Bees can become a pest when several hives are located close to a human habitation. Similarly, if a bee colony establishes a nest within the walls of a building, serious issues may ensue.
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.
Common species in the Feasterville area include the honey bee, the bumble bee and the carpenter bee. Occasional bee sightings are no cause for concern. However, when the sightings and stinging incidents become overwhelming, it is time to consult with a pest management professional.
WHERE BEES ARE FOUND
The various bee species in Feasterville have different habitat requirements. The honey bee prefers an elevated location, which leads them to build nests that are suspended from trees, utility poles, eaves and overhangs. When looking for a location, particular attention is paid to the proximity of food sources. In the wild, this may mean building a nest close to a meadow, pasture or forest. Bees find similar enticements near flower gardens and orchards.
Bumble bees choose a dark, secluded, underground spot for their nest. Occasionally, they will repurpose a disused animal burrow. The cavity formed by a fallen tree or a gap between a foundation and the ground also may serve the purpose.
Carpenter bees are attracted by wood. Accordingly, they can be found nesting in fences, wooden outdoor furniture, decks, shutters and window frames. When the eaves, roof or walls of a building are beginning to decay, carpenter bees may nest here as well.
WHAT BEES FEED ON
Nectar and pollen are the mainstays of the bee's diet. Both substances are gathered from blooming plants and trees. This is why bees are so frequently encountered in flower gardens and vegetable plots throughout the spring and summer. A portion of the nectar that is collected is taken back to the nest where it will be used to make honey, which is another staple food of the bee diet.
Bees rely heavily on sugary substances for their nutrition. Accordingly, it follows that they are attracted to any human foods that contain sugar. This includes barbecue sauce, ketchup, honey, syrup, jams, jellies and any dessert items. Sodas and juices are frequent targets as well.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY BEES
When a bee colony establishes its nest too close to a human habitation, confrontations happen far too often. Any species of bee is liable to become aggressive when they believe that their nest is threatened. Accordingly, individual bees may "dive bomb" people that they feel are approaching too close to the nest location. This understandably makes many people uneasy, and they may begin to fear going outdoors.
A different problem may be caused when bees choose to build a nest within a wall void or other cavity in a building. Large nests can put enormous strain on the structural elements. Moreover, when the nest is abandoned sometime in the fall, it will begin to rot. The honey, wax and other materials that are left behind can cause a significant mold and mildew issue.
ARE BEES AGGRESSIVE?
For the most part, bees ignore people as they go about their daily activities of gathering pollen and nectar. This attitude may change significantly when the bee is in close proximity to its nest. Then, individuals may become quite territorial, and a sting is more likely to occur. Although bees are only capable of stinging once, pheromones released by their attack signals other colony members that there is a threat. Multiple stings may ensue if the other colony members are close enough and sufficiently alarmed.
DO BEES CARRY DISEASE?
Bees are not known to transmit any diseases to humans or pets. However, this does not mean that there are no health hazards associated with bees. A single sting to a non-allergic victim may be momentarily painful and of little concern. The person who receives multiple stings may be subject to a more serious reaction that includes intense swelling, redness and pain.
A small portion of the population is severely allergic to bee stings. For them, a single sting may prove to be fatal. Symptoms such as severe swelling, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure and others indicate the need for immediate medical attention.
HOW TO DETECT BEES
The following signs may indicate a bee problem:
• Bees seeming to be coming out of and into a building • Being "dive bombed" upon entering or leaving a building • Seeing several bees swarming around a tree close to a building or around the eaves • Several stings occurring in a relatively short time period
HOW TO PREVENT BEES
To help prevent bee issues these precautions should be taken:
• Regularly inspect building exteriors for signs of new bee nests • Seal up or cover any cracks or holes in building exteriors • Use outdoor garbage cans with tight lids • Routinely clean garbage cans to remove traces of food • Immediately repair plumbing and irrigation leaks on the property
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.
