Bees are one of the most beneficial insects on the planet. They are not only excellent pollinators but also produce nutritious healthy honey, fit for all. While incredibly beneficial to the ecosystem, bees can sometimes be a nuisance especially should they infest your garden or home. Unless mishandled or disturbed, honey bees are naturally harmless, but will attack when/if provoked. Having an idea about bee control can however help you get rid of the bees safely without provoking them. Outlined below are a few tips and tricks on how to manage bees effectively.
- Identify The Type of Bee
Every type of bee is different and with unique behaviors. Luckily, honey bees are the most common all over the world, but with a few commonly considered pests. Honey bees, for example, are quite docile and easy to handle (by a professional), while yellow jacket bees are aggressive and quite dangerous to interact with. That said, it would be advisable to call a pest control expert should you notice yellow jackets in your garden or house. - Do Not Disturb Them/Their Nest
If the bees have nested on your roof or a twig in your garden, it would be best to leave them alone. Trying to shake them off will only make them more aggressive, and possibly attack. Avoid coming in contact with them, and where possible, avoid wearing strong-scented perfumes and consider switching to light-colored clothes. Try to be as calm as possible when close to the bees. - Carefully remove potential attractants:
Bees are always scouting for the next best place to nest. They are thus actively looking out for sweet, floral scents, flowers, water, etc. One way to prevent bees from infesting your home/garden is to clean up spills, crumbs, plants, and flowers that attract bees. You might also want to keep all trashcans and even your swimming pool covered. Consider placing a fountain or bird bath farther away from your home to prevent them from coming close. - Seal Off Any Entry Points in The House
Bees are known to nest in the attic, especially if it is left unattended for long. That said, one of the best bee control methods is to ensure they do not find a suitable nesting place in your home. you can do this by sealing off all cracks and gaps in the roof, foundation, or walls. Be sure to do the same in the basement as well. Consider installing mesh screens on doors and windows to prevent scouts from gaining entry into the house as well. - Call An Expert Bee Keeper
Most honeybees will only nest in your property for a few hours or a day before moving on in search of a new hive. If this is the case, you don’t have to do much, but only be careful around the swarm. If this however becomes a norm with persistent bees showing up, it might then be time to call the professionals. Professional beekeepers and pest exterminators are better equipped to remove and handle bees compared to you. They will also give insights on easy bee control methods especially if you have repeated encounters with nesting bees within the property.
