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Honey bees play a crucial role in pollination, helping plants reproduce and contributing to the growth of many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. However, while honey bees are beneficial, their presence in large numbers can lead to infestations that can pose a risk to humans and structures.
See the pests that we can remove from your home.
1. Survey
We will discuss your pest problem, arrange a survey if necessary, and provide a quote and recommendations.
- Appointment at a time convenient to you
- Solutions tailored to your pest problem
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2. Treatment
Our QualityPro certified specialists will come out to provide your treatment
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3. Aftercare
We'll make as many visits as you require to ensure your problem is resolved
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Characteristics
Honey bees are social insects known for their ability to produce honey, build intricate hives, and live in large colonies. A typical honey bee colony consists of a queen bee, worker bees, and male drones. The queen bee is the only one responsible for laying eggs, while worker bees gather nectar and pollen, take care of the young (larva), and maintain the hive.
Honey bees rely on flowers for food, collecting nectar and pollen to produce honey. Their role in pollination makes them vital to ecosystems and agriculture.
Some important characteristics of honey bees include:
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Color: They are usually golden-yellow with brown or black bands on their abdomen.
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Size: Worker honey bees are around 1/2 to 3/4 inches long, while the queen bee is typically larger.
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Wings: Honey bees have two sets of wings overlapping when not used.
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Stinger: Worker bees use a barbed stinger for defense, which they lose after stinging.
Identification
Identifying honey bees correctly is essential when determining if they pose a threat. Although honey bees are often confused with other insects like wasps or bumble bees, they have distinctive features that set them apart.
Habitat
Honey bees typically build their hives in hollow trees, cavities within walls, or other sheltered spaces. The hive is made of wax produced by the bees and consists of a series of hexagonal cells where they store honey and raise their young. If you're dealing with honey bees near your home, you might find their hive tucked away in a wall or under eaves.
Bee Nests: Honey bee hives are waxy, intricate structures designed for efficiency, where bees store honey and raise their larva.
Location: They prefer quiet, dark places where they can establish their colony without disturbance. Hives in urban areas can sometimes end up inside attics, sheds, or garages.
Honey bees in America
Honey bees, though not native to America, were introduced by European settlers. Today, they are found throughout the United States and play an essential role in agriculture. Their ability to form large colonies makes them highly efficient at pollination, benefiting crops such as almonds, apples, and blueberries.
Honey bees have adapted well to the North American climate, and while they are crucial for farming, they sometimes become pests when their colonies are established too close to human habitats.
Honey bee behaviors, threats, and dangers
Honey bees are typically non-aggressive and will only sting if they feel threatened. Their stings can be painful and dangerous to those with allergies.
Their primary focus is on gathering nectar and pollen to sustain the colony. However, honey bee swarms can become problematic. They swarm when they outgrow their current hive. This process involves the old queen and many workers leaving for a new nesting spot. Swarms can be alarming due to the large number of bees, but they are usually not aggressive during this time.
Large colonies of honey bees may cause structural damage to buildings, particularly if the hive is built within walls or attics.
Are honey bees hard to get rid of?
Removing honey bees can be challenging due to their colonies' size and hive locations. Unlike some pests, honey bees are protected in many areas due to their importance in pollination. Therefore, relocation by a professional bee control expert is the preferred method.
How many honey bees count as an infestation?
A few honey bees buzzing around your garden is normal and even beneficial. However, if you notice large numbers of bees congregating near your home or find a hive inside or near your property, this could be a sign of an infestation. A hive can house thousands of bees, and once established, the colony will continue to grow, creating further problems.
If you see honey bees entering and exiting a specific area of your home, call us today! Our bee control experts can help assess whether a colony has been set up inside.
FAQs
Do honey bees bite or sting?
Honey bees do not bite humans but sting as a defense mechanism. When a honey bee stings, it injects venom into the skin, which can cause pain, swelling, and redness. The bee loses its stinger and dies after delivering a sting. Honey bee stings are dangerous for individuals with allergies, as they can lead to severe reactions like anaphylaxis. If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms or have questions, please seek medical advice.
What is so special about honey bees?
Honey bees are incredibly important for the environment and agriculture. Their ability to pollinate plants allows crops and flowers to reproduce. In addition to their role in pollination, honey bees produce honey and beeswax, both of which are valuable resources. The intricate social structure of a honey bee colony, with a queen, workers, and drones, is another fascinating aspect of their biology.
Are honey bees hard to get rid of?
Yes, honey bees can be difficult to remove due to the size of their colonies and the protective measures often in place to conserve bee populations. Relocating a honey bee colony usually requires professional help, especially if the hive is inside a structure like a wall. At Ehrlich, we strive to find a local beekeeper to safely relocate the hive.
How many honey bees are in a nest?
The number of honey bees in a nest can vary, but a typical hive can house between 10,000 and 60,000 bees. The colony size depends on the season and the health of the hive. In the warmer months, when food is plentiful, the colony tends to grow larger. During winter, the population may decrease as bees die off or the queen reduces egg-laying to conserve resources.
Need help with honey bee control?
If you suspect a honey bee infestation on your property, it is important to act quickly but responsibly. Honey bees are essential to our environment, and exterminating them should always be a last resort.
We understand the importance of protecting honey bees while ensuring your property's safety. Our team of experienced professionals can assess the situation and provide you with the best options for dealing with a honey bee infestation. Whether it's removing a hive from your walls or relocating a swarm, we have the expertise to help. Don't wait until a small hive turns into a large colony – call us today for expert bee control services.