Bees
Anthophila (Clade)
Bees are essential pollinators that play a vital role in our ecosystem. While most bees are beneficial and non-aggressive, they can become a concern when nesting too close to homes or in high-traffic areas.
Bee Identification Guide
Physical Characteristics
Bees are flying insects characterized by their fuzzy bodies, which help them collect pollen. They have two pairs of wings, six legs, and range from 1/4 inch to over 1 inch in length. Most bees have yellow and black striping, though colors vary by species. Unlike wasps, bees have a more robust, rounded body shape.
Common Species
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Honey Bees - Social bees that live in large colonies and produce honey. Golden-brown with darker stripes.
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Bumble Bees - Large, fuzzy bees with bold black and yellow bands. Nest in ground cavities.
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Carpenter Bees - Large bees that bore into wood. Males are territorial but cannot sting.
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Ground Bees - Solitary bees that nest in soil. Many species are important native pollinators.
Bee Behavior and Biology
Bees are critical pollinators responsible for one-third of the food we eat. Social bees like honey bees live in colonies with a queen, workers, and drones. Solitary bees like ground bees and carpenter bees nest individually. Most bees are docile and focus on foraging rather than defending their nests, though they will sting if directly threatened.
How We Handle Bee Situations
Our approach prioritizes safety while respecting the ecological importance of bees:
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Assessment - We identify the bee species and evaluate the situation. Many bee “problems” don’t require treatment at all, especially with solitary ground bees that are harmless and temporary.
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Relocation When Possible - For honey bee colonies, we partner with local beekeepers to safely relocate hives when feasible. This protects the colony while solving your concern.
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Treatment When Necessary - For bees nesting in walls, aggressive colonies, or carpenter bees causing damage, we provide targeted treatment. We use methods that minimize impact on the broader bee population.
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Prevention - We seal entry points to prevent future nesting in structures and can treat wood to deter carpenter bees.
Types of Bees
Click on any species below to learn more about identification, behavior, and control methods.
Ground Bees
Andrena spp.
Solitary bees that nest in your lawn but rarely pose a threat to homeowners.
View identification guide
Honey Bees
Apis mellifera
Essential pollinators that play a critical role in ecosystems and agriculture. Honey bees are social insects that live in large colonies and produce honey and beeswax.
View identification guideCommon Questions about Bees
Are bees dangerous?
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Most bees are not aggressive and only sting when threatened. However, bee stings can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. The risk increases when bees nest in or near homes where encounters are more likely.
What's the difference between bees and wasps?
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Bees are typically rounder, fuzzier, and feed on nectar and pollen. Wasps are more slender with smooth bodies and are often predators or scavengers. Bees can only sting once (and die), while wasps can sting repeatedly.
Should I remove bees from my property?
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Not always. Ground bees and solitary bees are beneficial and typically pose little threat. However, honey bee colonies in walls or carpenter bees damaging wood may require professional attention. We assess each situation to recommend the best approach.
Can you relocate bee colonies?
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In many cases, yes. For honey bees, we work with local beekeepers when possible to safely relocate colonies. This preserves these important pollinators while solving your pest problem.
How do I prevent bees from nesting?
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Seal potential entry points in your home, fill abandoned rodent burrows, paint or treat exposed wood to deter carpenter bees, and keep outdoor areas clean of food and sugary drink spills.
Explore Other Pest Categories
Browse our comprehensive pest library for identification guides and control information.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that's been protecting homes for over 57 years.
Find Local Bee Control Services
We provide professional bees control throughout Virginia, Maryland, and the DC Metro area.