How to Kill Bumble Bees

A bumble bee.

Bumble bees live in colonies that are used for an entire year before abandonment. Each colony comprises several hundred bees, all started by a single queen, who chooses the nest location. Nests are often constructed underground, where they will be protected, but they have been known to form colonies between walls. Bumble bees are considered a hazard by many homeowners because of their tendency to sting humans who pose a threat to their colony.

Things You'll Need

• Long pants
• Lon-sleeve shirt
• Rubber bands
• Pesticide
• Vacuum cleaner

Instructions

1. Locate the nest. Bumble bees have a biological connection to their colony, and they will return there several times a day to feed the queen. Watch for bumble bees around your yard, and pay attention to the direction in which they head. Analyze the items within your property to determine likely locations for bees to colonize. This may include piles of wood, garden areas, or open wall cavities. Do not approach the nest during daytime.

2. Dress in appropriate attire before approaching any bee's nest. This includes long pants and long-sleeve shirt. The extra clothing on your skin will help protect you from stings. Use rubber bands around your wrists and ankles to keep the entryways of your clothes tight against your skin. This will keep bees from flying up into your clothing.

3. Approach the bumble bee nest only at night. Bees will return to their colony after sunset, and the activity surrounding the hive will be minimal, lessening the chance of being stung.

4. Spray insecticide specifically designated as a bee killer on the entryway to the bee colony. Use an extended spray hose to put the chemicals further down into the hive if possible, but never use your hand to lay pesticide inside a bee colony. Recommended pesticides include bendiocarb and chlorpyrifos.

5. Cover the opening of an underground bee colony with dirt or compost to aid in the killing of the colony. This will prevent the bees from escaping, allowing the pesticide to take effect. If the colony is found in a home in wall cavities, do not cover immediately. You may need to spray insecticide again to kill any remaining insects.

6. Vacuum any dead insects from the wall in your home before you attempt to repair damage.

References

• University of Minnesota: Wasp and Bee Control
• Iowa State University: Bumble Bees
• Pest Products: Bumble Bee Control