Most bees native to the U.S. are solitary by nature and rarely sting. However, despite their environmental importance, bees can become a household nuisance when they build nests in places like sheds, barns, and homes.
- Bees can be dangerous when they feel threatened.
- Nesting habits vary by species (honey bees vs. bumblebees).
- Bee stings can be serious, especially for those with allergies.
- Signs of infestation include buzzing, stings, hives, and structural damage.
- Critter Control offers safe and effective bee removal services
Critter Control Process for Bee Removal
- Get an Inspection and Quote on Bee Removal.
- In certain situations, live bee removal is possible. We can safely remove the bees and honeycomb using a bee vac.
- After the colony of bees has been removed, we treat the area. Leaving the hive behind will attract other pests. Rodents, raccoons, and roaches are attracted to the hive to eat. Other bee colonies can use the abandoned hive!
What Are the Signs of a Bee Infestation?
Signs of a bee infestation might not always be immediately obvious, but if you pay attention, you may notice a few telltale signs. This may include:
Stings
If you’ve been stung on your property, you may have an active bee infestation, especially if it’s happened more than once or twice. Bee stings are painful and, in some cases, can be life-threatening due to allergic reactions. If you suspect you have an infestation, call a professional for bee removal rather than attempting it yourself.
Hives
Bee hives can vary in appearance based on species. Honey bee hives are large, waxy, and often hidden from plain view in a tree hollow, wall void, or similar cavity. Bumblebee nests tend to be smaller, less structured, and located underground or in a hidden area.
If you find one on your property, don’t attempt bee hive removal yourself. Bees sting when they feel threatened, which can be dangerous—especially if you’re allergic—so it’s best to hire a professional to take care of the process.
Buzzing Sounds
Persistent, concentrated buzzing, especially near walls, trees, or sheds, is a clear sign of bee activity. While a few bees flitting about, buzzing around your home and garden throughout the day doesn’t automatically mean an infestation, loud, concentrated buzzing often does.
Structural Damage
Bees can do a number on your home, especially if they take up residence in a wall void, shed, or similar spot. They can create holes in wood as they build their nests, leave behind unsightly honey stains, and weaken internal structures, especially within walls or attics. Because of this, it’s important to address the issue sooner rather than later, before the bees build a stronghold within your home or on your property.
Pest Control for Bees
Due to the health and safety risks involved, homeowners inexperienced with removing hives should not attempt to handle them alone. While effective pesticides are available, using them incorrectly on hives will only provoke the bees inside.
If you suspect you have a bee problem, do not hesitate to contact our experienced team at Critter Control. While many pest control companies are unwilling to handle bee infestations due to their complexity and the bees’ importance to the environment, we specialize in safe bee removal and effective pest control for bees. Once we remove the infestation, we’ll even repair any structural damage left behind to restore your home’s integrity.
Searching for bee removal company near you? Critter Control can get rid of bee nests and bee problems with effective bee control and bee removal solutions. Contact us to learn more about professional bee removal costs for carpenter bees, bumblebees, and similar types of bees.
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Species of bees vary in size and shape. Most are yellow and black or have metallic coloring. They range in size from 1/4 to 1 inch long and have small heads, large abdomens, and four wings. Though often confused with wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets, bees are distinguishable by their rounder and furry bodies.
More information on what a bee looks like.
Although not native to North America, bees are found in every U.S. state. Some species, like Africanized or “killer” honey bees, require tropical climates to survive. Honey and bumble bees build wax hives, while ground bees dig holes in wood or earth.
Are bees known to enter homes or yards?
In nature, bees nest in trees and logs. When given access to homes, the pests construct hives in walls, attics, or crawlspaces. Ground-dwelling bees search for large areas of exposed, dry, undisturbed soil, and find sparse lawns inviting places to dig tunnels and lay eggs.
Do bees harm people or property?
These generally passive pests will sting when they feel threatened. Stings are painful and sting sites may swell. Allergic individuals can go into anaphylactic shock after an encounter with a bee. Additionally, ground-dwelling bee species may dig up lawns and ruin landscaping.
Homeowners can deter the pests by removing flowers like sunflowers, coneflowers, goldenrod, and clovers from gardens and flowerbeds, which attract bees. Sealing cracks in building exteriors and replacing broken window and door screens reduces the possibility of finding them inside. Finally, make sure all exposed outdoor wood has been treated to discourage wood-boring species.
Bees’ already dwindling numbers worldwide threatens future agriculture, so efforts should be made to discourage or relocate them rather than destroy their hives. Contact professional pest control services for safe and efficient prevention and removal of bees.