Question
I have a huge elephant ear philodendron in a pot that I move outside during the summer. This year, wasps or bees are living in the soil and I want to get rid of these pests before the fall when my plant will come back into the house. What can I do to remove them, but not hurt my plant?

Answer
Beth,
It would help if I had a picture of the insect and any entrance or exit hole in the pot or soil...It is important to know what insect is involved before trying to kill it...

I will assume it is a wasp or hornet nest...It is best to treat it now and not wait until Fall...Wear protective clothing (long pants, long sleeved shirt, gloves, goggles or glasses, face and head protection-screened mask and hat)...I would take a T shirt and put my face in the head hole, tie the arm sleeves behind my neck and then protect my face so I don't get stung...

Buy some Hornet and Wasp spray...In the early morning before they become active spray the entrance/exit hole area thoroughly. Be careful to get as little spray on the foliage as possible...Then quickly get away from the plant (30' or inside)...Wait about 1 hour and then check the plant again...See if you see any wasp/hornets going in & out of the hole...Check it the next couple days also...If you see "no" activity then you probably have killed them...If not treat it again the same way...

Be careful because hornets can be very aggressive and can attack in masse...
Let me know how it works for you...
Good luck,
Rick in Southern, NJ...