Despite being fairly small, bees incite fear in most people. If these stinging insects are buzzing around your Phoenix home or business, guests and patrons alike aren't likely to hang around for long. Nothing sends people packing quicker than the looming threat of a painful bee sting. If you find yourself dealing with bees on your property, here are some helpful tips from our experts on how to deal with them!
Bees are difficult to deter because their natural habitat is the outdoors. However, there are still things you can do to reduce the chances of them taking up residence on your property. If you take some time to read about your local bees and how they operate, you’ll discover ways to prevent them. Furthermore, you’ll learn how Overson Pest Control can help in your battle against bees.
How Do Common Phoenix Bees Behave? What Are the Risks?
Honey bees, carpenter bees, and bumblebees are all prevalent in our region. Honey bees are 0.59 of an inch long. Brown and yellow stripes cover their black or brown bodies. These insects survive on plant pollen and nectar primarily. As noted by their name, producing honey is how they spend the majority of their time. These bees use their gland wax to form their nests. Should you be stung by a honey bee, you’ll experience a fair amount of pain with localized redness and itching. With intense allergic reactions, fainting, nausea, and even death may result from a bee sting.
Carpenter bees can be as long as 0.98 of an inch. They come in a variety of metallic colors such as greenish-black, black, bluish-purple, and blue, and, may have yellow blots. This species in particular is a threat to homes and businesses as they burrow into unfinished or weathered wood. You may see swarms of these bees by roof eaves, patios, doors, windowsills, wooden yard furniture, fences, and more. Some key infestation signs are:
- Multiple tiny holes in wood and foundations
- Fecal stains and particles near their drilled holes
- Stacks of sawdust and pollen under their entrance openings
- Seeing carpenter bees themselves
Bumblebees range in size from ½ of an inch to 1 inch long. Their black bodies are marked with yellow, orange, or red stripes. Hotspots for these bees are typically located close to the ground in siding cracks, animal burrows, and organic matter. Only female bumblebees have stingers, and they can sting more than once. This heightens the chances of a severe allergic reaction.
It’s easy to confuse bees with other stinging insects, but bees are generally hairier and more round in shape than their relatives. Believe it or not, some people are hesitant to eliminate bee infestations because they support the ecosystem with their pollination patterns. However, the hazard to human life is too great to support having a hive in close proximity to your home or business.
How Can Phoenix Bees Be Prevented?
It’s challenging to get bees off your land once they’ve set up shop. Performing preventative protocols throughout the year is a must. No, it’s not possible to manipulate Mother Nature. However, you can follow these guidelines around your home or establishment to avoid inviting bees onto your property:
- Regularly mow your lawn, trim greenery, and pick up organic debris.
- Sit plants and flowers at least two feet from your property.
- Clean your gutters and vents often.
- Keep your porches, roof eaves, and lawn furniture neat.
- Paint or varnish any unfinished or weathered wood.
- Seal gaps and crevices in foundations, windows, and doors.
- Use airtight containers for food and garbage storage.
What Can Overson Pest Control Do About Phoenix Bees?
Never attempt to treat or remove a bee’s nest on your own, whether it seems dormant or not. Over-the-counter, DIY products often irritate bees, and if there are any still inside, a seemingly simple hive removal could end in disaster. The expert technicians at Overson Pest Control have the skills and tools to address and remove these nests. We also offer safe, industrial-grade bee control treatments to deter these stinging insects. Ready to get started? Contact us today to request your free quote!