Ground Bees!!

[airedale]

So the wife was doing some mowing with a walk behind and stirred up a ground Hornet's nest that was just built under my snow pusher blade, she got nailed a couple of times on her leg. Nothing new around here, through the years I have attacked and stung several times when mowing, those suckers will chase you right into your house. They seem to build those nests fast because one minute there are none and the next time mowing you catch their wrath. I have found the best way to get them is at night, dig out the top layer of dirt to get at the nest and pour some gas on it and touch it off. This time I used that strong vinegar weed killer concoction I made up for poison ivy and that seemed to do them in pretty well. I like the idea in the video below except I do not own a bee proof suit.

al

 

 

[landtracdeerhunter]

They can get a little nasty. Remember, bees aim for the eyes on a predator. The only reason they miss, is because you moved.

[First-light]

4 hours ago, airedale said:

So the wife was doing some mowing with a walk behind and stirred up a ground Hornet's nest that was just built under my snow pusher blade, she got nailed a couple of times on her leg. Nothing new around here, through the years I have attacked and stung several times when mowing, those suckers will chase you right into your house. They seem to build those nests fast because one minute there are none and the next time mowing you catch their wrath. I have found the best way to get them is at night, dig out the top layer of dirt to get at the nest and pour some gas on it and touch it off. This time I used that strong vinegar weed killer concoction I made up for poison ivy and that seemed to do them in pretty well. I like the idea in the video below except I do not own a bee proof suit.

al

 

 

Hey I enjoyed that. That guys Dr. Dolittle! lol Hope your wife is ok. I had two big nests at my house this year. 1 under the deck which I just spayed. The other was in the roof of the front porch. I got stung on that one. Had a welt for about three days on my neck. Black hornets. 

[Daveboone]

About two years ago, I was mowing the lawn up at my camp when I drove over a nest of white headed wasps (ground bees). They were all over me before I knew what was going on. In a panic, I ran inside to get away from them, trying to brush them off me. They followed me in. In the process, I was stung...alot. My guess, about 75 times, mostly along my R hand, ankles, lower legs and feet. I pulled off my socks, to find them down inside them, and in my pants leg. I was in a bit of a panic ,and knew this could be serious. I grabbed our allergy relief benadryl and took four, then went to my neighbors explaining what happened, asking to stay there for an hour or so to be sure I didnt have a severe reaction. Luckily, I didnt...but an hour later, I was still picking them off. 

I called the wife to tell her what was happeining, and headed home....it was a long drive, and the next few days were the most miserable I ever had. I had to call in sick a few days, and two months later, my R hand was still swollen twice the size. 

It took a couple weeks, but we returned to the camp with a vengeance.....fire bombed and dug up the nest, and several others we found. Everything has its place...but not those little bastards.

My recommendations...dont do what I did....IF you get attacked with multple bites...get around someone to watch you, and dont be shy about going to urgent care/ED.

[Moho81]

Funny you post this. Just this past weekend I was on vacation in Sodus Bay at an AirBnB. Got back one afternoon and parked my truck one spot over from where I was parking in the grassy driveway in front of the garage. A few hours go by and we decide to take a walk, I just have to grab the umbrella out of the bed of my truck in case it rains. I drop the tailgate and inside the bed are at least a dozen bees and they are not happy! My wife got stung once before we where able to back away and assess the situation. 

Turns out I parked my truck in such a way that the right rear tire covered the entrance to their ground nest and they where working there way into my covered truck bed trying to get back home! I think we where both lucky that it was a cool and rainy day so the bees where not super worked up.  

[jperch]

First Light I have a suggestion that I have learned for the ground bees.  It's a little safer and I think more effective.  Make note of where the hole is, making sure there is only one entrance.  At night, stuff a small rag into the hole and pour a couple cups of gas onto the rag.  Don't light the rag on fire.  The fumes will seep down and kill the nest, just leave it alone for a day or so.

[Daveboone]

I have to say I was doubly pleased after firebombing my hornets nest, digging it up....and torching it more....(yep, kinda vengeful!), that raccoons or some such finished the job a night or two later, further diggin them up and finishing the job. They must like them roasted!

[fasteddie]

I wonder how this flame torch would work . Use it after dark when the bees are all in the hole . 

https://www.harborfreight.com/propane-torch-with-push-button-igniter-91037.html?_br_psugg_q=flame+torch

[Doc]

This thread has brought to mind the old stories about the Africanized killer bee infestation here in this country. Supposedly they were heading in our direction. Has anyone heard any updates on their ivasion, or was that all just a made-up scenario?

[Gobbler Chaser]

We're coming into the active defense mode time of year. I'm going to forgo weed trimming until the first chilly morning in September.

[mowin]

I got nailed several times this year mowing clients lawns.. bastards hurt. 

Airedale, 7 dust is you best bet.  Wait till night, and just pour a cup down to hole.  Dead bees by morning.