The Best Ways To Deal With Unwanted Bees And Wasps In Michigan

As the weather warms up in Michigan, you may find yourself dealing with the unwelcome presence of bees, wasps, and other stinging insects around your place.

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While these insects play important roles as pollinators and predators of other pests, their nests can pose a safety risk, especially for those with allergies.

The first step is to properly identify the type of stinging insect you are dealing with.

In Michigan, the most common culprits are paper wasps, yellowjackets, and bald-faced hornets (which are actually a type of yellowjacket).

Paper wasps have a distinctive grey, round nest with a honeycomb pattern, often found under eaves or overhangs.

Yellowjackets build larger nests, sometimes underground, with a grey and black paper-like covering.

Bald-faced hornets construct large, teardrop-shaped nests, typically in trees or on the sides of buildings.

Honeybees and carpenter bees are also present in Michigan, but these tend to be less aggressive and are important pollinators, so they are generally not considered pests to be removed.

Read More: Experts Share How To Keep Pesky Ants Out Of Your Michigan Home

When it comes to getting rid of unwanted wasp or yellowjacket nests, experts advise caution.

These insects can be highly aggressive, especially in late summer and fall when their colonies are largest.

Attempting to remove a nest yourself can be extremely dangerous and is best left to professional pest control companies.

If you do decide to tackle the problem yourself, the safest approach is to wait until after dark when the insects are less active and use a spray specifically formulated for stinging insects.

Avoid disturbing the nest during the day, as this is more likely to provoke an attack.
It's also important to take preventive measures to discourage nesting in the first place.

Seal up any cracks or crevices around your home, keep trash cans covered, and remove any standing water sources that could attract insects.

Maintaining your lawn and garden can also help, as paper wasps are less likely to build nests in well-kept areas.

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I try to fix things on my own but when it comes to wasps I would call in an expert.