Our Bee Pest Control Approach: How to Protect Yourself & Natural Pollinators
As summertime approaches in Massachusetts, you may notice that bee and wasp activity is beginning to increase. Whether they are coming from a neighbor’s property or from a nearby tree, these insects may make your yard or even your home their new nest, which can cause problems for you. Discover the difference between Massachusetts’s stinging insects and the best practice for bee pest control when they become a problem for your home!
The Difference between Bees vs. Hornets vs. Wasps
As we begin our discussion of bee pest control, we first want to define our terms. During the summer months, several stinging insects become more active as the weather warms, but not all stinging insects are the same. There are several species of bees, wasps, and hornets in Massachusetts, so what’s the difference between these three insects?
Bees are natural pollinators and use pollen to create honey for their colony. Typically, bees are not going to be aggressive and avoid stinging at all costs. A bee can only sting once, so it will use its stinger as a last resort when it feels threatened. Some bees live in colonies, but the vast majority (91%) of bee species are actually solitary creatures. Unless you have an allergy, the only threat bees pose is if they’re carpenter bees—a species that can cause damage to the wooden structures of your home.
Wasps and hornets are very similar in behavior, but very different from bees. Essentially, both of these insects are scavengers and are not natural pollinators. They tend to be very aggressive creatures and are able to sting multiple times, so they are much more dangerous than bees. The main difference between wasps and hornets is that hornets are more aggressive and bigger, making them one of the biggest stinging insect threats.
Dealing with Wasps & Hornets on Your Property? Remove Them Safely with F&W
Are There Carpenter Bees in Massachusetts?
As we mentioned before, the only bee you really need to be concerned about is the carpenter bee, and this species does live in Massachusetts. This is a solitary bee that resembles the fuzzy appearance of the bumblebee. The main difference is that the carpenter bee is smaller and has a bald, black abdomen.
While they don’t like to sting like any other bee, they do nest within wood, which can cause damage to your home if left untreated.
Can an Exterminator Remove Bees on My Property?
Yes! If you’ve noticed a hive or a carpenter bee near or in your home, an exterminator can remove it for you. There are a few things you want to look for in a bee pest control technician:
- Licenses and Certifications: First and foremost, the exterminator should have the appropriate licenses and certifications to be able to operate legally in the state and should have experience managing bee infestations. With bees’ hives, it’s always best to relocate them if possible to protect these pollinators and keep our state beautiful. But if you need to exterminate due to a severe infestation or because you’re dealing with a wasp or hornet nest, you’ll want to ensure that the exterminator is using pesticides they’re licensed to use and that will protect your family and the environment as much as possible.
- Community Reputation: Before you schedule your treatment with a pest control company, check their reviews online and find their Better Business Bureau rating to make sure that their services are up to par. It is also worthwhile to ask around to your local neighbors and community for personal experiences and recommendations. This will be helpful in narrowing down your list of potential exterminators.
- Guarantee on Services: The last thing you want is a repeat infestation. Ask your exterminator to provide a written guarantee that they will completely and accurately remove the bee infestation from your property. You can also ask them for documents about their approach, which should include their methods of disposal of the bees and any possible long-term solutions to prevent future bee infestations.
Experience Excellent Bee Pest Control with F&W
Searching for an easy fix to your pest problems? Here at F&W Pest Control, our exterminators will treat an array of different pest issues, even bees and wasps! We use environmentally friendly solutions to help protect natural pollinators while still keeping your home safe from any stinging insects. Don’t allow pests to take over your home—put your trust in our pest control services to ensure a pest-free home.
