Bees are part of the natural order and play a vital role. But, these stinging insects can be quite dangerous – especially when they get into a house. Like just about every other insect, bees need three basic things to survive: food, water, and shelter. The good news is, there are plenty of places in and around Phoenix where bees can find all three out in the wild. The bad news is your house also supplies ample amounts of all three and therefore, can be very attractive to bees.
So, what kinds of bees are most prominent in the area, how can you tell if your house is home to bees, and how do you find the right pest service to get rid of them? Well, read on to find out for yourself.
Which Bee Species are Most Common in Phoenix?
In Phoenix, Arizona, some of the most common species of bees are honeybees, carpenter bees, bumblebees, and sweat bees. While all of them play an integral role in nature, they can wreak havoc in residential spaces.
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) – Honeybees are a common species of bees found in Phoenix. They are important pollinators and are often kept in hives by beekeepers. But, they can also easily take up residence in households.
Carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) – Carpenter bees are large bees that can often be seen hovering around flowers or wooden structures. They can sometimes cause damage to wooden structures in and around residential homes and other structures but are important pollinators as well.
Bumblebees (Bombus spp.) – Bumblebees are fuzzy, round bees that are excellent pollinators. They are social bees and can often be seen flying in groups. (Regardless, they aren’t good houseguests.)
Sweat bees (Halictidae spp.) – Sweat bees are small, shiny bees that are attracted to sweat and other bodily fluids (like those produced by humans, making them a danger to adults, kids, and seniors). They are important pollinators and can often be seen visiting flowers.
It’s important to note that there are many different species of bees that can be found in Phoenix, and the types and numbers of bees can vary depending on the season and local environmental factors.
How to Tell if Your Home is Being Invaded by Bees
As evidenced by the information above, bees are quite instrumental in a number of ways to nature. But, their presence in households can pose dangers. Here’s how homeowners can tell if they have a bee problem by looking for the following signs:
- Increased bee activity: If you notice an increase in bee activity around your home or property, such as more bees than usual flying in and out of holes or cracks in the walls, roof, or ground, this could be a sign of a bee infestation.
- Bee swarms: Bee swarms are a group of bees that are usually hanging from a tree, a branch, or another object. If you notice a bee swarm in or around your property, it’s important to stay away and call a professional bee removal service.
- Bee nests: Bee nests can be found in a variety of locations, such as in the walls of your home, in the ground, or in trees. If you see a bee nest, it’s imperative to avoid disturbing it and call a professional bee removal service.
- Honeycomb: If you see honeycomb in or around your home, this is a sign that bees have been building a hive or nest. This can be a potential hazard if disturbed and should be removed by a professional.
It’s crucial to remember that bees are an important part of our ecosystem and should only be dealt with by a professional pest control service if they pose a threat to human health or safety. Never attempt to deal with bees on your own as this can be dangerous and could result in serious injury or even death.
How to Find the Right Professional Pest Service to Deal with Bees
If homeowners in Phoenix need to get rid of bees, the safest and most effective way is to contact a professional pest management service. These professionals are trained and equipped to safely take care of the problem. Here are some helpful tips homeowners can use when hiring a professional pest control service:
- Research and choose a reputable company: Look for a company that has ample experience and boasts positive reviews from previous customers.
- Get an inspection and estimate: A pest specialist will conduct an inspection of the property to determine the location and size of the bee colony and provide an estimate for the service.
- Schedule an appointment: Once the homeowner agrees to the estimate, the pest management service will schedule a time that is convenient for you, the homeowner.
- Prepare the area: The homeowner should clear the area around the bee colony and ensure that pets and children are kept indoors during the actual process.
- Post-service cleanup: Once the bees have been dealt with, the pest control specialist will clean up the area and seal any openings or gaps to prevent bees from returning.
It’s important to note that homeowners should never attempt to deal with bees on their own, as it can be dangerous and result in serious injury or death. Instead, rely on a professional pest management service that has the necessary equipment and training to safely get rid of intruders.