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Bee/Wasp/Hornet Pest Control

Bees are robust, hairy insects often colored black and yellow. Colony-forming species like honey bees and bumblebees live in hives or cavities, building wax combs to rear young. While bees are beneficial pollinators, a large colony near living areas poses a risk of multiple stings. Signs of a bee infestation include many bees flying around a particular spot, visible honeycomb, or swarms gathering at an entrance. Removing the hive or nest entirely is the only way to eliminate a bee problem. Professional pest control (often working with beekeepers for honey bees) can safely extract the entire colony and comb. Because honey and wax can attract other pests and damage structures, homeowners should not attempt bee removal themselves. Technicians ensure complete removal of bees and comb, treating the area so the infestation is resolved and preventing future incursions.

Wasps, such as paper wasps and yellowjackets, are slender, smooth-bodied insects often marked in black, brown, and yellow. They are about 2–3 cm long and build nests from chewed wood fibers. Paper wasps construct umbrella-shaped, grayish nests under eaves, rafters, or branches, while yellowjackets often nest underground or in wall cavities. These social wasps fiercely defend their colonies and deliver painful stings that can trigger allergic reactions. Yellowjackets in particular are among the most dangerous stinging insects in the U.S. A single nest may contain hundreds of wasps, and activity usually peaks in late summer. Signs of an infestation include seeing a papery nest attached to structures, swarms of wasps near doors or trash cans, or hearing a persistent buzzing sound. Because disturbing a wasp nest can provoke multiple stings, professional pest control is strongly recommended.

FAQs

How can I tell if I’m dealing with bees, wasps, or hornets?
Bees look rounder and fuzzier, built for pollen; wasps/hornets are sleeker with a narrow “waist” and shiny bodies. Social wasps (yellowjackets, paper wasps) and hornets build paper nests; honey bees form wax combs and swarms (a temporary clump of bees). Behaviour matters too: wasps/hornets defend nests aggressively; honey bees sting once and die, while wasps can sting multiple times. Correct ID guides the response: honey bee swarms should be rehomed by a beekeeper; wasp/hornet nests near people often warrant professional removal.
Most stings cause brief pain and swelling, but multiple stings or allergic reactions can be serious. Social wasps and hornets defend nests vigorously, especially in late summer. If a nest is near entrances, play areas, or high-traffic spots, treat it as a safety risk and keep people/pets away until a professional assesses it. Use regulated methods and avoid DIY approaches that can agitate the colony.

Do not spray or disturb it. Swarms are usually transient and non-defensive while they’re clustering. In Toronto/Ontario, contact a local beekeeper/swarm rescue to relocate the bees alive. If bees have moved into a wall or structure, you’ll need a removal expert who can open and repair the area properly. (Ontario Beekeepers’ Association)

Yes—only when there’s a public-safety concern. City policy is to leave nests when possible because many wasps are beneficial predators; call 311 if a nest is on a City tree or overhanging a public space. For nests on private property, contact a licensed pest professional. (City of Toronto)

DIY nest jobs are risky. Disturbance can trigger mass stinging, and improper pesticide use can harm people, pets, and pollinators. In Canada, only use products with a PCP registration number and follow the label exactly—better yet, hire a pro who uses tamper-resistant methods and safety protocols. (Canada.ca)

Paper wasps build open, umbrella-like combs; they’re less aggressive unless the nest is disturbed. Yellowjackets are stockier, often nesting in wall voids or ground cavities, and defend colonies vigorously—common culprits in outdoor stings. “Hornet” in Ontario often refers to bald-faced hornets (a type of wasp) that build large aerial paper nests and respond aggressively to threats.
Treat it as urgent if (a) allergic individuals are present, (b) there are repeated stings, or (c) the nest is close to doors, play sets, paths, or pet runs. Keep a clear buffer and book a professional assessment. For honey bee clusters, arrange live relocation through a beekeeper.
Pros start with identification and a site risk assessment, then choose targeted controls (selective dusts/foams for wasps/hornets; live removal for honey bees) and schedule work at low-activity times. They use containment, PPE, and follow-up checks to confirm success and advise on sealing or habitat changes that reduce future nesting.

Aerosols can knock down small, accessible wasp nests, but they’re risky around structures and people, and misuse can expose pollinators. If you do use a product, verify the PCP number, apply per label, and avoid spraying flowering plants. For anything larger, hidden, or high up—call a pro. (Canada.ca)

Reduce food and shelter: cover bins, clean up outdoor eating areas, and repair screens/soffits. Seal gaps around eaves and utility lines, cap voids, and remove abandoned nests in winter (they won’t be reused). Plant with pollinator-safe practices and avoid unnecessary pesticide use on flowers. (Canada.ca)

Annual paper wasp/yellowjacket/hornet nests aren’t reused; new queens start fresh each spring. However, the same sites are attractive year after year. Removing old nests in the off-season and sealing access points helps prevent a repeat.
Adopt an IPM plan: routine exterior inspections, waste controls (tight-fitting lids, scheduled pickups), staff training for safe response, and rapid escalation to a licensed provider for any active nest. Keep logbooks, map historic nest sites, and schedule off-hours treatments to limit disruption.

When work is done by licensed professionals following Canadian labels, risk is minimized. Pros choose the least-disruptive method, avoid blooming plants, and use targeted applications. Homeowners should follow re-entry guidance and keep pets/kids away until the site is cleared. (Canada.ca)

Often, yes. Yellowjackets commonly exploit gaps in siding/soffits. Honey bees form wax combs with steady in-and-out traffic; wasps build paper nests and may show abrupt, defensive flights near the entry. A pro can confirm species quickly and choose removal or relocation accordingly.
Move to safety, remove the stinger only if it’s a bee (scrape, don’t squeeze), wash the area, apply a cold pack, and use an oral antihistamine for itch/swelling if appropriate. Watch for signs of anaphylaxis (trouble breathing, swelling of face/throat, dizziness)—call 911 immediately if suspected.
Evidence is limited. Decoy nests may deter some paper wasps at very close range, but they’re unreliable. Ultrasonic devices lack strong data for outdoor, free-flying wasps. Focus on sanitation, sealing, and prompt removal of active nests for dependable results.

Yes: plant diverse, native flowers, water in the morning, and avoid insecticides on blooms. Provide distance between seating/play areas and flowering borders, and address wasp attractants (exposed food, sugary bins). For honey bee issues, arrange beekeeper relocation instead of chemical knockdown. (Ontario)

Pricing varies by species, nest size, height/location, and after-hours urgency. Ground or low paper nests are simpler; soffit/wall void nests or structural honeybee removals (cut-out and repairs) cost more. Most providers can quote after a quick assessment; honeybee swarm rescues may even be free via beekeepers. (ontariobeerescue.com)

No. Honey bees are typically relocated alive by beekeepers; wasps/hornets are controlled and nests removed with targeted methods. Reputable Toronto providers differentiate first, then propose either live removal (bees) or safe eradication (wasps/hornets), with prevention advice after. (Urban Toronto Beekeepers’ Association)

Early morning or late evening—when most wasps are in the nest and flight activity is low—improves efficiency and reduces risk to bystanders. Professionals also consider weather (cool, calm conditions) for safer treatments and better results.