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A bee nest on your property can put people nearby at risk. If left untreated the nest could produce a swarm that is dangerous to anyone in and around the property. Furthermore, a bee nest can present a danger to pets and humans allergic to bee stings.
Information is key in figuring out the type of nest when facing a bee infestation. Bee species and nest identification is crucial to safe removal of the stinging insects. Bee nests can be a lot of trouble to identify and remove by yourself, so let us do it for you, please contact an Ehrlich Pest Control Technician today.
Different types of bees
Not all bees are the same, and neither are their nests. Each species builds its nest uniquely, which can help you determine what you’re dealing with on your property. The most common types of bees you may encounter are honey bees, carpenter bees, bumble bees, and Africanized bees.
Different types of nests
Identifying the nest is key to determining which species you are dealing with and the most effective ways to tackle them. Along the East Coast, the most common types of nests you'll see are ground bee nests and honey bee nests. However, you may also see a variety of wasp nests which can look similar. Here is how you can tell the difference:
Honey bee nests
Honey bee nests or hives are what we generally think of when we think of bee nests. Honey bees will take shelter in hollowed-out trees or structural voids and will make their nests with wax secreted from their abdomen.
However, despite popular belief, you rarely see a honey bee nest in an exposed location, like hanging on a branch. Honey bees make their nests inside trees, homemade bee boxes, or even man-made structures.
Ground bee nests
Ground bee nests are exactly like what you think. They are bee nests that are on the ground!
Some bee species, including plasterer bees, nest underground and have mounds that look like ant nests. The openings are bigger than the ant nests, and the female ground bees build their nests next to each other.
Although these bees do not sting when disturbed, they will show up every year and spread.
Carpenter Bee Nests
Carpenter bees don’t build hives; they burrow into wood to create tunnels where they lay their eggs. You may notice small, round holes in wooden structures like decks or window frames. If you see sawdust or wood shavings beneath these holes, you may be dealing with a carpenter bee problem.
Bumble Bee Nests
Bumble bees prefer to nest in the ground, often using abandoned rodent burrows or hollow spaces beneath brush piles. These nests are much smaller than honey bee hives, typically housing just a few hundred bees. If you see bees flying in and out of a hole in the ground, it could be a bumble bee nest.
Africanized Bee Nests
Africanized bees are similar to honeybees in most ways except socially and individually they are hyper aggressive. They can build nests in various locations, including tree branches, rock crevices, and even ground cavities. Their nests are similar in structure to honey bee hives but are often smaller and less organized. These bees are highly aggressive, so it’s essential to call a professional if you identify them.
Differences between bee nests vs wasp nests
The main difference between bee nests and wasp nests are their size, color, and where they are located. Wasp nests have a grayish appearance and have the general shape of a football. Bee nests will have more of a yellowish hue and are hidden away from sight.
You can also tell the difference by the amount of activity around the nest. Bees are social insects and will live in colonies either underground or in trees. You'll see bees swarming and buzzing around their nests as they go in and out. Wasps will hang around their nests but do not swarm in the same way.
Since wasps do not swarm around their nests as much as bees do, they will defend their nest much more aggressively than bees. Both bees and wasps will sting you if they're threatened, but wasps will definitely look to inflict pain.
Why you need to call a bee nest professional
Bee nest removal is not a DIY project. You should not, under any circumstances, attempt to remove the nest on your own, as there may be more bees nesting elsewhere. With an untrained eye, bee nest removal may seem easy, but you will never know the severity of the problem unless you call a professional.
If you have bee nests on your property and would like to have them removed, please contact us for an inspection today.
FAQs
Should I remove the honey bee nest?
It’s best not to remove a honey bee nest on your own. Honey bees are important pollinators, and removing a nest can be dangerous. Contact us to professionally relocate the nest safely.
What kind of bees make a nest in your house?
Honey bees and carpenter bees are the most common species that nest in homes. Honey bees may nest in wall cavities or attics, while carpenter bees tunnel into wooden structures.
How to locate a bee's nest in your house?
Look for bees flying in and out of a consistent location, such as holes in walls, attics, or wooden beams. Listen for a buzzing sound, especially in quiet areas like walls or ceilings.