How to Control Honey Bee Infestations
Honey bees thrive throughout the continental United States and survive the winter, which kills most other bees. Because of this, honey bee colonies can swell to contain 50,000 or more members. Honey bees do not damage crops or livestock, but a honey bee infestation still holds a degree of danger. Irritated honey bees painfully sting people and animals considered to be threats. Many people are allergic to bee stings. Control of a honey bee infestation means finding and eliminating the nest. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Heavy gloves
- Long-sleeved shirt and pants
- Drill (optional)
- Insecticide
- Shovel or stick
- Rag
- Liquid dish detergent
- Sealant
Instructions
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Dress in clothes that show as little skin as possible. Wear heavy gloves, pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pants into socks and sleeves into gloves, respectively.
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2
Locate the nest. Look for a waxy hive, often found in tree hollows, wall voids, between large rocks or in a similarly dark and cavernous location.
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Approach the nest at night, using a light source covered in red cellophane. If the nest is located in an inaccessible area, use a drill to create holes through walls or wood and into the nest itself.
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4
Spray the nest directly with an aerosol insecticide. Aim for the entrance. Follow the directions on the labeling. Apply dust-based insecticides, rather than an aerosol insecticide, to the pre-drilled holes when combating inaccessible nests.
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Watch for honey bees. Spray again every three days until all bees are destroyed.
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Smash apart the hive with a shovel or stick once all bees are dead. Remove the hive from the wood, dispose of any remains and wash the wood with a mixture of warm water and dish detergent until no traces of honey remain. Dry the wood completely and apply a sealant or varnish to the wood to prevent other bees from taking over the location. Seal any entrance holes if possible.
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References
- Photo Credit Grove Pashley/Photodisc/Getty Images
