Bees | Select another Frequently Asked Question

Question: How do I get rid of "Mining" or "Burrowing" bees? I am trying different things that do not seem to work.

Answer: A "Digger Wasp" may be what you are referring to when you say "burrowing bee." There are many different common names for this wasp. They are considered beneficial because they feed on beetle larvae which infest your lawn. If you wish to remove the infestation you should consider having you lawn treated for grubs. Eliminating the food source is a long term solution and the treatment should also discourage the wasp from feeding in your lawn.

Question: Two or more bee nests (underground) have been discovered in my back yard. What do I do?

Answer: If you decide the professional route is not for you, you should consider injecting a pesticide dust inside the bees nesting area and around the outside of the hole. Wear a Bee suit! The treatment should be done at night or during a rainfall. The will be less active at this time (do not attempt a treatment unless the bees are inactive or you may get stung.) After the dust has been applied, the bees will die out over a period of days. Always be sure to follow label instructions. You should let a professional handle this as some species, like yellowjackets, can be very aggressive when disturbed.

Question: Have just moved into new house. Low on funds. Would appreciate your advice. Thick and old honeysuckle bushes in back on and around fence. Many bumblebees coming out of bushes and terrifying us when on our deck. I can't get the bushes chopped down until I kill the bees. What do you suggest?

Answer: You could try doing it after dusk using flashlights or during days when there is a light rain. Most likely the bees will not be out at these times.

Question: Have you ever seen a massive carpenter bee infestation? Would it cause a black film to seep through the clapboards on a house? How can I clean this stuff off?

Answer: I have seen the excrement of carpenter bees splashed against the siding opposite the entrance to there holes. It looks like a blackish-yellow mixture caked onto the house. I've never tried to clean it off so I'm not sure what the best method would be. Call a professional to confirm your diagnosis.