What are honey bees?
Honey bees are social insects that are a very important part of the eco-system throughout the world; they are responsible for pollinating over 100 crops in the U.S. alone. Honey bees make honey from the nectar of flowers and use it as their food source. A honey bee colony can survive for many years unlike other types of stinging insect colonies and because of this their colonies can grow very large. Honey bees create their nests in crevices and are often found in logs, trees, wall voids and in chimneys.
What do they look like?
Honey bees have a narrow, oval shaped appearance with golden-yellow and brown bands. Adult honey bee workers are about ½ -5/8th of an inch in length; queens are slightly larger. They are covered in pale hairs and have a visible barbed stinger.
Do honey bees bite?
Honey bees do not bite. However, they will deliver a painful sting in order to defend their colony.
Are honey bees dangerous?
Yes, honey bees are considered to be dangerous. A sting from a honey bee will result in a painful, raised welt. In some cases the venom from a honey bee sting can cause a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
What are the signs of a honey bee infestation?
Having the occasional few honey bees flying around your flowers and landscaping is normal and should not be an issue. It is when the hive has been built either in your home or very close to it that there should be concern. If you are seeing large numbers of honey bees flying near or in your home then it is a sign of an infestation and a professional should immediately be called.
Why do I have a honey bee problem?
Honey bees are most often attracted to properties that have large flowering gardens. Once they have been drawn to your property because of an abundant food source they may stay and build a nest.
How do I get rid of honey bees?
If honey bees have built a nest near or in your home, a beekeeper should be contacted to remove it. Bees are a beneficial pest and a beekeeper will be able to safely remove the nest from your property without any harm to you or the bees. Honey bees will sting if they feel threatened so you should never try to remove a nest without the professional help of a beekeeper.
Honey bee prevention tips from Big Blue Bug Solutions
The best way to prevent a honey bee infestation is to limit the amount of flowers and flowering plants you have placed near your home. Make sure that trash cans have tight fitting lids and do not leave food and drinks sitting outside for long periods of time.
