Bees

Bees are flying insects closely related to wasps but considered the less aggressive stinging insect. Some bees cannot even sting, although the honey bee will sting if provoked. 

Bees are known for their role in and for producing honey and beeswax.

Identifying Bees

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees look just like bumble bees except that their abdomens are shiny and smooth. Carpenter bees are frequently seen buzzing around in the spring around unpainted buildings and boards. 

They are solitary bees, so they do not live in colonies and will rarely sting humans.

Bumble Bees

Bumble bees physically resemble carpenter bees, except that bumble bees have hairy abdomens. 

Bumble bees do not make tunnels in wood, but rather nest underground or in cavities, such as in abandoned mouse burrows. 

In general, bumble bees are seldom problematic, except in situations where the nests are established in a location where conflict with people or pets.

Honey Bees

Honey bees can be various shades of yellow, black, brown or orange, and their bodies are covered in light-colored hair. 

Unlike the wasp, honey bee colonies can survive throughout the winter, are therefore not subject to colony re-establishment each year. 

Honey bees will swarm to form new colonies, when the colony gets too large for hive space or new queens are produced. Honey bees are not particularly aggressive except when the nest is disturbed.

How to Get Rid of Bees

• Wear protection - suit up in protective bee gear, bee veil, heavy canvas or Tyvek overalls and heavy duty rubber gloves
• When treating for stinging insects warn neighbors nearby to stay indoors while you are treating.
• Note their flight paths - when approaching a nest, stand back for a minute and watch as the workers leave and come back to the nest. This is what can be described as a flight path that most workers take. As you approach the nest, take care to stay out of the flight path and you will minimize the agitation to the nest prior to treatment.
• Whenever possible, use an extension pole (bee pole), to reach the nests of stinging insects. Bee poles allow you to treat stinging insect nests from a safer distance.

Getting Rid of Honey Bees

If honey bees have invaded your home then you have the added concern of honey left behind once a colony is eliminated. Sometimes secondary insects invade or the honey drips and comes through the wall. 

Considering bees are highly beneficial to the environment they should only be controlled when they pose a direct threat to your home or family.

If a bee hive / nest represents a high risk (such as a nest in the home or a hospital or near those who are allergic to bee stings), it may be possible to remove the nest with the assistance of a beekeeper.

Ehrlich will only destroy a bee nest or colony if it is considered a threat to people. When possible we will try to find a bee-keeper to remove the hive.

Contact Ehrlich Pest Control free at for further information on how to get rid of a bee hive, or to arrange for a visit by a Technician.