Wasps and Honey Bees - Ask Extension
Hello, I have a new hive of honeybees and many paper wasps & nests around my property. Can I use the fake paper wasp nests (like paper lanterns) ...
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Wasps and Honey Bees #791272
Asked May 17, 2022, 2:37 PM EDT
Hello, I have a new hive of honeybees and many paper wasps & nests around my property. Can I use the fake paper wasp nests (like paper lanterns) in order to keep the wasps away from my buildings and also put one near my honeybee hive? Or are honeybees threatened by the presence of a nearby paper wasp nest?
Thank you,
Alyssa
Sherburne County Minnesota
Expert Response
The fake wasp nests don’t work. Therefore they will not deter wasps from building new nests nearby. Although this study of fake nests has not been done, wasps are known to build nests over old wasp nests.
Wasps are known to kill honey bees and steal their honey. You will want to consider removal of the nests, especially if you notice dead bees.
See the following websites for additional information.
1. https://askentomologists.com/2020/07/14/do-wasp-nest-decoys-work/
2. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/late-summer-wasp-nests
Wasps are known to kill honey bees and steal their honey. You will want to consider removal of the nests, especially if you notice dead bees.
See the following websites for additional information.
1. https://askentomologists.com/2020/07/14/do-wasp-nest-decoys-work/
2. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/late-summer-wasp-nests
