Bees are beneficial insects responsible for pollinating around 80% of the plants in the world. There is no denying that these small flying insects make the world a better place. However, that doesn't mean that they should hang around your home. If you are seeing a lot of beehives or bee activity around your Southern Arizona home, Bee Bustin is here to help. Our Tucson pest control company has a team of qualified technicians that can identify the type of bee you have and devise a safe and effective plan to eliminate them for good.
Identify Potential Nesting Sites: Where Bees Like To Build
Many of the types of bees found in this area are social. They will typically build large hives to accommodate every bee in their colony. The eastern common bumblebee is known to build its nest in pre-existing objects, such as under rocks or rodent holes in the ground. They are known for their elaborate underground hives that are usually one to three feet underground and can be several feet wide. These types of hives usually pose the most danger to humans and animals because you usually can't see them and don't know that they are there until you accidentally stumble on them.
Africanized honey bees are also commonly found in Tucson. This type of bee tends to get a little more creative in finding a place to build its hives. They can build their nest on tree branches and other above-ground areas. However, they have also been known to nest in places inconvenient to homeowners, such as under mailboxes, inside old tires, around unused vehicles, and inside old lawnmowers.
Health Risk: Allergies, Stings, And Other Dangers Of Bee Infestations
Most bees in Tucson prefer to stick to themselves and just want to be left alone. They do not hunt down people or animals, and for the most part, are not known to be aggressive. However, if you get too close to a bee's nest, they may become aggressive and sting you to protect their nests. Social bees are more likely to attack than solitary bees. If you are attacked by a social bee, there is a good chance that you will have several bees trying to sting you at one time. This is especially true for Africanized bees, known for attacking in exceptionally large numbers.
When a bee stings you, it will inject venom into your body. For most people, this venom has mild effects and will usually cause minor swelling and pain. However, some people may be allergic to the venom and experience these symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the tongue and throat
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
If you have been stung by a bee and notice these or any other severe symptoms, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.
Landscaping Tips For Bee Prevention: Plants To Avoid And Ones To Plant
Bees are attracted to brightly colored, strong-smelling flowers. Some of their favorites include sunflowers, borage, lavender, rosemary, and chives. If you have these plants in your yard, you will likely have bees buzzing around.
Other plants, such as the red geranium, usually don't attract bees. This plant doesn't produce much pollen and does not have a sweet smell.
Professional Bee Hive Removal: The Safe And Effective Way
If you see a beehive on your Tucson property, you should never touch it. Instead, you should call the bee control professionals at Bee Bustin as soon as possible. We can safely remove the bee hives and take proactive steps to keep them from nesting on your property in the future.
View All BlogsBees are beneficial insects responsible for pollinating around 80% of the plants in the world. There is no denying that these small flying insects make the world a better place. However, that doesn't mean that they should hang around your home. If you are seeing a lot of beehives or bee activity around your Southern Arizona home, Bee Bustin is here to help. Our Tucson pest control company has a team of qualified technicians that can identify the type of bee you have and devise a safe and effective plan to eliminate them for good.
Identify Potential Nesting Sites: Where Bees Like To Build
Many of the types of bees found in this area are social. They will typically build large hives to accommodate every bee in their colony. The eastern common bumblebee is known to build its nest in pre-existing objects, such as under rocks or rodent holes in the ground. They are known for their elaborate underground hives that are usually one to three feet underground and can be several feet wide. These types of hives usually pose the most danger to humans and animals because you usually can't see them and don't know that they are there until you accidentally stumble on them.
Africanized honey bees are also commonly found in Tucson. This type of bee tends to get a little more creative in finding a place to build its hives. They can build their nest on tree branches and other above-ground areas. However, they have also been known to nest in places inconvenient to homeowners, such as under mailboxes, inside old tires, around unused vehicles, and inside old lawnmowers.
Health Risk: Allergies, Stings, And Other Dangers Of Bee Infestations
Most bees in Tucson prefer to stick to themselves and just want to be left alone. They do not hunt down people or animals, and for the most part, are not known to be aggressive. However, if you get too close to a bee's nest, they may become aggressive and sting you to protect their nests. Social bees are more likely to attack than solitary bees. If you are attacked by a social bee, there is a good chance that you will have several bees trying to sting you at one time. This is especially true for Africanized bees, known for attacking in exceptionally large numbers.
When a bee stings you, it will inject venom into your body. For most people, this venom has mild effects and will usually cause minor swelling and pain. However, some people may be allergic to the venom and experience these symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the tongue and throat
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
If you have been stung by a bee and notice these or any other severe symptoms, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.
Landscaping Tips For Bee Prevention: Plants To Avoid And Ones To Plant
Bees are attracted to brightly colored, strong-smelling flowers. Some of their favorites include sunflowers, borage, lavender, rosemary, and chives. If you have these plants in your yard, you will likely have bees buzzing around.
Other plants, such as the red geranium, usually don't attract bees. This plant doesn't produce much pollen and does not have a sweet smell.
Professional Bee Hive Removal: The Safe And Effective Way
If you see a beehive on your Tucson property, you should never touch it. Instead, you should call the bee control professionals at Bee Bustin as soon as possible. We can safely remove the bee hives and take proactive steps to keep them from nesting on your property in the future.