Bees, those small yet critical creatures, are essential to maintain the balance of our planet’s ecosystem. According to the United Nations, bees and other pollinators are responsible for 35% of global food crop production! But as the weather warms and flowers bloom, bees also tend to make unwelcome visits to our homes.
For many, a bee sting is just an unpleasant blip, but for those with allergies or phobias, it can quickly turn into a dire situation. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to keep bees out in nature and not in your house—but keep in mind that dealing with bees can be dangerous and often requires professional assistance.
For bee removal solutions both DIY and professional, we’ve compiled five tips to keep bees away from your living spaces while ensuring the safety of these important pollinators.
Tip 1: Maintain a Clean Outdoor Space
A common reason bees might venture too close to home is for the search of nesting sites or food. To avoid being a target, maintain a clean outdoor area to reduce and eliminate these inviting spaces for bees. Bees often choose old, unmaintained piles of wood, grass, or garbage as their nesting sites, so keep your outdoor space well-organized and free of clutter to deter bee nesting.
Sugary residues in trash cans can attract bees in search of a meal. Ensure your garbage cans are sealed tightly and clean up any spilled food outside, and avoid leaving any other food sources outdoors. This includes pet food, birdseed, and any leftover meals.
Tip 2: Seal Entry Points
Bees are great at finding the tiniest gaps in your home’s construction to get inside. Regular inspections and sealing off these areas can ensure a bee-proof home. Check windows, doors, and the foundation for any potential gaps or cracks that could provide entry points.
Stainless steel wool or caulking can be used to seal them off effectively. It is crucial to use proper materials when sealing your home to keep bees out without harming the structural integrity or affecting your ability to ventilate.
Tip 3: Plant Bee-Repelling Plants
Some plants are known to deter bees, such as mint, citronella, and eucalyptus. These can be planted around your home’s exterior. While this is an aesthetically pleasing method in theory, it might not be foolproof, so consider these plants as an additional deterrent rather than the sole solution.
Tip 4: Regular Maintenance of Structures
Old, worn-out structures can become vulnerable to bee infestations, especially damaged bits like holes in the walls or rotted wood. Regular maintenance can keep the bees at bay, so repair damaged structures promptly and inspect roofs, eaves, and walls for signs of bee activity.
If there are existing nests, we don’t recommend attempting bee removal without professional assistance. Disturbing a bee’s nest can be extremely dangerous, so professional bee removal services are the best course of action if bees have already set up shop.
Tip 5: Seek Professional Help
If you’ve spotted signs of nesting bees, or simply want to ensure a thorough defense, professional bee removal is the safest and most effective way to tackle bee problems.
Stings, allergic reactions, and spreading panic in a hive are all potential risks of trying to remove bees without professional knowledge. Experienced pest removers have the knowledge and tools to eliminate bee problems safely and efficiently.
Stay Bee-Free With Patriot Pest
Remember, bees are vital to our ecosystem; without them, our food supply would be at risk. Therefore, it’s our duty to protect them and coexist peacefully. To secure your home from bees this season, reach out to professionals like Patriot Pest who offer safe and reliable bee removal services.
By following these tips and seeking professional bee removal from the experts at Patriot Pest, you can maintain a bee-free home without contributing to the decline of their populations. Save the bees—and your peace of mind—with Patriot Pest.