How to Kill Wasp and Bee Larvae
Wasps and bees play a vital role in the environment in regards to pollination and controlling the numbers of certain insects, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. However, wasp and bee stings are dangerous and can negatively impact human health. Wasp and bee larvae hatch and grow deep inside the hives or nests. To kill the larvae an individual must successfully treat and kill the entire nest. In most cases, multiple treatments are required to adequately kill all of the insects and the larvae.
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Locate the wasp or bee nest by following the patterns of the insects and determining where the majority of them are congregating. It is important to determine the size of the nest for deciding the best approach for killing the nest and the larvae that is inside. It is important to kill wasp and bee nests as soon as possible to avoid major issues, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
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Purchase a selection of wasp- and bee-killing pesticides at a local home improvement or gardening store. Regular wasp or hornet spray can be used to kill the insects that are flying around the nest or positioned on the outside of the nest, according to the Pest Products website. Insecticide powder is recommended for killing the entire nest including the larvae that are inside.
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Put on thick clothing, a face mask and gloves to adequately protect the skin during the extermination process. An excessive number of bee or wasp stings can send an individual to the emergency room with life-threatening complications, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The wasps and bees will become agitated, so extreme caution must be used.
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Perform the extermination process early in the morning when the bees or wasps are slower and less active. Spray insecticide on all of the insects that are flying around or positioned on the outside of the nest. Pour insecticide powder into the various cavities within the nest to kill the remaining insects and the larvae, according to The Pest Products website.
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Check the nest a few days after the initial treatment to determine if further extermination is required. If a nest is in the wall of a home or building, it may be necessary to use a saw to cut a hole and gain access to the insects. Once the nest has been killed completely, it should be removed.
References
Tips
- If a honey bee nest is located, search on the Internet to determine if a beekeeper or honey business is nearby. Many beekeepers will come and safely remove and relocated the entire nest without killing the bees.
Warnings
- If an individual is not comfortable working around a nest or if the nest is large, a professional exterminator should be contacted.
Writer Bio
Shannon Johnson has been a freelance writer since 2008, specializing in health and organic and green-living topics. She practiced law for five years before moving on to work in higher education. She writes about what she lives on a daily basis.
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