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Bee: Information and resources
Bees are amazing for our environment as they play a key role in pollinating plants, which in turn helps our gardens grow, supports crop production, and maintains the balance of our ecosystems. By collecting nectar and pollen from flowers, bees contribute to the reproduction of many plants, providing food sources for both humans and wildlife.
However, when a group of bees decides to build a hive near your home, they can become a danger to people. A beehive in close proximity to homes, schools, or other populated areas can become hazardous, especially if the hive is disturbed or if the bees feel threatened. Some species, like Africanized honey bees, are more defensive and can become aggressive, increasing the danger of stings, particularly for those with allergies. It’s important to note that worker bees can sting multiple times if they feel threatened, unlike queen bees, which only sting once.
Educating yourself on bee species and understanding their behaviors is critical in developing the proper bee control strategy.
Contact your local bee control experts
Bee removal services
We understand that simply "removing" a bee nest isn't always ideal, so instead, we carefully treat the nest opening to eliminate the bees in a safe and humane way. Bee removal can be complex, especially when dealing with aggressive species or large hives, which may need to be relocated. Whether you’re dealing with carpenter bees boring into wood, bumble bees nesting underground, or aggressive Africanized bees, our experts will assess the situation and provide the best solution to protect your home and the environment. If you're wondering how to get rid of bees, our team will guide you through safe and effective methods tailored to your situation.
What do bees look like?
- Size: .08” - 1.5”
- Color: Black or brown with golden yellow stripes
- Body: Oval shaped
Bees vary in appearance depending on the species but generally share some key characteristics. They have segmented bodies with a head, thorax, and abdomen, often covered in fine hair that helps them collect pollen. They typically have two pairs of wings and antennae.
Honey bees, for instance, are small and golden with black stripes, while bumble bees are larger, rounder, and covered in thick hair. Carpenter bees can resemble bumble bees but are shinier and often seen hovering around wood structures.
Key information about bees
Though some characteristics and habits of bees vary from species to species, like pollination, there are a few things that are consistent across all species, like their lifecycle stages.
Colony
Bees can be classified as either social or solitary. Social bees are just that — they form large colonies and their hives contain many bees. Solitary bees are quite the opposite and live independently or in smaller colonies. They fly alone to and from their tiny nests and have just enough resources for themselves. Each bee colony typically consists of a queen bee and worker bees, and sometimes drone bees.
Lifecycle
Bees go through three stages on the way to adulthood. The development process can vary between bee species and each species develops at a different pace. Regardless, every bee begins as an egg. After an egg hatches, it turns into larvae, then pupae, then into an adult.
Pollination
Plants and crops need bees for pollination. When a bee lands on a flower, it transfers pollen from the male parts of a flower to the female parts of the flower, resulting in the fertilization of the plant. Most crops for fruits that we eat require pollination for growth.
Types of bees
There are many different types of bees in the United States and below are a few of the most common bees found in the Eastern United States.
Africanized honey bees
Africanized honey bees, also known as "killer bees," are a hybrid species known for their aggressive behavior when threatened and are more commonly found in Southern states. They look similar to European honey bees but are more defensive and prefer to attack in great numbers. Despite their aggressive nature, they still play a role in pollination.
Bumble bees
Bumble bees are large, fuzzy insects that are excellent pollinators due to their ability to carry large amounts of pollen. They are generally non-aggressive and prefer to nest in the ground. Bumble bees are essential for pollinating many types of plants, including wildflowers and crops.
Carpenter bees
Carpenter bees resemble bumble bees but have smooth, shiny bodies. They are known for boring holes into wood to create nests, which can cause structural damage. However, they also serve as important pollinators.
Honey bees
Honey bees are the most well-known bee species due to their role in honey production. They are social insects that live in large colonies inside hives, where the queen bee is the primary egg-layer. Honey bees are critical for pollinating various crops and producing honey.
Why are bees important?
The most important thing that bees do is pollinate. Pollination is very important in agriculture and is necessary for crop growth. Without bees, many of the crops in this world could not survive, and we would miss out on many important foods like apples, broccoli, and berries. Bee pollination is extremely valuable to our world's crop quantity and quality.
Are bees endangered?
Yes, there are many bee species that are endangered because of various circumstances, such as human activities and climate change. Harsh winters, rising temperatures, floods, and droughts all affect bees’ ecosystems slowly destroying their habitats and resources.
Frequently asked questions
Are killer bees still a problem in the US?
Africanized honey bees, commonly referred to as killer bees, are present in some regions of the US. While they are more aggressive than other bee species, their presence is often limited to specific southern states. Proper identification and control are essential for managing their colonies safely.
Are bees invasive in America?
Several species of bees are considered invasive in the United States and can compete with native species for resources. European and Africanized honey bees were introduced by European settlers and have since established themselves widely as an invasive species in the US.
While many of these invasive species are beneficial in agricultural settings (like the European honey bee), they still pose risks to native biodiversity. Managing invasive bees is challenging, but maintaining healthy native bee populations is also crucial for maintaining a stable ecosystem.
Why is the number of bees in the US falling?
Bee populations are declining due to several factors, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and diseases like colony collapse disorder (CCD), which have contributed to this issue. Climate change also plays a role, disrupting the ecosystems that bees depend on. Conservation efforts, such as planting bee-friendly flowers and reducing pesticide use, can help support bee populations.
More on bees
How to get rid of bees
Learn the steps necessary to get rid of a bee infestation and how Ehrlich can help.
Bee nests
Learn how to spot a bee's nest compared to something else.
Bee stings
Get information about how to deal with bee stings here.
Types of bees
Learn which type of bee you are seeing in your yard.
Bees on the blog
Check out more of our resources on bees that you can find on our blog!
10 plants that repel bees and wasps
Why do bees swarm?
How can I keep bees away from my deck?
Carpenter bee stings