Bees are a necessary part of the ecosystem, but they can become a problem when they build their hives in unwanted places. And while extremely rare, bees and other stinger insects result in about 62 deaths per year, so human-bee interaction isn’t without risk.
If you have bees on your property and they are becoming a nuisance, there are steps you can take to remove them safely. In this blog post, we will discuss how to handle bees when they become a problem. We will also provide tips for preventing bee infestations in the first place.
When Bees Pose Threats
Bees do not set out to be a threat, but sometimes the nature of where they place their hives can create potential conflicts. In this section, we look at some of the most common places where this is likely to occur. First up:
At Home
Bees are attracted to areas that provide shelter and are close to a food source, and they will build their hives in any suitable space they can find. This can include roof eaves, garages, and sheds.
While a bee hive may seem harmless at first, it can quickly become a problem. Bees are attracted to sweet smells, so they will often fly into open windows or doors in search of food.
This can be a nuisance for homeowners and can also lead to accidents if a bee gets inside and someone with an allergy is present.
In addition, hives can attract other insects, such as wasps and hornets. These pests can cause even more problems for homeowners. For these reasons, it’s best to keep bees away from your home by sealing up any potential access points and removing any existing hives.
Schools or Playgrounds
Bee stings can cause serious allergic reactions in some people, and a hive can contain thousands of bees. If a child were to accidentally disturb a hive, they could be swarmed by angry bees.
And that aforementioned attraction to sweet smells? That means bees could be drawn to sugary snacks and drinks that children leave behind. As a result, it is advisable to keep bee hives well away from areas where children congregate.
Commercial Areas
Commercial areas, such as restaurants and marketplaces, are bad places for bee hives as well. That’s because they are filled with artificial scents, which confuse the bees and make it difficult for them to find their way back to the hive.
Additionally, there is a lot of noise and movement in these areas, which can also bother the bees. This constant human presence can make bees feel threatened, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
Water Sources
Water sources, such as ponds and rivers, are bad locations for bee hives to begin with. These areas, simply put, are susceptible to changing water levels. When the water level rises, it can flood the hive and drown the bees. Conversely, when the water level drops, it can expose the hive to predators.
Both of these situations can pose more of a threat to human beings as well. After all, the bee is placed into stressful situation, making it more aggressive to other life forms.
Bee Deterrents
There are several deterrents that can help prevent unwanted bee infestations. Some of these include:
- Removing potential beehive sites, such as tree stumps, loose rocks, and piles of lumber
- Avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides, which can kill bees
- Planting bee-friendly flowers and plants in your garden
- Keeping trash and recycling bins clean and covered
- Repairing any cracks or holes in your home’s exterior
If you’re not sure how to handle bees when they become a problem, don’t try to remove them on your own. Doing so can increase the likelihood that you will be stung. Multiple bee stings can be life-endangering, and it’s entirely unnecessary.
Instead, consider contacting Little Giant Beekeepers if you’re in the Dallas-Fort worth area. We have experience in the safe and humane removal of bee hives from unwanted or potentially dangerous locations.
Our years of experience removing hives from all types of properties will keep you, your family, and, yes, even our little buzzy friends safe. We will work diligently to ensure that the bees are relocated safely and without harm. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation.
