Bucks County is home to several species of bees, including bumble bees, honey bees, and carpenter bees. While these insects are vital pollinators and play a critical role in the ecosystem, they can pose risks when they establish nests near homes or businesses.
Why Bees Are Important
Bees are essential pollinators, responsible for supporting over one-third of the U.S. food supply. Honey bees and bumble bees, in particular, contribute significantly to agriculture and biodiversity.
When Bees Become a Problem
Bees usually focus on collecting nectar and pollen, causing little disturbance. However, nests in or near structures can endanger residents or employees. Aggressive behavior from certain species or the risk of multiple stings makes professional intervention necessary.
Honey Bees: Small, slender, with yellow-and-black stripes; worker bees feature a pollen basket on their hind legs.
Bumble Bees: Larger and fuzzier than honey bees, with rounded bodies often striped in black and yellow. Some species display red or orange coloring.
Carpenter Bees: Solitary bees with shiny, less hairy bodies. They are primarily black and burrow into wood for nesting.
Bees feed on nectar for energy and pollen for protein. Honey bees and bumble bees also produce honey to sustain their colonies, with worker bees feeding larvae and potential queens a specialized substance called royal jelly.
Honey Bees: Build wax nests in wooded areas, hollow trees, or wall voids.
Bumble Bees: Nest in ground debris, woodpiles, or abandoned burrows, often in colonies of 50-500 members.
Carpenter Bees: Bore into wood, including fences, decks, and outdoor furniture, creating tunnels and galleries.
Honey bee nests can cause moisture, mold, and mildew issues when abandoned.
Carpenter bees weaken wood structures through continuous burrowing, potentially compromising the integrity of decks, fences, and more.
Most bees are non-aggressive unless provoked.
Female bees sting once, releasing venom that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Severe cases may require immediate medical attention.
Signs of a bee issue include:
Loud buzzing indoors or outdoors.
Visible nests on or near structures.
Round holes in wood caused by carpenter bees.
Dark patches on walls or ceilings from honey bee nests.
Increased bee activity inside or around your property.
To reduce the risk of bee infestations:
Remove old nests and honeycombs.
Clear outdoor clutter and debris.
Seal cracks and holes in exterior walls.
Paint or stain wood structures to deter carpenter bees.
Plant flowering trees and shrubs away from buildings.
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we prioritize the safe removal of beneficial species like honey bees and bumble bees. Partnering with local beekeepers, we ensure these essential pollinators are relocated safely and sustainably.
For problematic species, such as carpenter bees, we employ advanced detection, prevention, and treatment methods. Our multi-faceted approach ensures your property is free of bees, wasps, and hornets.
Don’t let bees disrupt your home or business. Contact Newtown Termite & Pest Control today for a FREE inspection and let us handle your bee control needs safely and effectively.
