1 Stay safe
2Have nest sprayed
3 Treat stings
1 Identify signs
1 Block entry holes
2 Put down bait
2Treat infestation
3 Set traps
4 Call rodent control
INSECTS AND PESTS
209
BEES, WASPS, AND HORNETS
1 Stay safe
• If you see a swarm of bees close to your house, get everybody inside and shut all doors and windows.
• Contact an exterminator.
2Have nest sprayed
• If wasps or hornets bother you often, there is probably a nest.
• Contact an exterminator to deal with the nest.
3 Treat stings
• Try not to antagonize bees, wasps, or hornets by spraying them with insecticide; they are more likely to sting you if they are angry.
• If you are stung, refer to p. 59 for treatment. Bee stingers can be removed, but wasps do not leave a stinger. If you develop a minor allergic reaction, seek medical help.
• If you develop symptoms of anaphylactic shock( p. 28), seek medical help immediately.
WOODWORM
1 Identify signs
• If you spot 1 ⁄ 16-in( 2-mm) holes in furniture or structural timbers, you have woodworm. Sawdust is a sign that woodworm are active.
• Minor woodworm attacks are easy to treat( see step 2), but if an infestation is severe, you should seek professional help.
MICE AND RATS
1 Block entry holes
• Small pellet-shaped droppings in your home indicate mice.
• Look for any obvious entry holes into your home and block them.
2 Put down bait
• Put down poisoned mouse bait wherever you find droppings. Be
prepared to repeat if necessary.
2Treat infestation
• Brush surfaces with woodworm fluid. On furniture, use an aerosol with a nozzle to inject the fluid.
• To treat structural timbers effectively, use a large sprayer.
• To treat flooring, lift every third or fourth floorboard and spray thoroughly underneath.
3 Set traps
• Set three or four baited mouse traps where droppings are
found in the house.
• Use peanut butter, chocolate, or cooked bacon as bait for traps.
4 Call rodent control
• Larger droppings indicate rats; call your local health department.