We take great care in protecting pollinating bees during our routine services. On occasion, however, bees decide to make your home their home.
In recent years, declining bee populations have made the news cycle plenty of times. Commercial and wild honey bee populations have succumbed to habitat loss, disease, and overexposure to pesticides. The situation is quite complex, and consideration whether or not to treat for bees on your property is important.
If you are noticing a football sized, interestingly shaped glob of bees hanging under a tree branch, porch post, table, trampoline, or any number of objects, this is likely a swarm. They're resting until scout bees find a suitable home. These swarms will be temporary, and are usually gone within 72 hours. They're not usually aggressive, since there's no hive to defend, and it's often recommended to give these swarms a chance to move on before having them removed.
If you are noticing many bees entering into a cavity in a tree, wall, shed, or even your own home, this typically indicates they have already moved into that space, and can become aggressive if you interact with them. If these locations are in close proximity to people, they need to be removed. In most circumstances, the honeycomb will need to be removed, as well. This may require opening a cavity into the area and repairing it once the comb is removed.
If only a few bees are prodding around a hole in a tree, wall, shed, or your home, this may indicate scout bees testing the area as a suitable nesting site. Once inspected by a professional to make sure there is no honeycomb present, sealing any excess holes is highly recommended to discourage them from moving in.
There are a couple very effective things homeowners can do to help save the bees. Avoid using any pesticides at all around flowering plants on your property. Seal unwanted holes along plumbing entries, fascia, bird block, roof vents, and other areas where bees may enter structures to establish a new hive. Consider having your property inspected by a professional for recommendations on assisting us in saving the bees!
Bees are a critical part of nature's ecosystem, and need an extra degree of consideration when controlling their populations. When completing pesticide applications on your home, please hire a professional who prioritizes bee sustainability and take precautions yourself to mitigate their loss. On the flip side, remember, bees can be dangerous. Dozens of deaths due to bee stings are reported every year. Please consult a professional before conducting any DIY treatments for bees.
