Bees and wasps are important pollinators but can pose a threat to humans.

Tips for Keeping Stinging Pests Away

07-11-2024 by pest expert Matthew S. Hess

Bees and wasps only become pests when they interfere with human activity. They are actually integral components of the ecosystem and play a vital role in pollination and natural pest control. While their presence is essential, the threat they pose to human activities cannot be overlooked. The painful stings and the challenge of avoiding these flying pests necessitate proactive measures to mitigate their presence. Here are several tips for keeping stinging pests away.

Protection at Home

We all want to live in a safe space that’s free of pests – especially stinging ones. However, we often make our homes and other areas almost irresistible to them, and that could spell trouble for us! Let’s look at a few ways we can lessen our contact with stinging pests near our homes.

Reduce Flowering Plants Near Areas of Human Activity

Bees and wasps are naturally drawn to flowers whether they are on the ground or in a tree. This behavior is due to their natural instinct to feed on nectar and collect pollen. Some entomological studies reveal that the color of the flowers has an impact on whether or not the bees are more drawn to a particular plant. For instance, bees are known to be more attracted to blue, purple, and yellow flowers. However, it is important to note that while flower color plays a role, the presence of flowers is ultimately what attracts these pollinators.

To prevent bees and wasps, it is crucial to minimize or restrict the planting of flowering plants near human activity and dwellings. However, promoting the growth of these same plants in areas with limited human activity is encouraged.

Flowering plants close to human dwellings and activity areas can draw stinging pests too close for comfort.

Relocating flowering plants away from human activity reduces the chances of being stung and allows these beneficial insects to forage for food.

Reduce flowering plants in landscaping by incorporating grasses and other green plants.

Replace flowering plants with grasses, evergreens, decorations and other green plants to maintain curb appeal without the stinging pests!

Decrease Open Food and Drink Containers Outdoors

Bees and wasps are drawn to nectar and sweet foods and drinks are similar enough that they also serve as a great food source. During warmer months, especially the summer, open containers of sweet food sources will attract all sorts of bees and wasps. Often you might see yellow jackets swarming around your picnic or near outdoor trash cans. Reducing these open containers and utilizing trash cans with auto-closing lids can help eliminate these pests.

open bevarage and food containers draw yellowjackets, wasps, and bees.

Open food and beverage containers lure yellowjackets, bees, and wasps close to human occupied areas. 

Trash receptacles with closing lids prevent stinging pests from accessing the contents.

Garbage receptacles with closing lids prevent stinging pests from accessing the contents.

Cut Back On Clutter and Debris Outdoors

Stored items and other stationary items often become the perfect place for bees and wasps to nest. Cutting back on outdoor clutter and items stored near the home can drastically reduce the risk of stinging pests nesting in those areas.

Clutter around a home or other area of human activity allows stinging insects plenty of places for nesting.

Clutter around human habitations and areas of high activity allow stinging pests plenty of places to nest. Then when inadvertently disturbed, they will retaliate with a vengeance. Reduce clutter to avoid nesting.

Personal Protection

Sometimes it’s less about stinging pests around the home and more about you entering their environment. Trekking through the woods, cutting down a tree, mowing the grass, and other similar things put us in their environment where we may inadvertently contact a nest or otherwise come in contact with a single insect. If you suspect you may put yourself in a similar position, here are a few ways to reduce the chances of being stung.

Insect Repellants

Warmer weather means more pests, especially those that sting! Over-the-counter insect repellants may just offer the protection you need. A variety of brands are available, many with different active ingredient formulations. These may not be fool-proof, but will certainly help and are especially great if you’re allergic to any stinging pests.

Over-the-counter and homemade insect repellants can provide protection from stinging pests when exploring outdoors.

Old Wives Tales (Life Hacks)

There are several modern “life hacks” or “old wives tales” that tout bee and wasp repellency. The following “lifehacks” supposedly help deter bees and wasps. These should be used under the contingency that their effectiveness is either unknown or unproven, and Four Seasons Pest Solutions recommends none of them.

  • Spraying white vinegar in the area can help deter bees and wasps
  • Place mint plants in areas of outdoor activity
  • Burn coffee grounds in a fireproof container
  • Hang dryer sheets in closed-in areas
  • Hang Paper Bags under eves and inside out buildings and barns
  • Vapo-rub on exposed skin (seems harsh to me)

Natural Repellants

In the realm of natural remedies for deterring insects, it is crucial to note that while essential oils such as peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus have been reported to exhibit insect-repelling properties, their efficacy may be limited in certain outdoor settings. These oils, although known for their ability to deter insects such as bees and wasps, are often associated with a relatively short duration of effectiveness when used in open outdoor environments. Additionally, it is important to highlight the possibility of achieving improved efficacy when utilizing these oils as a personal perfume, emphasizing the significance of proper dilution and skin application. Therefore, thorough research and consideration of dilution methodologies are recommended to ensure their safe and effective use.

Professional Control

Sometimes the only thing that works is professional control. If you’re dealing with stinging pests around your home or other structures, Four Seasons Pest Solutions is here to help. If you’re allergic, be sure to keep your distance and let our staff know the urgency of the matter. Hopefully, you already have an Epi-pen and are prepared for a possible sting. If not, make that a priority for your health and safety. But remember, you don’t have to fight pests when you have Four Seasons on your side! Give us a call!

When you need pest control, you need Four Seasons Pest Solutions. Any Pest. Any Season. We're the Solution!

When all else fails, or if you prefer not to DIY, calling Four Seasons Pest Solutions is simple. We’ll take the sting out of stinging pests!