Buzz
Dealing with a single bee is relatively simple, but removing an entire colony is a complex and potentially dangerous process. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a professional for assistance. However, before calling for services, you can identify the bee species and hive characteristics. With this information, you can estimate what needs to be done and compare it to the cost of hiring a professional. Finally, you can apply preventive measures to reduce the chances of needing to handle the issue again.
Steps
Identify the Bee Species
Ensure that the bee you're dealing with is a honeybee. When you spot an insect that you think is a bee, observe carefully before taking action. You need to confirm it's a honeybee, not a wasp or hornet. Differentiate them by the following characteristics:
- Hair: Honeybees are covered in hair all over their bodies. Wasps and hornets may have a little hair, but you would need to look closely to notice.
- Diet: Honeybees feed on nectar. Wasps and hornets hunt other insects and/or scavenge food scraps.
- Body Shape: Honeybees generally have a rounder middle part of their body, whereas hornets and wasps have thinner abdomens and longer bodies.
Take a photo to identify the bee species. Different bee species require different handling methods. Take a photo of the bee and consult with a pest control expert or beekeeper; you can also compare the bee species through online sources like http://www.adkinsbeeremoval.com/bee-id-chart.php. If you're in the United States, it's likely you're dealing with honeybees, carpenter bees, or possibly African honeybees.
Distinguish between carpenter bees and bumblebees. These two bee species can look quite similar at first glance. If you compare images online and believe it's one of these species, take a closer look to be sure. Differentiate them by the following traits:
- Appearance: Carpenter bees have black spots on their thorax (where the wings and legs emerge). They also have fewer hairs than bumblebees.
- Behavior: Carpenter bees are solitary, while bumblebees tend to form colonies.
Observe the hive to identify the bee species if necessary. If you're unable to take a clear photo, don't worry. Look for the bees' hive. Use this information to narrow down the species identification.
- Honeybees typically nest in gaps like tree trunks, logs, or fence posts. They rarely use man-made structures, but sometimes honeybee hives can be found in attics, roof spaces, or wall cavities if there is an external entry point.
- Bumblebees usually nest in or near the ground, such as in abandoned rodent burrows, compost piles, or beneath outdoor structures like sheds or porches.
- Carpenter bees bore through wood to create their nests. Pay attention to bee activity around coin-sized holes in areas like overhanging roof eaves, porches, or detached tree branches.
Don't worry if you can't identify the bee species. Even if you don't know which species of bee you're dealing with, don't blame yourself. Identifying the species will help you estimate the effort required for removal (and compare service pricing accordingly), but it's not absolutely necessary when you start tackling the problem. Just contact a pest control company specializing in bee management and arrange an inspection to help identify the bee species for you.
Dealing with the Problem
Consider whether it's necessary to eradicate the bees. If the bees are located outside, it may be best to leave them alone unless someone in the area is allergic to bee stings. Remember, honeybees play a significant role in the ecosystem by pollinating flowers, and the population of honeybees has been declining in recent years. Also, keep the following in mind:
- Although most honeybees possess stingers, they typically only use them as a last resort. This means you'll need to provoke them to be stung. Remaining calm around bees will not harm you. In fact, some bees, such as male carpenter bees, don't even have stingers.
- African honeybees may be an exception; this species is more likely to become aggressive and attack if disturbed.
Be mindful of bees nesting inside your home. If you notice bees indoors (or suspect carpenter bees are boring into the wood), it's crucial to address this issue and remove the bees. While the structural damage caused by bees may not seem significant initially, it can become a serious concern over time if left unaddressed.
- Carpenter bees can continue drilling through wooden structures to expand their nest if left undisturbed.
- Honeybees will build hives. These hives can grow quite heavy and potentially damage the surrounding area. Additionally, the honey may attract other animals.
Consider hiring professionals for bee removal. While it may be easy to kill a single bee, dealing with an entire hive is a much more involved process. Keep in mind that if the situation is not handled properly, new swarms may return shortly. Also, consider the following:
- Honeybees typically do not pose a threat unless you disturb their hive. Although a single sting may be bearable, you could face a swarm of dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of bees if you disturb their home.
- There are various methods of handling different bee species. Professionals may use smoke, pesticides, or other techniques to lure the bees out, along with a new hive to collect honey from the old one.
- Removing a hive might involve carpentry work to access the hive and repair any damaged structures.
Contact local authorities first. First, determine if the hive is located on your private property or on public land. If the hive is on public land, you should contact local authorities for assistance. Even if the hive is on your property, it's still a good idea to call them, as they may offer free removal services, depending on where you live.
- Available services (if any) vary by location. These services may include removing both the bees and the hive, or just relocating the bees. They might also provide repair services for any damage to the structure, or not.
- Free services are typically available for hives located on natural structures (such as trees), rather than inside homes or other man-made structures. Still, it's a good idea to contact authorities to learn about their policies regarding structures on your property.
Compare pricing before accepting the 'free' service. If your local authorities offer free bee removal, don't rush into the decision. Although the service may technically be 'free,' it may not cover all necessary tasks. Be sure to clarify exactly what is included, then compare it with private companies' offerings.
- This is particularly important for hives in buildings. Accessing these hives may require drilling or cutting to expose them, which may not be covered by free services.
- If repairs aren't done or aren't done carefully, bees may return. In the long run, hiring a private company could be more cost-effective, as they will handle the removal, repairs, and even offer a warranty if bees return.
Contact a beekeeper to relocate honeybees before calling pest control. If you're sure that the bees in question are honeybees, try reaching out to a local beekeeper. Ask them to relocate the bees from your home rather than exterminating them, if possible. Keep in mind that the honeybee population is dwindling, which is unfortunate since honeybees play a vital role in pollinating crops.
- If you can't find a beekeeper, look for a pest control company that specializes in bee removal. They may attempt to relocate the bees before resorting to extermination methods.
Contact bee specialists instead of general pest control companies. If the bees are nesting inside your home (or any structure on your property), consider hiring a company capable of drilling through walls, floors, and ceilings to access the hive. Naturally, repairs will be needed afterward. Therefore, it's wise to search for a pest control service specializing in bees.
- Bee specialists are more likely to handle the repairs, while general pest control companies may only remove the bees. This means you'll have to either repair the damage yourself or hire a contractor.
- Bee specialists may offer warranties in case the bees return, which can save you money in the long run.
Prevent bees from returning
Eliminate any bee nests and remnants. Ensure that whoever you hire doesn't leave behind old hives or honeycombs after removing or exterminating the bees. Leftover hives will attract new swarms. You must prevent this by ensuring the proper handling of any abandoned hives.
Repair any damage promptly. If the pest control company needs to drill into your home to access the hive and doesn't repair the damage afterward, you should address this immediately. Understand that if bees find this location suitable for nesting, other swarms may follow. Seal off their entry points as quickly as possible.
- Seal any gaps, cracks, or other potential entryways. Keep in mind: if one colony of bees has gained access, others can do the same. Carefully inspect for any points of entry and block them with caulking, foam insulation, or appropriate materials.
Clear the land to eliminate ideal nesting spots for bees. Minimize areas where bees might build their nests. Clean up unnecessary clutter that has turned into a prime nesting spot for bees. Depending on the species of bees in your area, you should also consider the following tasks:
- Block access to low spaces and areas beneath raised structures like outdoor sheds, patios, or decks.
- Fill in old burrows made by rodents or other ground holes.
- Use bins to store compost instead of leaving it in piles outdoors.
- Clear out hollow tree trunks and logs.
