee opening too. I think I need to get some foam in a can and spray that opening shut. I'll seal up all openings and get ready for winter.

My arm still itches. I may have won the war, but that wasp won the battle.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

Wasps, white tailed hornets and bumble bees abound around here and I just leave them alone unless wasps start building in a boat. It's quiet around here and they are generally very docile. Yellow jackets however, get my immediate and continued attention as they are very nasty and hostile. I can't remember ever being stung in 31 years of living here.