No one wants to step outside only to contend with bees, whose sting is uncomfortable and potentially deadly to those with allergies. Homeowners might find they cannot use their outdoor spaces due to a nearby beehive and consider a long-distance pesticide spray to get the job done.
However, bees are an essential part of the environment,Ā and beeĀ removal should be focused on getting them away from the property without harming them whenever possible.Ā One of the most important roles that bees play is pollinating plants.
The pollen they collect on their furry legs and bodies transfers from one plant to the next, enabling them to produce fruit and grow in the next season. Without the bees, plants cannot flourish ā so homeowners should strive to preserve bee populations through humane and eco-friendly removal methods.
Here are some tips if you donāt know where to start:
Eco-Friendly Removal Techniques
There are plenty of ways to get rid of bees without harming them ā and in many cases, the bees will not be upset, either. Still, itās best to leave this process to a professional for any methods that require direct interaction with the bees. Some options include:
Professional Bee Keepers
A healthy colony of bees can be difficult to find, so for those who keep bees professionally, the chance to claim a swarm as their own can be a welcomed opportunity. Contact local beekeepers to see if they want to relocate the colony to one of their apiaries (man-made beehives).
If a beekeeper takes the colony, they usually do so by locating the queen and placing it temporarily inside a small transport clip. The rest of the colony will lie on top of the queen to keep her safe, allowing them to be transported together without creating an aggressive cloud of insects.
Natural Bee Repellents
Another option for homeowners who want to try DIY solutions first is to make the area less appealing to bees. Plant vegetation or use essential oils they dislike to encourage them to relocate. Some plants to consider include:
Red flowers (bees cannot see the color red, so they may believe they do not have enough food if the garden is mostly red)- Mint
- Eucalyptus
- Citronella
- Marigolds
- Basil
- Clove
This method takes time but can gently encourage bees to leave the property.
Bee Relocation
Sometimes, bees will need to be relocated manually. If natural bee repellents are unsuccessful, call a professional pest control specialist to remove the queen and relocate the bees like a beekeeper would.
Bees can be relocated far from the home to natural woodlands and other suitable areas without harming them. Bees can become confused when a hive moves only a short distance away, so if they must be moved, professionals will transition their hive multiple miles away from its existing location to prevent them from returning.
Use Smoke So They Move
It is not always easy to find or access the queen; sometimes, the colony must be relocated by force. To do this without harming the bees, you can use smoke. Smoke alerts the bees that they may be living in an unsafe area, prompting them to seek a new location on their own.
Be conscientious of the potential risk of fire when using smoke; keep nearby small flames controlled as you produce the smoke, and try to make it pungent so that the bees evacuate quickly.Ā Choose materials such as cardboard that can generate a lot of smoke.
Be sure to close the windows to the home or nearby vehicles before creating the smoke, as bees evacuating the hive may enter in their effort to escape and find a new home. Smoking is best done at night because the bees have all returned to the hive and can leave together to avoid confusion.
Get Rid of Bees While Protecting the Environment
Bees provide essential ecosystem services that keep the natural world thriving for animals and humans. The plants pollinated by bees provide oxygen, food, and shelter for other beneficial creatures that make the outdoors more pleasant, drawing birds and insects that consume other annoying pests.
If you have bees that are interfering with your time outdoors, call a professional pest control specialist to remove them humanely before you turn to pesticides. These delicate animals are difficult to replace and should be relocated whenever possible!
The experienced crew at Spartan Animal & Pest Control can relocate the bees to a safer location where they can continue to play their important ecological role. Contact Spartan to schedule a visit!
