Aug 01st 2022
The Buzz About Bees And How To Deal With An Infestation
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The protection of bees has become a hot topic in recent years as knowledge about their importance has spread. Honeybees, in particular, are a vital part of our environment and are responsible for a lot of pollination and food production that we know today. Without them, our way of life would look tremendously different.
Although bees are vital and beneficial, they can be an unwelcome presence if they choose to make your home their own. Not only are their stings painful and irritating, but they can pose a real danger to those with serious bee allergies.
Nevertheless, removing bees from your property should be carefully considered and done by a professional. Let’s dive into more about these insects and what everyone should know about our often misunderstood friends.
The Widespread Impact Of Bees
Honeybees are incredible pollinators. In the U.S. alone, they are commercially managed and used to pollinate over 100 crops grown in North America, which contribute about $15 billion to the U.S. economy annually. They also pollinate wildflowers and plants, able to visit up to 2,000 flowers per day, which provide key nutrients to other elements of the food chain.
Honeybees are so important, in fact, that it’s said they are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we consume.
Unfortunately, the honeybee population has been in serious decline for the past few decades, putting food production and our general ecosystem at risk. This makes it all the more important to preserve bees and take a responsible approach to hive removal when needed.
Types Of Bees
Although there are many types of bees, there are several that homeowners will see most often.
Bumblebees
The bumblebee is a larger and furrier version of the honeybee, both with black and yellow stripes. Bumblebees are usually docile creatures and won’t sting unless threatened. In fact, male bumblebees don’t have stingers; only the queen does. These bees will nest in tight spaces such as wall cavities and in piles of dense vegetation.
Honeybees
Honeybees have the same black and yellow stripes as bumblebees but are closer in body shape to a wasp. They live in much larger colonies, sometimes up to 30,000 bees, and travel in swarms. Homeowners will often find their nests in wall cavities, roofs, and chimneys. Although honeybees aren’t aggressive by nature, worker honeybees will sting when threatened.
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are similar in appearance to bumblebees, minus the stripes, but have the pollinator power of honeybees. Unfortunately, as the name implies, carpenter bees nest in wood such as fences and decks and can build tunnels up to 10 feet long, causing serious damage to the structure. Female carpenter bees are the only ones that sting, but the males make up for it by dive-bombing when threatened.
How To Remove Bees
Bees should not be dealt with in the same way as other household pests such as mosquitoes and flies. Oftentimes, bee hives and nests simply need to be relocated to get rid of the problem, but because of the potential danger, homeowners should request help from a professional.
Local beekeepers are usually more than willing to help remove a honeybee hive at a low price and relocate it to their facility. Pest control professionals such as Pestmaster® Services are also a great option for treatment and removal.
At Pestmaster® Services, our highly trained technicians will complete a thorough home inspection before recommending the best treatment with you and your family in mind that not only eradicates the problem but prevents it from returning in the future.
Contact us today to learn more about our bee treatments and get started.
