Phoenix Homeowners, Get Ready for Bees Because They’re Coming!

Winter rains brought more flowering plants and weeds. And, those showers also brought more bee colonies to the Phoenix community. What’s more, these insects are expected to grow larger this year. However, bee removal in this area presents a unique set of challenges due to the prevalence of aggressive “Africanized” bees. In the following article, we’ll discuss the various approaches to bee removal and the challenges associated with each method.

A Little About Bee Swarms

Bee swarms occur when a colony of bees outgrows its current hive and splits into two or more groups. These swarms can be safely removed by a professional, but the process requires skill and time to ensure the safety of the removal team.

Eliminating Bees in a Hive

Eliminating bees in a hive involves quickly killing the bees to prevent them from immediately returning. This method is often used when the bees are aggressive and pose a threat to human safety. However, it’s important to note that this method is NOT a preferred method and should only be used as a last resort. As this is a quick fix, but only a remedy to the current pest situation, the entire bee hive should be removed to prevent further infestations, additional pests and melting honey from causing damage to the structure.

What’s Involved in Removing a Bee Hive

Removing a bee hive involves removing the entire hive, including the bees and the honeycomb. This method is the most environmentally friendly, but it also presents the most challenges. As mentioned earlier, the bees in Phoenix are predominantly aggressive, and relocating them is not usually a viable option. Additionally, there are not many places willing to re-home a colony of aggressive bees, and farmers are hesitant to introduce them to their existing colonies (most of which are typically docile).

So, bee removal in Phoenix presents a unique set of challenges due to the prevalence of aggressive “Africanized” bees. While there are several methods of bee removal, each presents its own set of challenges. It’s important to consult with a professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

DIY Bee Removal Tips Homeowners Can Use

Even though bees play a vital role in our ecosystem, they sometimes can become a nuisance when they build their hives in or around our homes. If you’re dealing with a bee problem, you should call an exterminator, but there are some DIY people who will be tempted to try to solve the problem themselves. If you insist on DIY, please follow these simple bee removal tips to remove the bees safely and humanely from their property:

1. Identify the type of bee. Before attempting any removal, it’s important to identify the type of bee you’re dealing with. Honey bees, bumblebees, and carpenter bees all have different behaviors and nesting habits, so knowing what type of bee you’re dealing with will help you choose the best removal method.
2. Wait until dusk. Bees are less active at night, so it’s best to attempt removal after sunset. This will also make it easier to locate the hive or nest, as the bees will be less animated and easier to spot.
3. Use protective gear. When attempting bee removal, it’s important to wear protective clothing to minimize the risk of getting stung. Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a beekeeper’s veil to protect your face and eyes.
4. Remove the hive or nest. Once you’ve removed or eliminated the bees, found and gained access to the hive and honeycomb, thoroughly removed the honeycomb, dead bees, and debris. Apply a preventative measure to keep foraging bees and other pests attracted to the left over honey and wax from reinfesting the hive location.
5. Seal up any entry points. After removing the bees, honey and honeycomb, it’s important to seal up any entry points to prevent them from returning. This may involve filling in cracks or gaps in walls, repairing damaged window screens, or installing a bee-proof barrier around your home.
6. Be sure you are not allergic to bees and their stings before you start. If you are unsure, don’t do it. If you can handle being stung, be prepared to properly remove the stinger to reduce the amount of venom that will be injected. Scrap don’t squish the stinger.

Bee removal can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s something that homeowners can do themselves, though not recommended by professionals. By following these DIY bee removal tips, you can safely remove bees from your property and prevent them from returning. Remember to always be respectful of bees and their role in our ecosystem, and to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself during the removal process.

Why Bee Removal Is Best Left to an Experienced Pest Control Service

Again, bees play a vital role in our ecosystem. But sometimes, they can become a nuisance when they build their hives in or around residential properties. While it may be tempting to try and remove the bees yourself, it’s best to leave bee removal to an experienced pest control service. Here’s why:

• Safety. Bee removal can be dangerous, especially if you’re dealing with a large hive or an aggressive species of bee. Professional pest control services have the training and equipment necessary to safely remove bees from your property, minimizing the risk of stings and other injuries.
• Expertise. Experienced pest control services have the knowledge and expertise to identify the type of bee you’re dealing with and determine the best course of action for removal. They also have the tools and techniques necessary to remove the bees and their hive without causing damage to your property.
• Environmental responsibility. Professional pest control services understand the importance of bees to our ecosystem and take steps to ensure that they are properly removed.
• Legal considerations. In some areas, there may be laws and regulations governing the removal of bees. Professional pest control services are familiar with these regulations and can ensure that the removal is done in compliance with the law.

While it may be tempting to try and remove bees from your property yourself, it’s still best to leave bee removal to an experienced pest control service. They have the training, expertise, and equipment necessary to remove bees safely and effectively from your property, while also taking steps to protect the environment and comply with local laws and regulations.