Description
Bees and similar stinging insects are the most common insect pests that we handle. In addition to providing humans with beeswax and honey, they pollinate about 1/3 of all crops eaten in America. However, since the pests also construct nests in homes, barns, and sheds, homeowners find their presence frustrating. If it wasn’t for their painful sting and allergic reaction that it sometimes causes, bees wouldn’t be much of a pest. But since that isn’t the case, bees are feared by many and need to be removed professionally.
Appearance
Species of bees vary in size and shape. Most are yellow and black or have metallic coloring. They range in size from 1/4 to 1 inch long and have small heads, large abdomens, and four wings. Though often confused with wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets, bees are distinguishable by their round, furry bodies.
Habitat
Although not native to North America, bees are found in every state. In Minnesota, you will not find Africanized or "killer" honey bees, as they require tropical climates to survive. Honey and bumble bees build wax hives, while ground bees dig holes in wood or earth. They are not particular as to where they build nests. You can find them attached to your soffits, near your natural gas meter (they are attracted to its scent), or under your siding. They literally go anywhere!
Problems
Entry
In nature, bees nest in trees and logs. When given access to homes, the pests construct hives in walls, attics, or crawlspaces. Ground-dwelling bees search for large areas of exposed, dry, undisturbed soil, and find sparse lawns inviting places to dig tunnels and lay eggs.
Damage
These generally passive pests will sting when they feel threatened. Stings are painful and sting sites may swell. Allergic individuals can go into anaphylactic shock after an encounter with a bee. Additionally, ground-dwelling bee species may dig up lawns and ruin landscaping.
Control
Control and Safety
Homeowners can deter the pests by removing flowers like sunflowers, coneflowers, goldenrod, and clovers from gardens and flowerbeds, which attract bees. Sealing cracks in building exteriors and replacing broken window and door screens reduces the possibility of finding them inside. Finally, make sure all exposed outdoor wood has been treated to discourage wood-boring species.
Trapping and Removal
Bees' already dwindling numbers worldwide threatens future agriculture, so efforts should be made to discourage or relocate them rather than destroy their hives. Contact our professional pest control services for safe and efficient prevention and removal of bees.
We can help you get rid of bee problems! Call today: 763.392.0142.
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT OF MINNEAPOLIS SERVICE AREA
Minneapolis, St Paul, Maple Grove, Champlin, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Apple Valley, Eagan, St Louis Park, Stillwater, Woodbury, Mound, Eden Prairie, Edna, Minnetonka, White Bear Lake, Plymouth, Wayzata, Burnsville
This franchise is independently licensed and operated by Wildlife Management Services, Inc.
Additional Information
Wildlife Management of Minneapolis Service Area
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Maple Grove, Champlin, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Apple Valley, Eagan, St. Louis Park, Stillwater, Woodbury, Mound, Eden Prairie, Edina, Minnetonka, White Bear Lake, Plymouth, Wayzata, Burnsville, and Their Surrounding Areas
This franchise is independently licensed and operated by Wildlife Management Services, Inc
