Wasp and Bee Removal in Philadelphia, PA

Should a homeowner knock down a wasp nest?

No. Knocking down a nest can release a large number of stinging insects at once, and the homeowner is then the target. A technician uses protective gear and a planned approach, which makes removal safer. Keep people and pets away from the nest and call before trying to remove it yourself.

A wasp nest is defended by its colony, and the defenders react quickly when the nest is disturbed. A broom, a hose or a stick can set off a dozen stings in seconds, and running away does not always help. The safest step is to keep clear of the nest and call a technician.

A nest that is not in a path can often be left alone until the season ends, and many nests are abandoned once the colony has finished. The technician will say whether the nest needs to be removed now or can wait, based on where it is and who uses the space.

How dangerous are wasp and bee stings?

A sting is painful, and most people have only a local reaction. A severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening and needs emergency care. People who have had a serious reaction before, or who have multiple stings, should seek medical help right away and carry any medicine their doctor has prescribed.

The seriousness of a sting depends on the person. A local swelling, redness and pain are common and usually fade in a few days. Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness after a sting are signs of a serious reaction and need emergency services at once.

Anyone with a known allergy to stings should discuss the plan with a doctor before a nest is treated. Keeping the nest location known to the household, and keeping the emergency number handy, reduces the time it takes to get help.

Why do wasps and bees nest near houses in Philadelphia?

Wasps and bees look for sheltered spots, and a rowhouse porch, eave or gutter offers both shelter and a warm surface. The tight spacing between houses means a nest can sit close to a neighbor's windows and steps, so the approach needs to consider those spaces as well as the one house.

Old porches and decorative brackets have many small hollows, and those become starting points for paper wasps. Gutters and the soffit above a bay window create similar spaces. Once a nest is established, the colony may return to the same spot in later seasons if the site is not cleared.

The yard matters too. Sugary waste, open trash and fallen fruit draw yellowjackets, and a nest in the ground often sits near a step or a fence line. A technician will point out the attractions that can be removed.

What can a household do while waiting for a visit?

Keep doors and windows closed near the nest, cover sweet drinks and food outdoors, and keep children and pets away from the area. Do not attempt removal, and do not spray a nest with a household product, because that can provoke the colony. Mark the location so the technician can find it quickly.

A short note helps. Record the spot, the time of day the insects are most active and whether anyone has been stung. Photographs from a safe distance are useful too, because they show the nest's size and location without anyone going close.

Trash should be kept in lidded bins, and food and drink left outdoors should be covered. A plate of fruit on a table by the door can draw yellowjackets to the same spot repeatedly, so moving those items helps while the nest is being planned.

• Keep children and pets clear of the nest area
• Cover food, drink and trash bins outdoors
• Do not spray the nest or try to knock it down