Category Archives: Bees

Bees, Commercial Services, News, Wasps

EPA Recommended Integrated Pest Management Tactics for Bee and Wasp Abatement

EPA Recommended Integrated Pest Management Tactics for Bee and Wasp Abatement
EPA Recommended Integrated Pest Management Tactics for Bee and Wasp Abatement

With summer heat comes the inevitable arrival of buzzy pests. Bees and wasps, feared for their stings but relied upon for their pollinating capabilities, take over yards nationwide. How can you reduce the number of these pests in your yard to tolerable levels? With these bee and wasp abatement strategies from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Integrated Pest Management Tactics for Controlling Bees & Wasps

• Put food away immediately after mealtime. 

• Clean up spills of sticky, syrupy liquids and foods immediately.

• Keep trash cans and dumpsters tightly sealed, emptying them frequently.

• Eliminate standing water, which draws pests of all kinds, fixing leaky faucets and areas with poor drainage so that they remain dry.

• Plug holes in your building structure that could allow pests entry.

• Ensure the structural integrity of vents, and window screens. Preventing bees and wasps from entering your building is the best defense.

Other Tips for Reducing the Population of Bees & Wasps on Your Premises

• Consider composting indoors, as these pests can be drawn to open compost piles.

• Clean up rotten fruit and vegetables in the garden to avoid attracting pests.

• Don’t swat wasps. They release chemicals when squashed that can incite nearby wasps to attack. Learn what to do in the vicinity of wasps.

Integrated pest management strategies for bee and wasp abatement falling short? Alleviate the sting of infestations with the help of Stern Environmental today.

Bees, News, Wasps

The University of Connecticut on Bee and Wasp Abatement – What to Know

The University of Connecticut on Bee and Wasp Abatement - What to Know
The University of Connecticut on Bee and Wasp Abatement – What to Know

Bees and wasps are valuable members of the food chain, but that doesn’t make them welcome house guests. The University of Connecticut shares helpful information about bee and wasp abatement.

Bee and Wasp Behavior

• Generally, bees and wasps won’t sting unless they detect a threat to themselves or their nests. Leave hives undisturbed unless they’re in close proximity to humans, such as near a building entrance.

• Yellow jackets, hornets and paper wasps don’t reuse nests from one year to the next. If it’s fall and the nest is in an isolated part of the property, leaving it there may be the safest course of action.

• Commercial sprays can be applied directly to the opening of a nest. Infestations inside the home may call for use of an insect bomb.

• Attic grates, vents and other small openings should be screened over or caulked to prevent bees and wasps from entering.

Treating Bee and Wasp Stings

• If the stinger is still embedded in the flesh, use a fingernail or piece of plastic to gently scrape it out.

• Apply a damp paste of table salt or baking soda to the wound and let it sit for 30 minutes.

• If the sting victim has a history of allergies, contact a doctor immediately.

Choose Stern Environmental Group for Effective Bee and Wasp Abatement

Our bee and wasp abatement services include round-the-clock emergency hive removal. Contact us for more information.

Bees, News, Stinging Insects, Wasps, Yellow Jackets

Attack Pheromones Stimulate Mass Hornet Attacks – What to Know

1 Comment
What to Know About Hornet Attacks
What to Know About Hornet Attacks

When the weather is beautiful, it can be a real pleasure to be outdoors. Whether you’re working in the garden, mowing the lawn, or just relaxing with a cool beverage on the patio. The problem is, there may be stealth-like flying insects hovering nearby.

Hornets and Pheromones

Hornets aren’t an insect you want to make angry as they become aggressive when threatened. This can lead to a stinging fray that can leave you worse for wear. When faced with a hornet population, you need the help of a NJ pest control service.

While a single sting may not be an issue repeated stings can be, especially for those with allergic reactions. When a hornet feels in jeopardy, it isn’t just the one that will be on the defense.

Hornets are social. This means just one can incite action among the entire nest by releasing an attack pheromone. If the hornet is killed, it can still release the pheromone. If the scent of the pheromone comes into contact with your clothes or skin, this can cause an attack. When this happens, it can lead to repeated stings to you and anyone or anything else, like pets, that may be nearby.

For help with hornets and their nests, the NJ pest control experts at Stern Environmental have the knowledge and equipment to deal with the situation safely. Schedule an appointment and we’ll take care of the rest.

Bees, Insect Control, News, Residential Services

Some Bees Build Nests Underground – What to Know

Some Bees Build Nests Underground - What to Know
Some Bees Build Nests Underground – What to Know

For many people, the idea of nesting bees usually brings to mind a vision of a beehive with resident bees buzzing in, out, and around the opening. This is true of some, but other bee species prefer the ground to set up their nests.

Signs of Ground Nesting

One prolific species found in the midwestern and northeastern portions of North America is Colletes. This busy bee is a loner, meaning the female takes care of constructing her nest. While she is considered to be solitary, it is not uncommon for a multitude of females to build their nests’ side by side.

In this case, you may find small mounds of soil or sand with a hole in the middle where the female lays her eggs. Depending on the landscape, the nests may be visible.

The Handling of Bees

Not all bees can sting. For example, the male Colletes inaequalis does not have a stinger, and the female uses her stinger only if being attacked.

Bees serve an important ecological service in providing pollination for fruit, trees, and flowers. Therefore, using chemicals to eliminate them is not always the best option. NJ pest control specialists are aware of this and take precaution when removing bees from a property.

For information about bee removal, the type of services we provide, and an inspection, contact Stern Environmental. Our NJ pest control experts handle problems quickly, efficiently, and safely.

Bees, Insect Control, News, Pest Control, Pest Eradication, Pest Management, Residential Services, Stinging Insects

How to Keep Wasps, Hornets and Bees from Building Hives on Your Property

How to Keep Wasps, Hornets and Bees from Building Hives on Your Property
How to Keep Wasps, Hornets and Bees from Building Hives on Your Property

When bees, hornets, or wasps invade your home’s structure, it’s important to address the situation as quickly as possible. Removing stinging insects is not something you want to attempt and why contacting a NJ pest control service is necessary.

Eliminating the “Sweet Zones” of Your Home

Most everyone has come across a beehive, wasp or hornet’s nest dangling from the eave of a roof or seen the insects flying in and out of crevices in a wall’s exterior. These “sweet spots” are the perfect location when bees, hornets, and wasps are on the lookout for prime real estate locations to build their nests.

One way to make the prospective location a less than desirable building spot is to apply a bug spray specifically formulated for these three insects. If there are no signs, yet, of any insect activity, spray along the eaves, around windows and doors, and any other place you’ve previously seen the insects. Douse the areas thoroughly so the scent will dissuade the insects from building.

If bees, wasps, or hornets have already set up a residence, contact a NJ pest control service immediately.

At Stern Environmental, we take our job seriously to provide the best services available. If you’re experiencing a hornet, bee, or wasp problem, our NJ pest control technicians are trained specialists who can take care of the situation. Call to set up an immediate appointment and be sting free.