North America is host to a wide variety of bees. Locally, homes and businesses in Greater Philadelphia can expect to come into contact with a much smaller bee population, consisting primarily of the bumble bee, honey bee, and the carpenter bee.
Bees are a type of insect closely related to ants and wasps. In addition to flying, bees are known for the role they play in pollination and the production of honey and beeswax.
Bees are beneficial to us in many ways, including the fact that they are predators for various types of unwanted bugs. Bees also play a role in the pollination process, which produces over 100 agricultural crops. This is roughly one-third of the food consumed annually in the U.S.
This is why most reputable pest management companies do their utmost to relocate beneficial species such as the honey bee and the bumble bee. On the other hand, the carpenter bee and her nests usually are destroyed because of the potential for property damage.
WHERE BEES ARE FOUND
Bees can be found within any habitat containing flowering plants pollinated by insects. Bees can be found in colonies, hives, or areas where they will not be disturbed. Some types of bees, like yellow jackets, live within holes located in the ground. Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents are accustomed to seeing bees in natural settings and may themselves be exposed to the insects through beekeeping.
WHAT BEES FEED ON
Bees feed on pollen for protein and other types of nutrients. Most of the pollen is used as food for bees that are in the larvae stage. They also feed on nectar, which is a primary source of energy for the insects.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY BEES
Bees can do damage to homes and businesses This is be especially the case when one is dealing with carpenter bees. Although the damage they do to wood is generally cosmetic, generations of carpenter bees can do considerable damage to wood by enlarging the existing galleries of the wood.
ARE BEES AGGRESSIVE?
When situated in areas that enable contact with people, bees can prove problematic, as bees will sting humans when threatened or when protecting the nest or colony. Bee stings can be serious because bees release poisonous venom that can cause pain and unpleasant bodily reactions.
DO BEES CARRY DISEASE?
Bees are capable of acquiring and carrying an assortment of diseases, the most significant of which is American Foulbrood. Although complex, American Foulbrood is essentially a bacterial disease caused by a bacterium known as Paenibacillus larvae. The disease is very contagious and can easily contaminate beekeeping equipment as well as the beekeeper's hands.
HOW TO DETECT BEES
As with most pests, successful management is largely dependent upon locating the bee's nesting site and accurately identifying the species. This will necessitate the pest control company doing a thorough inspection of the homeowner's premises.
HOW TO PREVENT BEES
To prevent a bee infestation from becoming profound and/or perpetual, the colony nest should be located and subsequently removed or destroyed. This prevents further infestation as well as the attraction of other pests such as carpet beetles and bee swarms. There are many ways that bee nests can be destroyed, and the proper method may be contingent upon the location. If a bee nest is found in a tree near the home, for example, a pest control company can cover it with a plastic bag and seal it shut. The nest can then be cut from the tree and frozen. It can also sit in the sun. Either method will kill the bees. Although this procedure will work, it is safer to simply spray the troublesome bee nest. Preventing bee infestation can be challenging, and this is why using an experienced pest control company for prevention purposes is advisable.
HOW TO TREAT FOR BEES
Newtown Termite & Pest Control understands how vital bumble bees and honey bees are to the local ecosystem. As such, we recommend contacting a local bee keeper for the safe removal of bumble bees and honey bees from area homes and businesses.
At the same time, we also utilize a multi-faceted approach for treating problematic species. Our methodology involves making use of the most appropriate detection, prevention, and treatment methods available. By combining these measures, we ensure that your home or business remains free of wasps, hornets, and carpenter bees.
