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Bee control, treatment & inspection

Bees are essential to keeping our gardens blooming and our crops thriving. Although they are less aggressive than hornets or wasps, bees can attack a potential threat and are known for being voracious defenders of their hives. A beehive in a yard can be problematic, especially for those with bee sting allergies, as living close to bees can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

Are you buzzing with concern over bees invading your property? Don’t let bees become a buzzkill for your summer. Whether you have a bee infestation or simply want to prevent bees from becoming a problem, we can help! Ehrlich technicians are experts in eco-friendly bee control solutions that are safe for your family. We obey all state and local laws regarding removing bees.

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Bees: information and resources

Bee control and removal processes

The method of removing honeybee colonies can vary depending on the size of the nest, the location, and what types of bees are present. This is why it’s best to consult with a professional bee exterminator who can safely remove any unwanted bees from your property. Making sure you and your family stay safe is important, and it’s also essential to look out for bees, as they play a vital role in maintaining our environment. Attempting to remove bees without proper training and equipment can be dangerous and result in painful bee stings

Bee control: The Ehrlich way

Our Ehrlich technicians are experts in using the appropriate equipment and methods to remove beehives from around your home safely. Special training is essential, as certain bee species, like honeybees, are protected and play a crucial role in the environment. When a bee's nest poses a threat to people in the home, Ehrlich ensures the removal process is handled responsibly, prioritizing safety and environmental protection.

STEP 1: Inspect and Identify

An Ehrlich technician will inspect your property for bee infestations and identify the species present, including honey bees, carpenter bees, and bumble bees. They will then determine the best action based on the infestation size and species.

STEP 2: Treat or contact a beekeeper

After identifying the correct bee species, your Ehrlich technician will work to treat your home for bees or may recommend contacting a local beekeeper to relocate them. If a beekeeper is unnecessary, your technician will find the hive or multiple hives, perform the treatment as needed, and remove the hive if it’s easily accessible.

STEP 3: Future bee prevention

After inspection, your technician will identify potential entry points into your property that must be closed off to prevent bees from entering. To avoid future problems, contact your technician at the first sign of any stinging insect nest.

Is there a way to remove bees without killing them?

Bees, honey bees especially, help our gardens and crops thrive and are essential to our environment. If you have a bee problem on your property, removing them without harming the bees is essential if possible. Bee vacuums or bee traps allow you to capture and safely relocate bees to a new area. If you notice a bee problem on your property and want to remove them safely, it is best to contact your local beekeeper. 

Beehives

Ehrlich technicians are trained and equipped to treat various types of bee hives and nests. Our technicians use the proper tools and protective suits to ensure the process is safe. Once the stinging insect is identified, treatment options will be discussed with the home or business owner. In some cases, treatment will involve consulting with a beekeeper; while in other cases, it may be necessary to eliminate a nest that poses a serious health risk. 

Bumble beehives

Bumble bees make their hives underground, normally in abandoned mouse burrows. Though most hives are typically not an issue, if a beehive is located in an area with high human traffic, it can lead to several problems. Bumble bees are social insects and live in colonies, which makes them more likely to sting if they feel their hive is threatened. 

Carpenter beehives

Carpenter beehives are not easily seen with the naked eye as they build their nests inside wood. They create holes in wood that are around six centimeters wide, where the female bee can lay her eggs. Carpenter bees do not live colonies and are the least aggressive as they do not sting, but, if left untreated, can cause the most damage to wood around your home.

Africanized beehives

Africanized bees, also known as "killer bees," tend to build their hives in a wide range of locations, including trees, attics, sheds, and even underground cavities. Africanized bees are highly defensive and pose a significant risk if disturbed. Their aggressive nature means they will attack in large numbers if they perceive a threat, increasing the chances of serious injuries or allergic reactions from stings. Currently, Africanized bees are only found in southern areas of the United States. Having an Africanized beehive on your property can also lead to structural damage if they build their hives inside walls or attics.

