• Wasp Wasps& Bumblebees

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Elimination

Case No. 1: Visible nest

In the summer, it is important to ensure people and pets keep away from the area while the nest is being destroyed. If the nest is visible (gray ball), spray Maheu&Maheu Wasp and Hornet Killer in the nest opening.

Ideally the work should be done at night (in total darkness). Wear coveralls buttoned up at the neck and wrists and stuff the pant legs into your socks. A protective hat with netting and thick gloves provide even greater protection.

Place a flashlight on the ground nearby. Escaping wasps will be attracted to the light beam. It is also a good idea to have some Maheu&Maheu Flying Insect Killer handy to protect yourself because its spray mist kills insects immediately.

Do not try to dislodge the nest by spraying it with water. The wasps will become more aggressive and will remain in the vicinity. They may even try to repair the nest. It is best to remove the nest shortly after killing the wasps because other insects that come to feed on the dead insects may decide to set up house in it.

If you find a visible nest in winter, you can remove it without fear because all the wasps inside will be dead.

Case No. 2: Hidden nest

In the case of German yellowjackets, the nest is usually inaccessible because it is built inside the house structure. Apply Maheu&Maheu Insecticide Dust in the opening where the wasps are entering and exiting the building. Because the dust floats in the air, it penetrates deeper into the crack and can more easily reach the nest. Do not plug the hole with the dust or with caulking because the wasps will no longer be able to leave and may make their way inside the house. Apply the dust each evening as long as you see wasps coming in and out of the hole. You can add a glue trap near the hole. The wasps will get stuck on it and the problem will be resolved more quickly than when using dust alone.

It is best to perform the operation at night (in total darkness). Wear coveralls buttoned up at the neck and wrists and stuff the pant legs into your socks. A protective hat with netting and thick gloves provide even greater protection.

Place a flashlight on the ground nearby. Escaping wasps will be attracted to the light beam. It is also a good idea to have some Maheu&Maheu Flying Insect Killer handy to protect yourself because its spray mist kills insects immediately.

Actions

  • Work after the night falls
  • Spray visible nests (paper nest) with insecticidal foam
  • Apply insecticide dust to cracks insects get in through or on surfaces (avoid forming piles)
  • Put extra glue traps in places where insects land if the nest is hard to get at

Prevention

  • Seal off outside cracks and crevices where insects could get in and build nests in structural voids.

Description and development

There are many wasp species in Quebec, and their coloration (usually yellow and black) and size vary by species. Generally speaking, adult wasps measure from 10 to 25 mm long. They have slender waists (junction between the thorax and abdomen) and their bodies are quite elongate.
Wasps are very widespread in Quebec. They are social insects that live in colonies, with one or more queens (fertilized females), workers (sterile females), and males at certain times of the year.

Habits

Like bees, wasps are very useful insects because they pollinate plants. However, when wasps build their nests near homes or even in the foundations of houses, they can become bothersome. If disturbed, they will not hesitate to defend their nests by stinging.

In contrast to bees, which can only sting once (because they leave their stingers in the victim’s skin), wasps can sting many times.

Tips

It is not recommended that people with insect sting allergies perform these tasks. Ask a friend or pest management specialist for help.

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