Bumblebees: are important pollinators and are used for agricultural purposes (pollinating plants that other species of bee are too small to access). Bees are beneficial, as they are important pollinators. As a rule, if a nest is located on the back of a property, in an out-of-the-way area, leave it alone. If the nest is under a front step or a back deck and there is a real safety hazard, then contact your pest control service technician at Peregrine for the right advice. Contrary to popular opinion, bumblebees can sting, and will do so repeatedly, since their stinger does not have barbs and can be used more than once. Bumblebee colonies tend to be smaller than colonies of honey bees and may have as few as 50 members. They like to nest either directly on the ground, in holes or under solid objects. Bumblebee nests generally last only for one season since the old queen dies off as winter approaches and the younger queens, who have mated in late autumn, hibernate until the warmer weather tempts them out to start a new colony; however, if the old nest is not destroyed a new colony may be started in, or near it, the following year. That’s why it’s important to destroy the nests of bumblebees that are causing a nuisance at the end of each season.
Yellow Jackets: are among the most persistent of wasps and often appear at barbecues and picnics. They are attracted by the smells of soda, grilled meat and (believe it or not) human sweat. Wasps seek salty moisture, which is why, in hot, humid weather, yellow jackets can be the most problematic. Perfumes, colognes and even bright colours are also attractive to them. Adult yellow jackets feed on nectar, but they scavenge our picnic food to carry off for feeding the young in the nest. Yellow jackets are often more problematic as the summer progresses and as the nest size increases with the season. Nests are generally located at ground level or below ground, often at the edge of forests or wooded areas, and sometimes in wood stumps or fallen branches. Most yellow jackets die off as the cold season approaches — except for young, mated females, which hibernate over winter ready to start new colonies in the spring. The best way to deal with a yellow jacket problem is to find the nest and eliminate it; however, if the nest is inside a space in external walls, don’t ever try to get rid of it from the outside — you will just drive them deeper into your residence.
Hornet: nests are known for their large, football-shaped paper nest. The nest is one of the largest of wasp nests and can be up to 14 inches (35 cm) in diameter and 23 inches (60 cm) in length. The bald-faced hornet is protective of the nest and will sting repeatedly if disturbed. This wasp is more aggressive than most yellow jackets and the nest should be observed only from a distance. It is common to find the nests hanging from trees, soffits, and other objects around the home.
