You were taking a walk around your yard when you noticed a swarm of bees flying over your head. Upon further inspection, you notice that there is a nest on one of your trees. It can create a moment of panic to see a swarm of bees around your property. But before panic sets in, it’s important to understand what’s happening and how best to handle the situation.
While these situations can feel overwhelming, handling it with calm and caution is key. Our experts at Mark’s Pest Control have put together this article that will walk you through the steps you can take if you discover a swarm of bees near your home. We will also give you tips to avoid such situations in the future and keep bees at bay.
Do Not Panic – Swarming Bees Are Typically Harmless
While it may be unnerving to have so many bees nearby, remember that swarming bees are not typically aggressive. Unlike bees that are protecting a hive, swarming bees are in transition and less likely to sting unless they feel directly threatened. The bees are more focused on protecting their queen and scouting for a new home than on defending themselves.
It’s natural to feel anxious, especially if you have children or pets around, but keeping calm is crucial. Avoid making sudden movements, or attempting to swat at the bees. In most cases, the bees will ignore you as long as you give them space.
Keep a Safe Distance and Avoid Disturbing the Swarm
The next step is to make sure everyone in your household, including pets, stays away from the swarm. Bees in this state are unlikely to attack unless provoked, but it’s always best to minimise any risks. Keep children and pets indoors until the swarm has moved on or is professionally removed.
Avoid loud noises or vibrations near the bees, as these can cause them to become agitated. Mowing the lawn, using power tools, or banging on nearby surfaces can disturb the bees and increase the likelihood of them feeling threatened. Simply give the swarm a wide berth and let them be as you assess the situation.
Do Not Attempt DIY Removal
It may be tempting to try to handle the situation on your own, especially if the bees are close to an entry point or a commonly used area of your yard. However, attempting to remove a swarm without proper training can be dangerous for both you and the bees.
Bees are protected in many places due to their environmental importance, and improper removal methods could harm them. Apart from this, without the right knowledge and equipment, you could accidentally provoke the swarm, increasing your chances of being stung. To avoid these issues, it’s best to seek professional help.
Contact a Professional for Safe Bee Removal
The best course of action is to contact a professional beekeeper or a pest control company that specialises in bee removal. A professional bee removal technician has the skills and tools necessary to safely relocate the bees without harming them.
A pest control company with expertise in bee removal is your best option. Our team at Mark’s Pest Control can also help you with effective and humane bee removal. They can assess the situation and determine the safest and most humane way to deal with the swarm. Always choose a service that prioritises the preservation of bees, as they play a vital role in the environment.
What to Expect During a Bee Removal
When the professional arrives to handle the swarm, they will assess the size of the swarm and the location. If the bees are easily accessible, such as on a tree branch, the beekeeper or pest control expert may use a bee vacuum or a bee box to safely collect the bees.
The removal process is typically straightforward, especially if the bees haven’t started building a hive yet. Once the bees are collected, they are either relocated to a managed hive or released into a safe environment where they can continue their pollinating work.
In cases where bees have started nesting within the walls of a home, the removal process may be more involved. The pest control expert may need to open part of the wall to access the hive and carefully remove both the bees and the hive to prevent further infestation or damage.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once the bees are safely removed, it’s important to take steps to prevent future swarms from settling near your home. Bees are attracted to certain areas for a variety of reasons, including the availability of shelter and food sources. Here are some simple ways to keep bees and other pests at bay:
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points where bees could start building a hive, such as cracks in the walls, gaps around windows, or openings in the roof. Seal these to prevent bees from making your home their next nesting site.
- Remove Attractants: Bees are drawn to flowering plants and sources of water. While you don’t need to eliminate all flowers from your yard, you can limit water sources, such as leaky hoses or bird baths, that might attract bees.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your property for any signs of bees, especially in early spring when swarming is most common. Early detection can help prevent a small swarm from turning into a full-blown infestation.
Conclusion
Discovering a swarm of bees near your home can be unsettling, but with the right approach, it’s a situation that can be handled safely and responsibly. By keeping your distance, contacting a professional for removal, and taking steps to prevent future swarms, you can protect both your home and the bees. Remember, these tiny creatures are essential to our environment, and ensuring their safe relocation is a win-win for everyone involved. If you are dealing with bees in your home, contact Mark’s Pest Control for a swift and effective removal process.