Although some 400 species of bees are found in Doylestown and throughout Pennsylvania, the most commonly encountered bees in the area are of honey bees, bumble bees and carpenter bees. While some are relatively harmless, others may pose a serious threat. This is especially true when bees establish a nest near human habitations.
The risks become even greater when someone who is allergic to bee stings is involved. For these individuals, a single sting causes a medical emergency. Even when no allergies are involved, few people enjoy having their outdoor spaces invaded by stinging pests.
Nonetheless, the various bee species remain an integral part of the ecosystem. This is why most reputable pest management companies do their utmost to relocate beneficial species such as the honey bee and the bumblebee. On the other hand, the carpenter bee and her nests usually are destroyed because of the potential for property damage.
WHERE BEES ARE FOUND
Close to human habitations, honey bees are likely to nest under the eaves, inside or on a chimney or on an exterior wall. They are more likely to nest in caves or tree hollows in the wild.
Bumble bees prefer underground nests. This means that they use rodent burrows that have been abandoned or convenient cavities beneath a fallen tree or stone. Sometimes, a pile of yard debris provides a likely nesting site. It is rare for bumble bees to nest in human habitations, but nests have been found just under foundations, against sheds or even in attics.
Carpenter bees burrow into wood to create galleries to house their young. Although this species is solitary, several females may elect to tunnel into a relatively small geographic area. Additionally, a single gallery may extend for several feet.
WHAT BEES FEED ON
Carpenter bees are the most destructive species in Pennsylvania. Where several galleries exist in the wooden components of a structure, extensive repairs may be needed. It also is possible for other bee species to cause damage when they build a nest behind the walls of a building. An abandoned nest may begin to rot and cause mold issues among other problems.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY BEES
Bees can do damage to homes and businesses This is be especially the case when one is dealing with carpenter bees. Although the damage they do to wood is generally cosmetic, generations of carpenter bees can do considerable damage to wood by enlarging the existing galleries of the wood.
ARE BEES AGGRESSIVE?
Most bee species are capable of aggression, especially if they believe that their nest is threatened. Bumble bees are perhaps the least likely to be aggressive, but honey bees and female carpenter bees can react aggressively.
DO BEES CARRY DISEASE?
Bees do not carry disease, but they still represent a health threat to people with an allergy to stinging insects. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include excessive swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach cramps and losing consciousness. Medical intervention is crucial during an attack.
HOW TO DETECT BEES
Bee removal may be necessary when these signs are noticed:
• Several stinging incidents • Outdoor barbecues and picnics being disrupted by buzzing, stinging insects • Finding beehives under the eaves of a structure • Encountering a bee’s nest on the ground • Hearing buzzing and rustling sounds inside walls • Discovering wood that appears to have insect damage
HOW TO PREVENT BEES
The following precautions can be taken to help reduce the risk of having a bee issue:
• Seal any hole or crack that is a quarter of an inch or larger in building exteriors • Remove clutter from in and around buildings that may provide nesting sites • Make certain that all traces of an earlier infestation are removed so as to avoid a re-infestation • Regularly inspect roofs and basements for possible entry points • Keep screens on doors and windows • Do not leave food uncovered outdoors • Keep pet food indoors and contained except at meal times • Cover all vents and openings with fine mesh screens • Trim branches away from structures • Do not stack firewood or yard debris close to buildings
HOW TO TREAT FOR BEES
Newtown Termite & Pest Control understands how vital bumble bees and honey bees are to the local ecosystem. As such, we recommend contacting a local bee keeper for the safe removal of bumble bees and honey bees from area homes and businesses.
At the same time, we also utilize a multi-faceted approach for treating problematic species. Our methodology involves making use of the most appropriate detection, prevention, and treatment methods available. By combining these measures, we ensure that your home or business remains free of wasps, hornets, and carpenter bees.