Honey beehives

Honey bees typically build their hives in hollow trees, wall cavities, or other sheltered areas where they can store honey and protect their colony. While typical honeybees are less aggressive than Africanized bees, they can still pose a risk if the hive is disturbed. Large hives can cause damage to your property by weakening structural materials and attracting other pests. Additionally, honey left in a hive can ferment and cause a sticky mess, potentially attracting rodents and insects.

 

How do I know if I have a bee problem?

One way to know if you have a bee problem is if you see a large number of bees swarming around a particular area, such as a tree or the outside of your house. You may also notice an increase in honey or carpenter bees entering or exiting a small hole in a wall or other structure. Below are a few common signs of a bee problem:

  • Active bee nests: Finding active bee nests in trees, wall crevices, roof eaves, or underground could indicate a bee problem.
  • Bee swarms: Seeing a cluster of bees could be a sign they are looking for a new home and should be monitored. Bees are not aggressive when swarming, and when seen in a ball on a home or tree, they are resting. More often than not, they will be gone within 24 hours.
  • Bees inside your home: If you notice bees inside your home, especially in large numbers, it may indicate a nest on or near your property. 
  • Stained walls or ceilings: If you notice unexplained dark spots on your walls or ceilings, this could be due to a beehive leaking honey in your home. 
  • Wood openings: A carpenter bee drills holes into wooden structures to build their nests.

If you notice you may have a bee problem, let us help. Contact us to learn more about our safe and effective bee pest control solutions. 

 

 

What attracts bees to my home?

Bees are naturally drawn to places that offer them food, water, and shelter. Here are a few things that may attract bees to your property:

  • Flowers provide nectar and pollen, the primary food source for bees.
  • Sweet scents such as fruits, sugary drinks, or candles may attract honey bees due to their strong sense of smell.
  • Standing water may attract bees looking for a water source.
  • Untreated wood may attract carpenter bees looking for a place to build their nests.

How do I keep bees away? 

When facing a potentially dangerous infestation, DIY bee removal solutions, such as spraying a solution of vinegar and water on hives, are difficult and will likely not work. Most people do not have the proper clothing or equipment to deal with bees on their own, so it is best to leave the hive alone and seek the help of a professional bee exterminator. Identifying the type of bee and implementing pest control for bees is a job for an Ehrlich technician.

Bees can be a nuisance to your property. If left untreated, one small nest can become a much larger problem if not addressed promptly. Local bee control is included in our PestFree365+ program. This service offers year-round protection for 36 common household pests, including bees.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get rid of bees?

Depending on the type of bee that is on your property, the best way to get rid of bees is to contact a professional pest control company, like Ehrlich, or work with a local beekeeper. Ehrlich Technicians do not do honey bee removal unless it is a situation where a hive needs to be removed from a wall or void in a home or business.

How much does it cost to remove a bee hive?

There are many factors that go into the price of bee removal. Some factors that can affect the cost include the type of bee species, the size and severity of the infestation, and the equipment needed to remove the bees.

  • Homes - Bees can make their way into your home if a hive or nest is not removed. Ehrlich Pest Control offers a free home inspection to investigate potential access points and will provide an estimate for removal.
  • Commercial businesses - Bees in your place of business can not only produce a hazard to your property but also to the people in the surrounding areas. Bees can disrupt business, and if left untreated, can produce a real danger to the products or services you sell on your property. Ehrlich Pest Control can carry out an inspection of your commercial property for any pest, including bees, and will offer a plan of action for removal.

Learn more about the costs of carpenter bee damage

Do people remove bees on their own?

While DIY bee removal may be tempting, it is certainly not recommended. More often than not, DIY bee removal solutions do not work and are dangerous. It is best to leave this type of work to the experts.

Can you remove bees while they’re swarming?

Bees that are swarming should not be bothered. Swarming is a natural process for honey bee colonies. Swarms occur when a hive has become too crowded or when bees abandon their hive due to a lack of resources. Swarming bees are not prone to attacking and will ultimately leave the area within 24-48 hours.

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