From the category archives:

Bees and wasps

Thumbnail image for The Unknown Comic Of Bee Work

The Unknown Comic Of Bee Work

I’m not sure why but early in my career I was the one always called out for the biggest, nastiest bee jobs. Maybe it was because I wasn’t afraid of heights or perhaps I was just too stupid to realize the danger involved. In those days protective gear consisted of coveralls and maybe a bandanna [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Handling A HUGE Yellow Jacket Nest

Handling A HUGE Yellow Jacket Nest

Not to brag or anything but in almost 27 years of pest control I’ve only been stung by ‘stinging pests’ 6 or 7 times. Of those times 2 were by bees, one by a bald faced hornet (MAN DID THAT HURT) and the rest were yellow jackets. One of those times I was excavating an [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for White Faced Hornet

White Faced Hornet

Bald Faced Hornets are also known as White Faced Hornets and are generally less aggressive than their cousins the yellow jackets but will defend their nest and sting repeatedly if disturbed. This large hornet is almost an inch in length and it’s white facial markings are what gives it its name. Nests are often unnoticed [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Africanized Bees aka Killer Bees

Africanized Bees aka Killer Bees

Africanized Bees aka killer bees were developed by interbreeding European bees and bees from southern Africa by a biologists named Warwick E. Kerr. They were accidentally released in 1957 and from Brazil they have spread throughout South, Central and deep into North America advancing their range by some two hundred miles per year. Although the [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Yellow Jackets In A Wall

Yellow Jackets In A Wall

Yellow Jackets can be a real pain, figuratively and literally. They are known for their ability to repeatedly sting you but did you know they also bite? The foragers out and about are usually not a problem unless you begin swatting at them or unsuspectingly take a drink from your soda can that one has [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for How to remove a mud daubers nest

How to remove a mud daubers nest

Mud daubers are some of the most beautiful and beneficial insects. Rarely do they sting anyone and even in the event of a sting it is even rarer that it is any more than local pain and swelling. The most common problem with mud daubers is there nests. These mud chambers are built practically any [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Throwing the bees out with the bath water

Throwing the bees out with the bath water

In our never ending quest to find reliable and effective ways to control insects pestcemetery.com invites all pest control professionals to give their insights that only their training and experience can provide. I’m thrilled to hear from these great men and women and love to learn the new things they bring to the table and [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for How to avoid paper wasp stings- no fooling

How to avoid paper wasp stings- no fooling

I see about 15 to 20 paper wasps nests per day and it is part of my service to make sure they are treated and taken care before I leave my accounts. Now I could use wasp freeze to instantly zap them but at about $17.00 a can and just the time it takes to [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Can your spray prevent carpenter bees?

Can your spray prevent carpenter bees?

There are some who use the strategy of preventive spraying on eaves or exposed wood that carpenter bees may infest. I think if it were that easy everyone would be doing it and this would not be such a hot topic. Every springtime we are reminded of just how difficult it can be to treat [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Bees don’t need a ladder but Mel does

Bees don’t need a ladder but Mel does

The things we do in our business to appease a customer. Zero commision on this job but I guess the learning lesson was invaluable? I could have died or been disabled.

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Crazy bee work I’ve done

Crazy bee work I’ve done

Armed with a puff duster and a can of Aeroterm I was sent to many a job and it’s a wonder that I survived at all.

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Bee sting therapy – life on the edge?

Bee sting therapy – life on the edge?

Still some may say that apitherapy is harmless enough, after-all it’s just a self induced bee sting right? Try 80 or more self inflicted stings per day, every day

Read the full article →

The perils of the paper wasp-how not to get stung

These wasps have a tendency to warn intruders that get to close by dive bombing your face and head. This gentle nudge can be quickly followed up with a sting if you aren’t quick enough to give them room.

Read the full article →

The Deadly Cicada Killer

I have demonstrated that this huge wasp is of no harm. I have walked through the buzzing hordes and even had them land on my outstretched hand all the while the lady of the house is shrieking from behind the closed kitchen window. Nothing seems to soothe the fear that these creatures conjure up and if I’m asked once, I’m asked 1000 times; “Are you sure there is nothing you can do?”

Read the full article →

Omaf the bee sniffing dog

sniffs the air for any bees that may wander to close. If that happens he makes bee line straight for the truck and that’s where he spends the rest of his day.

Read the full article →

← Previous Entries