When it comes to stinging insects, most people don’t really care much about them as long as they aren’t around.
Few people see the importance these stinging insects play in the environment—with the exception of perhaps the importance of Honey Bees.
While yellow jackets are not renowned for being “friendly,” most stinging insects do not go out of their way to sting you unless you are actually messing with them.
As a home inspector I routinely have to deal with reporting on the presence of stinging insects—as well as avoiding being stung by them.
One common problem with wasps in our area is that they like to build nests in the protected covers of exhaust vents. Over time these nests can prevent the back-draft damper from opening rendering the exhaust fan non-functional.
So who gets to deal with these nests?
Up until the other day, when I met Marvin, of “Jerry the BEE Guy,” it has been difficult finding someone to deal with these nests. While most homeowners might buy a can of “wasp spray” and take care of the matter themselves, many of these vents are way up high on steep roofs that most homeowners should not be attempting to maintain or a wasp sting might be the least of their worries.
Like spiders, most people have an irrational fear of stinging insects that prevents them from seeing the bigger picture. Some people also have bad reactions to stings as well. Much of Marvin’s time is spent educating people as to the “truth” about stinging insects.
Interestingly enough many Pest Control Companies will not treat these nests because of insurance limitations regarding working on roofs. Of course roofers are not licensed to use chemicals to treat insects.
Jerry the BEE Guy has the perfect solution!
He removes and relocates BEES and Wasps to areas away from humans. Recognizing how beneficial these insects are in the environment and how detrimental it is to keep pumping poisons into the environment he has a thriving business removing these insects from people’s homes.
So the next time you have a stinging insect problem in the Seattle area, call Marvin—he is “Jerry the BEE Guy!”
And stay away from his van!
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Charles Buell, Real Estate Inspections in Seattle
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Oh — that IS a yellowjacket in the photo. Very different from bees.
WE NEED BEES — no bees, no apples, no berries of almost every kind, no cantaloupes, cucumbers, or almonds. Hardly any wildflowers. Lots of colorful flowers in the garden would be no more.
Honeybees are disappearing to the unexplained “colony collapse.” There is a genuine danger of our not having enough of them. About 80% of the world’s crops, and a third of the food we eat, depend on bees.
PLEASE DO NOT KILL BEES. Almost every community has someone who will come get them. Google “beekeeping” in your area and contact a local group — someone will know who to call.
Daniela, you are so right. What is unique, in my experience, with this guy is that he removes live all kinds of bees—not just honey bees. He correctly recognizes the dangers to the environment of continually whacking pest stinging insects with dangerous chemicals.