Bees have a worse reputation than they deserve, but their stings can be deadly to those who are allergic. Even if you are not allergic, bee stings are painful and can require medical treatment. If your home is attractive to bees, it’s best to have them removed and excluded right away by a professional pest control technicians like the ones at Critter Control of Ft. Worth.

Although many people kill bees using pesticides and poisons, this may not be the best solution to your problem. The chemicals in common bee-killing pesticides can drive away beneficial insects and damage the environment. Additionally, using pesticides will not guarantee bees won’t continue returning year after year. Professional, environmentally friendly exclusion efforts will.

Types of Bees

You have probably encountered many types of bees and other stinging insects in your lifetime, including honeybees, hornets, yellow jackets, and carpenter bees. Some species sting more often than others do, and you need to remove each differently. Identifying one specific bee is sometimes difficult, but some have features that set them apart. For example, honeybees are the black and yellow bees most people think of when they hear the word “bee.” They are the ones with ridged stingers that can embed in skin. Bumblebees are often larger and more colorful than honeybees, and have much smaller hives.

Where to Find Bee Hives

Bee hives can be found on the ground; yellow jackets and hornets in particular like to build nests there. However, most bee nests are in places like eaves or roofs. It can be tricky, even dangerous, to remove a nest yourself. Leave removal to the professionals, particularly for large nests. Do not swat bees that escape; they will feel threatened and sting immediately.

Protecting Yourself from Bees

Protecting yourself from bees is crucial. Spring and fall in particular are well-known bee seasons. Do not wear perfume or citronella bug spray outdoors, and do not bring sweet drinks like lemonade or juice onto your deck. Keep fruit and other sweet foods sealed, and clean up spills immediately. If you do discover a bee infestation, contact Critter Control for assistance.