Pest Control Questions Answered

Question
We have probably well over 50 wasps nests under the eaves of our home and our deck. There seem to be a couple of different types. We've tried everything you can buy and are wondering if our only other option is to call someone in to get rid of them. There are so many during the day they are now becoming a hazard.  Also I have recently seen on more than one occasion a large swarm of easily hundreds of bees swarming 10-15 above the ground. They are very loud, which is what first drew my attention. I've caught a glimpse of a something that was definitely not a wasp. The closest resemblance I could find was a digger bee. It had a small very round body, yellow and fuzzy looking, with a long pointy nose. Should I bee worried about this new bee? What if anything can we do? Whats attracting them to our house and yard? We live along a small creek bordering thick woods in Western Oregon. Please give me any insight you may have. Thank you.
Wasps do not overwinter as a colony.  Fertile queens go into hibernation under mulch, behind siding, in attics, and many other protected places.  Each year, a new colony is started by a queen coming out of hibernation.  Where I work, in the Mid-west, this occurs in late April to early May.  No nest of the previous season is ever re-occupied; therefore, knock down all nests in winter so that you will not mistake an empty for a new nest.  The use of permethrin, a trade name is dragnet insecticide, is appropriate to spray in the eaves and other repeat nesting areas.

The buzzing of a large swarm of bees, and its sighting could be reported to the West Oregon Beekeepers Association, or the State Agricultural offices.  They can locate a beekeeper for you.  There are many beekeepers in your State.  You could locate beekeepers in the phone book.

If you are hesitant to spray for wasps, I'd recommend hiring a professional each year when wasps start to appear.  I am not familiar with seasonal weather changes relating to Spring, in your area

George Manning
Consulting Entomologist
www.pestproblemssolved.com
American Pest Solutions