Meat bees, commonly known as yellowjackets, are notorious for crashing outdoor barbecues and picnics. These wasps are attracted to protein-rich foods like meat and can quickly turn a fun gathering into a painful experience with their aggressive stings. If you’re wondering how to get rid of meat bees and reclaim your outdoor space, this article is here to help with practical, easy-to-follow advice.
What Are Meat Bees?
Meat bees are actually yellowjackets, a type of wasp that feeds on proteins and sugars. Unlike honeybees, they are more aggressive and territorial, especially around food. They build nests underground or in hidden cavities and can be a real nuisance during warm months when they seek out meat and sweet drinks.
Why You Should Act Early
The best time to tackle meat bees is early in the season, around March or early spring. This is when queens emerge and start new colonies. Removing or trapping queens early can drastically reduce the number of workers later in the summer, potentially cutting down the population by thousands.
How to Get Rid of Meat Bees: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Set Up Homemade Meat Bee Traps
A simple and effective trap can be made at home using common kitchen items:
– Roll up a slice of ham or turkey and thread it on a skewer.
– Fill an old plastic bowl with water and pour vegetable oil on top to create a thin oily layer.
– Place the meat skewer just above the water surface, ensuring the meat does not touch the water.
– The bees are attracted to the meat and when they come down to drink water, they get trapped in the oily water and drown.
This trap works well because it targets yellowjackets’ need for protein and water. Place traps early and check them regularly to reduce the population.
2. Use Soda Bottle Traps with Sweet Bait
Another popular DIY trap involves a 2-liter soda bottle:
– Cut off the top third of the bottle.
– Invert the cut top inside the bottle to form a funnel.
– Fill the bottom with sugar water mixed with a few drops of dish soap.
– Hang the trap outside away from your main activity area.
Bees enter the bottle attracted by the sweet liquid but get trapped inside and eventually die. This method is especially useful for catching wasps drawn to sugary foods.
3. Remove or Treat the Nest
If you can locate the nest, it’s often the most effective way to get rid of meat bees:
– Wear thick protective clothing (long sleeves, gloves, face mask).
– Spray the nest with a wasp or insecticide spray in the late evening or early morning when bees are less active.
– Repeat treatment if necessary until no more bee activity is observed.
– Once the bees are gone, remove the nest to prevent new colonies from moving in.
If the nest is hard to reach or large, consider hiring a professional for safe removal.
4. Maintain Cleanliness and Remove Food Sources
Reducing attractants can help keep meat bees away:
– Keep outdoor garbage cans tightly sealed.
– Clean up food spills and leftovers promptly.
– Avoid leaving pet food outdoors.
– Cover or remove hummingbird feeders and sugary drinks during peak wasp season.
5. Use Natural Deterrents
Some natural methods may help repel meat bees:
– Spray a mixture of half vinegar and half water around areas where bees are active. The strong smell can discourage them from settling.
– Plant bee-repelling herbs like mint or eucalyptus near outdoor eating areas.
Safety Tips When Dealing with Meat Bees
– Always wear protective clothing when handling traps or nests.
– Perform treatments in cooler parts of the day when bees are less active.
– If you are allergic to stings, avoid DIY removal and seek professional help.
– Keep an epinephrine injector nearby if you have a known allergy.
When to Call a Professional
If the infestation is large or the nest is inaccessible, professional pest control services can safely and effectively remove meat bees. Experts have the right equipment and knowledge to handle aggressive colonies without risk to you or your family.
Getting rid of meat bees is all about early action, effective trapping, and removing their food sources. With the right approach, you can enjoy your outdoor meals and gatherings without the fear of painful stings.
Keep your cool, follow these tips, and those pesky meat bees won’t stand a chance!