- What are bees?
Related to wasps and ants, bees are beneficial insects. Their bodies and thick waists differentiate bees from smooth, thin-waisted wasps. The primary pollinators of flowers and crops, bees have specialized hairs on their abdomens that allow them to gather nectar and pollen. Most bees are social insects, living in communal hives and employing a caste-system of labor.
Honey bees are prolific pollinators and are approximately ½ inch long. They are short and dense, with golden-brown and black hair and a striped abdomen. Honey bees in Pennsylvania are a protected insect as they are crucial to the pollination of flowers and crops.
Bumble bees are large, ¾ to 1 ½ inches, and fuzzy with distinctive black and yellow coloration. Bumble bees are beneficial pollinators that are docile unless provoked.
- Why do I have them?
Both honey bees and bumble bees will build their nests near homes, in storage sheds or garages. Any small opening that leads to a protected area and provides ample room to build a nest is sought out.
Are they dangerous?
Both honeybees and bumble bees do sting. The sting is painful, but nothing more than a nuisance for most people, but for those with an allergy to the venom of bees, it can be potentially dangerous and life threatening. For those individuals, medical attention should be sought.
- How do I get rid of bees?
Getting rid of bees is a dangerous, difficult and in the case of honey bees, a very messy job. Honey bees are agriculturally important and protected and when honey bees are a problem, the homeowner should arrange to have a qualified beekeeper relocate the honey bees and remove the hive.
- Can I do it myself?
Due to the difficult and dangerous treatment process to get rid of bees, which includes locating and eliminating the hive, bees are not a pest many property owners have much success eliminating on their own. Many do-it-yourself remedies to rid your property of bees simply do not work as the materials they use are not effective. Remember – if misused or mixed improperly, do-it-yourself pesticides can be very dangerous to people, pets or plants.
- Is the treatment safe?
The pest professionals at Raifsnider's Exterminating will first correctly identify what species of bee is invading your home or business, and then create a treatment plan that will eliminate your pest problem quickly and in an environmentally responsible manner. Before any treatments begin, our inspectors will consult with you regarding your children, pets, and gardens and then based on your current situation; they will then customize a treatment plan specifically for you.
- How soon can you get here?
We are committed to helping you as soon as possible. In most cases, we can respond the same or very next day.
- How can I prevent this in the future?
Many pest problems associated with honey bees and bumble bees can be difficult to prevent so many of our customers chose a continuous Protection Program to help guard against future infestations of bees.