With spring and summer on the horizon, insects of all types are becoming more active. Among them are bees, whom you may have already noticed hopping from flower to flower. Bees are critical to the pollination process that keep the environment in full bloom, but that does not mean that these little creatures are always a welcome addition to our lives. If you are struggling to control the bee population in your area, you have some options to get rid of them on your own; or, you can entrust the task to an experienced professional.
Is This Pest Really A Bee?
Before you get started on your bee removal project, the first thing you need to determine is which species of bee you are working with and whether that insect is really a bee. It is common for people to confuse the difference between bees, wasps and hornets. The proper removal approach will vary depending on the insect species. In general, bees have a thick body with a soft or fuzzy texture. Wasps, on the other hand, are known for their sharp, thin bodies and may even look shiny in appearance.
Both wasps and bees have four wings, but the coloration on a bee is usually duller than the bright yellows and complete blacks of a wasp. Bees do not usually come to visit you if you are eating outside because they prefer pollen and nectar, whereas wasps are eager to get into your food and drinks.
How to Get Rid of Bumble Bees
If you are seeing a black and yellow striped insect that looks bulbous and fuzzy, odds are that you are dealing with a bumblebee. They become most active in early spring when the flowers begin to bloom. This is because they are one of nature’s most important pollinators. During this time, they visit as many flowers as they can while searching for their new home for the year. It is rare that their nests contain more than a few hundred insects. Bee nests are found in dry, undisturbed places like piles of wood or gaps in a house’s siding. You can remove them by spraying vinegar water or citrus water on the area around their nest.
Should You Remove Honey Bees?
Honey bees can be confused with wasps due to their smaller and less rotund shape. They retain their characteristic bee 
fuzz, and they stand out from wasps because while wasps are bright yellow, honey bees are instead colored in muted brown and black. If you see honey bees, you are likely no more than 300 feet from their hive.
Honey bees are a critical (and dwindling) part of the environment, and you should try to live with them if possible. If they are causing trouble and need to be removed, try calling a beekeeper instead of an exterminator. They are often glad to rehome honeybee colonies to their own apiaries.
Stopping The Spread Of Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are commonly confused with bumblebees by appearance, but you can tell the difference through their 
behavior. Carpenter bees are tunnellers, boring into wood surfaces and leaving little piles of dust behind. They are not wary of humans and may approach if you move, but they rarely sting – (only female carpenter bees are capable of stinging). If you suspect that your bee problem is traced back to carpenter bees, you should call a professional as soon as possible. Carpenter bees can damage homes thanks to the wood holes that they bore. Once carpenter bees begin to rear babies, those young bees will tunnel further into your wooden structures, making more and more hollowed-out branches that weaken the structural integrity of your home. A professional pest control service will be able to fully address all of these tunnels so that the bees can no longer live there. If you choose a DIY approach over a professional, you may drive the bees in further and encourage them to burrow deeper into the wood.
If Wasps Are the Problem, Do Not Approach
If you have discovered that your supposed bee problem is actually a wasp problem, do not attempt wasp removal on your own. Wasps are more aggressive than bees and will sometimes sting for no reason at all. The entire wasp hive may come after you if they feel threatened. Wasps should be removed by an expert.
Trust The Experts To Humanely Get Rid Of Bees From Your Property
Bees play a crucial role in the environment, but that does not mean that they always welcome visitors. The experts at Spartan Animal and Pest Control would be glad to explain your options and help you retake your outdoor space. Reach out to schedule an appointment.
