Common Pest: Bees

Bees have been around since the days of dinosaurs. They have survived global changes such as the Ice Age, making them one of the heartiest creatures on earth. There are currently more than 20,000 different species of bees throughout the world. Each species of bee has a different function and purpose in balancing the ecosystem. They can be both beneficial and harmful to the environment, people, and pets.

Bumblebees are essential to pollination of crops and other plants. They often nest in the ground, but will also at times make their nests under roof overhangs and awnings, creating a real problem for home and business owners. Most of the time, bumblebees aren’t bothered by human activity in the area so long as they don’t feel threatened – they much prefer to go about their business collecting pollen. The bumblebee can sting more than once, making them especially dangerous when defending the nest. Because they can sting multiple times, people who are allergic can face a life-threatening situation, whether it’s one bee or a swarm on the attack. Bumblebees are often mistaken for carpenter bees, which are a far more potent adversary. The yellow on a bumblebee extends past the thorax onto the abdomen and it’s entire body has a fuzzy appearance.

Bumblebees slower flyers and display a meandering, carefree behavior pattern. One way to avoid being stung in the summertime is to wear light-colored or white clothing and go easy on the perfume, but if you are concerned by the bumblebees near your home or business, call your trusted pest control professionals at Bugs by Brian.

The honeybee is one of about seven species of bee that create honey through regurgitation of the nectar they collect. They will colonize in hollow trees and abandoned buildings. When they collect nectar, it is passed from one bee to another and then deposited into a honeycomb. It is then sealed with wax where it will age and become honey. Like the bumblebee, honeybees will also nest near homes and businesses. Though honeybees generally can only sting once, they will aggressively defend their hives, so you could be facing hundreds of angry, stinging bees if they feel threatened.

The Africanized honeybee is known to be even more aggressive than other bees and indistinguishable from other honeybees. They will nest both near the ground and in buildings and will defend their nests at the slightest provocation. As with any bee colony that feels threatened, they will attack with a vengeance.

Whenever there is a bee infestation in the home or business, regardless of the species, it may be necessary to get help to remove them. To avoid injury and remove bee hives and their inhabitants safely, call Bugs by Brian to do the deed – the safest way to ensure proper removal and peace of mind.