Because many species of wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and bees are protective of their nests and aggressive by nature, controlling them around the home can be an important safety issue, especially if you or any of your children are allergic to wasp or bee venom.

• Honeybees and other types of bees are attracted to most flowering plants. If bees are a concern or potential health threat, avoid planting flowering plants around patios, porches and other outdoor entertaining areas.
• Keep trash cans closed. Be careful when drinking sugary beverages outdoors, especially from cans.  Keep cans covered.
• Spray insecticide into entry/exit areas of ground nests. The best time to apply is after dusk, when the insects have returned to the colony for the night and are less active. Use extreme caution.
• Caulk or otherwise seal openings in walls or ceilings that can be attractive nest-building areas for wasps and bees.
• Use a special long-range aerosol insecticidal spray to treat aerial nests made by paper wasps, hornets nets, etc. Apply after dark to avoid being stung.

If you are allergic or extremely sensitive to stings, have a professional pest control expert remove nests.