The Buzz at AH Waste Disposal Sites

This time of year, residents may notice wasps buzzing about at waste disposal sites. They are attracted to … let’s call them the sweet smells there. Here are a few tips to avoid encounters with wasps while dropping off your waste and recycling:

1. Avoid wearing strong scents when visiting waste sites. Fragrances attract wasps, and this is a situation where you do not want to smell like a flower. If you have a scent on, consider covering up with a light shirt or jacket.

2. Take a quiet and calm approach when bees are around you. Wasps don’t want to hurt us, but they will sting if they feel threatened. Carry on with your activities, take a slower pace, think calm and quiet, and avoid the temptation to swat or slap.

3. To reduce exposure to stings, long pants, closed shoes, a light long-sleeved shirt and a hat will provide protection. Gloves are a great addition. Take along a light shirt or jacket to toss on when you are dropping off waste and recycling.

4. Consider visiting sites earlier in the day when insects tend to be less active. Rainy days are also a great time to visit - wasps don’t seem to like getting wet!

5. If you get stung, quickly move away from the area, as one wasp sting tends to attract others (some wasps actually release a chemical when they sting, which may attract other wasps). If you get in your car and a wasp hitches a ride, drive slowly with the windows open. If possible, stop in a shady area, get out of the vehicle, leave the doors open and wait for the wasp to leave, or trap it in a box, bag, jar or other solid container and release it outside.

6. Please feel free to ask site attendants to assist you! They will be happy to lend a hand with your materials if you are uncomfortable approaching an area or bin where there is a lot of bee activity.