When Wasps & Bees are a pain, call crane.
Extermination & Control
Crane Pest Solutions’ Approach
Crane safely removes wasp nests and bee hives from homes and properties. They use eco-friendly methods to relocate bees when possible, particularly honeybees, due to their importance as pollinators. For wasps, they use insecticides to eliminate nests and prevent further infestations. Ongoing inspections and nest removal are recommended, especially in the late summer and fall, when wasp activity is highest.
Bug Identification
Common Names: Wasps and Bees
Scientific Names:
Yellowjacket Wasp: Vespula spp.
Paper Wasp: Polistes spp.
Honey Bee: Apis mellifera
Bumblebee: Bombus spp.
Seasonal Behavior
Most Active: Spring through fall.
Behavior: Wasps and bees are highly active in warmer months, building nests and foraging for food. Bees are essential pollinators, while wasps can become aggressive, particularly in late summer when they search for food near homes or outdoor gatherings.
Minnesota-Specific Climate Impact
Impact of Weather: Minnesota’s warm summers increase wasp and bee activity. In spring and summer, bees are beneficial pollinators. Wasps become a more significant nuisance in late summer and fall as their food sources diminish, causing them to be more aggressive. Wasps typically die off in winter, while bees hibernate in hives.
Habitat & Entry Points
Habitat: Wasps build nests in sheltered areas such as eaves, attics, and trees. Bees typically form colonies in hollow trees, wall cavities, or beekeepers' hives. Both can enter homes through gaps in siding, under eaves, or via chimneys.
Entry Points: Wasps and bees can enter through small openings, vents, or cracks around windows, doors, or attics. Wasps may also nest in garages or sheds.
Damage & Risks
Damage: Wasps can be aggressive and sting multiple times, posing a risk to people with allergies. Bees generally sting only when threatened but can pose a danger if their hive is disturbed. Nests in walls or attics can cause damage to structures and require professional removal.
Signs of Infestation: Sightings of wasps or bees near your home, buzzing sounds, nests under eaves or in trees, and increased activity around flowers, garbage, or outdoor food.
Prevention Tips
Preventive Measures: Seal cracks and gaps around your home, avoid leaving food or sugary drinks outside, and remove nests when spotted early (professionally for large infestations). Avoid using perfumes or bright colors outdoors, as they attract wasps and bees.
FACT
Bees are vital to pollination, with honeybees alone responsible for pollinating over 80% of all flowering crops.
myth
All wasps are aggressive—paper wasps are generally non-aggressive and only become defensive if their nest is disturbed.
Contact Us
Crane Pest Solutions is a small locally owned pest control company serving Commercial and Residential properties in SE MN. Where we want to help give you peace of mind through education and services. We have over a decade of experience serving the SE MN area and the issues specific to our area.