Residential Customers

Wasp, Hornet and Bee Control from Ehrlich

Protect your family from stinging insects

Being stung by a wasp, hornet or bee is a painful experience and can be life threatening to anyone who may be allergic to stings.

However, it is possible to reduce these risks by taking sensible precautions when outdoors and ensuring that wasp or bee nests are properly managed.

If you have been stung by a wasp or bee, please refer to our guide to treating insect stings. This also has information about how to avoid being stung when outdoors.

Wasp and Hornet Nests

Take care when dealing with wasps and hornets (a larger member of the wasp family) - they have a potent sting and can attack in large numbers if disturbed.

If you are experiencing high numbers of wasps or hornets in your home or yard , there may be a nest nearby.
A single nest may contain hundreds of wasps which may swarm and attack if disturbed. If the location of a nest puts people at risk, then it should be professionally destroyed.

The nest is made from chewed wood that gives them their distinctive papery walls. Queens build small nests in the spring and lay the first batch of eggs. These quickly develop into workers that soon take over nest building activities for the remainder of the season

By mid summer, wasp nests can reach considerable size. Some nests can be the size of basketballs or even larger! Common sites for a wasp and hornets nests include under the roof eaves, behind shutters or in sheds.

This risk from these insects increases towards the end of summer – it is preferable to destroy wasp and hornet nests earlier in the year before wasps become aggressive.

How to Destroy Wasp/Hornet Nests

To locate the nest, watch the flight path of returning wasps. If the nest is near the home, keep nearby windows closed. If you suspect the nest is in your attic or in a wall it is then almost always best to call a professional

You may chose to use DIY products to destroy a wasp nest yourself if the nest is easily accessible. However, if you decide to destroy the nest yourself, follow all instructions carefully. Ensure that you minimize uncovered skin including wearing gloves and a hat. Treating at night is generally recommended because wasps are less aggressive then.

Do not attempt DIY treatment if you suspect you are sensitive to the sting of wasps, if the nest is indoors or the nest is inaccessible.

Do not treat a wasp nest when on a ladder or from a raised height unless you have bee proof clothing including a headnet.

Many wasps including yellow jackets frequently construct their nests below ground and when this happens they can be especially difficult to treat. Sometimes nests are below concrete slabs or piles of rock or vegetation. In these situations it can be difficult to treat the nest and activity will continue despite your repeated attempts at control. In these situations you may consider the assistance of a professional

Stinging insect swarms are dangerous - if in doubt get professional help.

How to get rid of bees

If honey bees have invaded your home then you have the added concern of honey left behind once a colony is eliminated. Sometimes secondary insects invade or the honey drips and comes through the wall. Considering bees are highly beneficial to the environment they should only be controlled when they pose a direct threat to your home or family

If a bee nest represents a high risk (such as a nest in the home or a hospital or near those who are allergic to bee stings), It may be possible to remove the nest with the assistance of a beekeeper

Ehrlich will only destroy a bee nest or colony if it is considered a threat to people. When possible we will try to find a bee-keeper to remove the hive.