The Problem With Honey Bees

There are many insects in the world that are considered pollinators. A pollinator is any animal that causes plants to make fruit or seeds. Without them, plants would not be able to reproduce naturally. You probably already know that honey bees are pollinators, but what you may not know is that there are more honey bees in the world than any other bee or pollinating insect. For this reason, they play an important role in the global ecosystem. The role of the honey bee is so important that, in light of scientific evidence that honey bee populations were decreasing at an alarming rate, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed the Pollinator Protection Act to help protect honey bee populations. Connecticut lawmakers did likewise, by passing an act concerning pollinator health, which enacted a prohibition on the use of neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides linked to the decline of honey bee populations. If you're aware of these laws, it may leave you scratching your head as to what you can and cannot do when honey bees appear in your home. Here's what you need to know about honey bees.

First of all, you need to know that you're dealing with honey bees. Not only because honey bees are so important for pollination but also because they do not behave the way many other stinging insects do. Honey bees are quite docile compared to hornets and wasps. Going after a yellow jacket with a fly swatter is going to be entirely different than going after a honey bee with a swatter. A yellow jacket is going to quickly turn on you and sting. And a wasp is able to sting multiple times without losing its stinger. Proper identification is always key when managing stinging insects.

Honey Bee Identification

A honey bee is about 1/2 an inch in length, predominantly golden-yellow with brown bands. It has a slightly curved bean shape and is covered in hairs. The head and thorax have more hairs than the abdomen. If grouped together, you're likely to notice the dark stripes on the abdomen of these insects. And honey bees prefer to group together tightly. They are highly-social bees.

Is It Okay To Kill Honey Bees?

Yes, as long as you don't use the wrong pesticide. But, you may not have to kill those honey bees. If you're seeing them outside your home, and you don't see a hive, they may be migrating. If so, the problem will take care of itself. If you see a nest, it is important to consult a pest management professional. There are many complexities when dealing with honey bees, not the least of which is the threat of being stung multiple times. Professionals use protective gear and are trained in the best practices of properly dealing with honey bees.

One or Two Honey Bees

If you're only seeing one or two bees hovering near a window, trying to get out of your home, it may be okay to suck them up with your vacuum and be done with it. If you're seeing one or two honey bees buzzing around in your garage, you could use a fly swatter and dispatch those bees quickly. Just be sure that the one or two bees you're seeing did not come from a hive inside a ceiling void. It is no fun to have honey bees flood out of a vent or wall hole unexpectedly-to be honest, it isn't fun even if you expect it. Since, honey bees are predisposed to creating their hives inside trees, stumps, and other wood cavities, it is not uncommon for them to establish a hive inside the walls or ceilings of a home.. Watch the bees and see if they are truly alone. Look to see if they are hovering near a vent, gap, crevice, or hole.

Best Way To Deal With Honey Bees

Year-round pest control service is something every home should have. It proactively works to protect your equity, your belongings, and the health of your family from the threat of bugs and wildlife. It will also proactively work to address honey bee hives.

For industry-leading residential pest control in Massachusetts and Connecticut, give us a call today.