Bees are an integral part of the ecosystem and balance biodiversity by helping plants reproduce. And they make honey! Although the usefulness of bees is undeniable, coming across a beehive in your home can be a scary surprise.
We’re aware of how bees can sting. They can go from being a temporary pain to a mild itching discomfort. So if you spot a beehive near your home, you may want to remove it. No worries because we’ll tell you what to do with an unwanted beehive at home!
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Types of Bees
With over 16,000 species, bees reign supreme or were reigning supreme all around the world. Some of the most common species we see are,
- Honeybee (Western, European, African, Asian)
- Bumblebee
- European Dark Bee
- Mining Bee
- Killer Bee
- Carpenter Bee
Bees and The Environment
Bees have benefitted the environment since they have been around. They pollinate plants, carrying the pollen from one plant or flower to another, to different sexes or parts of the plant. In addition, bees are responsible for causing plants and flowers to reproduce.
Ecosystem
While other insects such as flies, moths, wasps, and butterflies help pollinate plants and flowers, the bee is the most efficient participant in the plant and insect pollination process.
Bees have evolved to become the best at this job by developing special hairs that form a basket-like arrangement on their hind legs and abdomen. This helps them carry more pollen than usual, allowing them to pollinate more flowers. So one bee can pollinate many flowers and plants, meaning each bee is integral to helping the ecosystem.
Biodiversity
Bees are key in balancing biodiversity and the most important participant in pollinator diversity. Along with domestic species, 90% of wild plants are pollinated by bees. They have become even more crucial as other wild pollinators have disappeared or become extinct.
Climate Change
Wild or native species of bees worldwide are taking a hit, thanks to the increasing temperature and deforestation. Not only does this mean less pollination and fewer trees, but it also gives rise to more diseases.
Yes, particularly honey bees can be carriers of certain parasites and bacteria. With climate change making colonies weaker and more vulnerable to infection, bees are more susceptible to more diseases that are difficult to contain. This is bad news for everyone: you, me, the trees, the animals, the birds, everybody!
Not Always A Friend
Now as established, bees are helpful for the environment. But they’re often killed and their hives destroyed. This is because bees can be disadvantageous for more than just their sting; here’s how:
- Stings: It is no secret that bees sting. And getting stung by a bee can hurt. From feeling itchy to having several allergic reactions, bee stings can be difficult.
- Invasive: Whether in your porch, outdoor shed or the kid’s tree house, bees can find any place suitable enough to build their hive.
And if you didn’t know, moving a beehive can be quite tricky. If you don’t do it properly, you could create a world of problems for yourself, your family, and anyone that comes through your doors.
Dealing With An Unwanted Beehive
You need to be super cautious while approaching a beehive. Follow these steps to deal with an unwanted beehive at your home safely,
- Wait for all the bees to go inside the hive. This is important because you don’t want to leave any behind. A lone bee can still sting you.
- Wear gloves, goggles and/or a bee-keeping mask. Get a whole beekeeping suit if you want to make it fun and seem professional!
- Time to seal the holes shut with wood putty, soft foam, or cork sheets. Soft foam is your best option, as it won’t suffocate the bees.
- Carefully place tape over inserts in place with duct or gaffer tape.
- Wrap with film, bubble wrap, or soft cloth.
- Move anywhere within 3 feet of their original place. If you move any further, bees won’t be able to locate their new nesting place.
- Once you’ve taken the hive to its place, carefully remove the wrap around it, but don’t remove the inserts just yet.
- Place trees or plants around the hive and carefully take the inserts out. The bees will get acquainted with their new nest in a few days.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article informative and use some tricks to move a beehive from your home. You must do this as carefully and precisely as possible because you don’t want a pair or few wandering on your property. Share with your friends and family so they can efficiently deal with unwanted beehives at their homes.
FAQs
1. How to Make Sure Bees Don’t Come Back in Your Home After Removing Their Hive?
Ans: Remember to clean the place thoroughly after you’ve removed the beehive from your home. You can use bleach and other cleaning agents to clean the spot, along with some DIY mixes such as garlic, vinegar, or citrus. You can use these homemade solutions to keep bees away from your home. A homemade spray is very effective as it does not kill the bees but keeps them away. We suggest you use a professional bee removal service, because they’re experts at removing beehives without posing any risks to the bees and ensure professional before and aftercare.
2. How to Get Rid Of Pests At Your Home?
Ans: Pests and bugs can be a nuisance, especially if nesting in your humble abode. Pests and bugs can be difficult to eliminate once they’ve decided to stay. Here are a few things that you can do to keep pests and bugs away from your home,
- Seal gaps, cracks and openings underneath doors, near your windows, on walls and any other places.
- Wipe wet spots and damp areas and dry them up immediately
- Make sure to clean up the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Clean and dust off regularly.
- Use homemade sprays such as garlic, citrus, or vinegar.
- Seek the help of professional pest removal services.
