Bees and Wasps

If you've noticed bees or wasps building a nest near your home or business, it's best to have it inspected as soon as possible. Colonies can grow quickly during the warmer months, making them more difficult and potentially more dangerous to remove later.

Professional removal helps reduce the risk of stings and ensures the nest is handled safely, especially if it's located inside a wall, attic, roofline, or another hard-to-reach area.

Bees and wasps may look similar at first glance, but they behave differently. Bees are usually fuzzier and spend much of their time visiting flowers, while wasps have smoother bodies and are often seen flying around food, garbage, or their nests.

If you're unsure what you're seeing, a professional inspection can identify the species and determine whether removal or relocation is the best option.

Yes. Long Pest Control provides removal services for several types of bees and wasps commonly found in the Tacoma area. We tailor our approach based on the species, the nest location, and the level of activity around your property.

Some species require removal, while others may be relocated whenever practical, particularly if they play an important role in pollination.

Honey bees are valuable pollinators that help support gardens, orchards, and agricultural crops. Because of their environmental importance, every effort is made to relocate retrievable hives instead of eliminating them whenever it's safe and practical to do so.

If a honey bee colony has built a hive inside a wall or another structure, we'll evaluate the situation and determine the safest solution for both your property and the bees.

Yes. Yellow jackets are generally much more defensive than honey bees, especially during late summer and early fall when their colonies begin to decline. They may sting repeatedly if they believe their nest is being threatened.

Because yellow jackets often build nests in hidden locations, it's important to avoid disturbing the area and have the nest professionally removed.

The nesting location depends on the species. Some build nests underground, while others prefer wall voids, attics, roof eaves, trees, shrubs, or outdoor structures such as sheds and decks.

Finding the nest is one of the most important parts of the inspection because treating visible insects alone won't solve the problem if the colony remains active.

During the inspection, a technician looks for signs of insect activity, identifies the species, and locates the nest whenever possible. They'll also check for entry points and determine whether the insects have established a colony inside your home or another structure.

After the inspection, you'll receive recommendations for the safest and most effective treatment based on your specific situation.

Yes, depending on the species and where the nest is located. Honey bee hives built inside walls can store large amounts of honey, which may damage building materials over time if left untreated.

Certain wasps, such as yellow jackets, may also expand their nesting areas inside wall voids or attics, making early removal the best way to avoid larger issues.

It's best to keep your distance and avoid disturbing the nest. Attempting to spray or remove it yourself may cause the insects to become defensive, increasing the risk of multiple stings.

Instead, contact a professional who can identify the species and recommend the safest removal method based on the nest's size and location.

Paper wasps are generally less aggressive than yellow jackets, but they will defend their nests if they feel threatened. Their nests are commonly found under roof eaves, soffits, light fixtures, and other protected outdoor areas.

If a nest is located near an entrance, patio, or frequently used space, professional removal is usually the safest option.

Many wasp species, including yellow jackets and paper wasps, build new nests each season rather than reusing old ones. However, if your property offers ideal nesting conditions, new colonies may return to the same general area year after year.

Routine inspections and preventative measures can help make your property less attractive to future colonies.

Regularly inspecting your property for small nests, sealing openings around your home, and keeping outdoor areas clean can help reduce nesting opportunities. Removing food sources and standing water may also discourage certain wasp species.

Addressing potential nesting sites early in the season is often easier than dealing with a fully established colony later in the summer.

Removing a nest without the proper equipment can be risky, particularly if it's hidden inside a wall or contains a large, active colony. Disturbing the nest may trigger defensive behavior, increasing the chance of painful stings.

Professional technicians have the training and tools to remove nests safely while minimizing the risk to people and pets.

The time required depends on the species, the size of the colony, and where the nest is located. Easily accessible nests can often be addressed during a single visit, while nests inside walls or other enclosed spaces may require additional work.

Your technician will explain the process, expected timeline, and any recommendations for follow-up if needed.

Scheduling a service is easy. Simply call Long Pest Control or fill out the online contact form to request an inspection. We'll discuss your concerns, evaluate the situation, and recommend the best solution for safely removing bees or wasps from your property.

Whether you're dealing with a newly discovered nest or ongoing stinging insect activity, our team is ready to help protect your home or business.