RADIO TRANSCRIPT
Date: July 30, 2020
Agent: Donna Teasley

Hello, this is Donna Teasley, horticulture agent with the North Carolina Cooperative
Extension, Burke Center.

Burke County residents are starting to find yellow jacket nests and hornets nests around their homes and yards. This is a typical mid-summer find for our area. Actually the nests have been present since early spring but the population of bees has just now grown to where it is being noticed by homeowners.

Yellow jackets and hornets, unlike honeybees live for only one year. Nests are abandoned at summer's end and only next year's queen will survive the winter. Old nests are never reused. Yellow jackets most often nest in the ground. Nests are found at the base of trees and shrubs and on occasion in attics and walls. Hornets usually build their nests in trees and shrubs or under roof overhangs. Hornets nest have an easily recognizable gray colored nest that is often football shaped.

The best way to get rid of hornet or yellow jacket nests is to purchase a wasp and hornet spray. This spray will deliver a long stream of pesticide directly into the nest opening. This should be done around dusk after the bees have returned to the nest. A second application may be necessary to completely eradicate the bees. Never pour gasoline down a hole or try to burn out a nest. This is extremely dangerous and totally unnecessary. Commercial sprays are very effective and convenient to use and are the best choice for the homeowner.

This is Donna Teasley with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke Center. If you would like more information about this program you can call us at 439-4460.