Insects & Pests · Reference · Basic
Living Near Bees and Wasps Without Getting Stung
What to do when one insect finds you, what to wear and skip, and when to leave a nest to a professional.
This is for educational purposes only. Not professional medical, electrical, or safety advice.
Warning
Anyone with a known sting allergy should never attempt nest removal. Call a professional.
- 01
One insect: stay calm and don't swat
Swatting reads as a threat. Move slowly and calmly away from the insect, and give it a way to leave.
- 02
Dress and smell boring
Wear light-colored, smooth-finished clothing. Skip perfumes and strongly scented toiletries, and avoid bright floral patterns. Loose, flowing clothing can trap an insect against skin, so keep it out of the bee area — and don't go barefoot outdoors.
- 03
Guard the sugar
Keep food covered and keep sweet drinks capped or poured from a spout. Look into your cup before you sip when wasps are working the table.
- 04
Leave nests alone
Do not disturb, harass, or knock down hives and nests. Arrange professional removal for a nest where people sleep, work, or play.
- 05
Allergic people do not do this job
Anyone with a known sting allergy should not attempt removal at all, no matter how small the nest looks. Hand it to a professional.