Many people use the word “Bee” to describe all flying, stinging insects. Honeybees often make their nests in houses. However, many wasps and hornets also make nests in homes.
An inspection is the first step in eliminating an unwanted nest of stinging insects. Watch them as they fly. Are they active in the daytime or at night? European hornets fly at night. Most other wasps and bees are active during the day.
Do they come and go from an opening on the house? Is there a paper nest hanging from a tree limb or from the eaves of the house? They might be paper wasps or bald-faced hornets. Or are they flying in and out of a hole in a tree or a burrow in the ground? Yellow jackets, bumblebees and some solitary bees make nests in the ground. If the nest opening is visible, use binoculars to look at the nest.
Since honeybees are valuable as pollinators, beekeepers will often come and remove a colony from a home. This may not be allowed in some areas, but it is worth a phone call.
If they are not honeybees, or if the beekeeper cannot come to remove them, Insecticide is probably necessary. Insecticide treatments can be challenging. Insecticide treatments for bees and wasps are most effective when they are done after dark while all of the insects are at the nest.
Sometimes tiny holes have to be drilled in walls so insecticide can be injected. Dust applications must be made carefully to avoid making a mess. Work is often done at the top of a ladder. Many people prefer to call a pest control professional to treat for bees or wasps.
The pest control professional can help with the inspection and can make the insecticide applications. He or she will have all of the treating equipment and safety equipment to prevent stings.
If the insects were honeybees, the homeowner should arrange to have all of the honey and honeycomb removed after the treatment is done. If these materials are left in a wall or an attic, they might melt in hot weather. This would cause an unpleasant odor and possibly an unsightly stain. It could also attract insect scavengers.