Scientific Family
Apidae
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Honey bees are highly social insects that live in well-organized colonies consisting of a queen, thousands of worker bees, and a few hundred drones. The queen’s primary role is to lay eggs, while worker bees maintain the hive, collect nectar, and defend against threats. Colonies build wax combs inside natural cavities or human-made hives, where they store honey and pollen for sustenance. Their foraging activity is critical for pollinating a vast number of plant species.
We do not treat for honey bees. Honey bees are an essential and protected species due to their role in pollination and their declining populations. If you have a honey bee colony on your property, we recommend reaching out to a local beekeeper who can safely relocate the hive without harming the bees. Many beekeepers provide free or low-cost removal services to help protect these crucial pollinators.
Honey bees are generally non-aggressive and only sting when they feel threatened. Unlike wasps, they have a barbed stinger that remains embedded in the skin after stinging, causing the bee to die shortly afterward.
Honey bees have fuzzy, golden-brown bodies with black stripes, while wasps tend to have smooth, shinier bodies with more distinct black and yellow markings. Wasps are also more aggressive and tend to build paper nests, whereas honey bees build wax combs.
If you encounter a swarm of honey bees, do not disturb them. Swarms are temporary, and the bees are usually looking for a new home. Contact a local beekeeper, as they can often relocate the swarm safely without harming the bees.
Yes, many beekeepers specialize in humane honey bee removal. They use techniques to safely capture and relocate the colony without using pesticides or causing harm.
Honey bees are a protected species due to their essential role in pollination. Their populations have been declining due to habitat loss, pesticides, and diseases, so our policy is to refer homeowners to beekeepers who can relocate them safely.
To reduce the chance of a honey bee colony setting up in your home, seal any gaps or openings in walls, chimneys, and eaves. If you notice bees entering a structure, act quickly to call a beekeeper before they establish a full hive inside.
Honey bees don’t intentionally damage property, but if they build a hive inside wall voids, the wax and honey can create structural issues over time. Removing the hive properly is crucial to prevent problems like melting wax attracting other pests.
