Experts indicate that at least 16,000 species of bees exist today. Bees are insects with a three-part body consisting of a head, thorax, and abdomen. Bees have antennae, six legs, wings, and the females possess stingers.
Bees often choose nesting locations that allow some level of protection from inclement weather conditions and possible predators such as wasps, hive beetles, mites, skunks, or some bird species. In some cases, bees will form nests in residential areas within crevices or voids around the exterior of homes or buildings.
Are you a local homeowner in need of a professional bee control service? Based on the possible risks associated with stinging insects, trying do-it-yourself bee control methods is generally discouraged. An experienced Vero Beach pest control professional knows how to control bees in backyard areas. Professional providers of bumble bee control services in Florida maintain the proper tools and equipment for safely solving these problems.
The Very Important Role Bees Play In Our Environment
Despite their dangerous reputation, bees in Vero Beach represent a valuable resource in our physical environment. The overwhelming majority of plant species rely on pollination to some degree or extent. Studies suggest that bees act as pollinators in roughly one-third of the foods we consume.
Aside from pollination, honey bees (Apis mellifera) also help by generating honey, an economically important product. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that honey bees produce more than 100 million pounds of honey annually. Aside from being a sought-after food product, honey has therapeutic and medicinal value, such as reducing inflammation.
Beeswax is another product that bees contribute. Beeswax, derived from the combs of honey bees and some other types, is blended with pollen oil for various purposes. For example, beeswax serves as a "stiffening agent" in foods and beverages, a thickener in cosmetics, and uses involved in producing candles.
Royal jelly, a substance that bees secrete, contains proteins, sugar, and vitamins. Some research suggests that royal jelly helps reduce adverse symptoms associated with diabetes and premenstrual syndrome.
Why You Don't Want Bees Hanging Around Your Yard
Most bee sting victims experience minor pain, discomfort, and skin irritation at the site. Some individuals are susceptible to harmful allergic reactions that require medical treatment. People who endure a sting should promptly and carefully retreat to another area and remove the stinger.
Five Naturally Effective Ways To Prevent Bees In Your Yard
What are some of the best preventative measures that local property owners should try to prevent bees from entering the yard and creating a nest? The following are five tips for consideration:
- Closely inspect the exterior areas of the structure for holes or cavities that might serve as nesting sites, such as areas of damaged siding, openings around utility or plumbing lines, or spaces behind chimneys. Products such as caulk, expanding foam, and others are options for filling these voids.
- Those with a fireplace should close the flue, as bees might enter through the chimney.
- Remove unnecessary junk or debris from the yard that contains a cavity that might potentially house a nest.
- Various plants and essential oils may repel some bee species, including mint, eucalyptus, rosemary, or lemongrass oil.
- Many individuals find that vinegar effectively repels bees.
Although the tips mentioned above represent viable best practices, they are no substitute for professional bee pest control services when a nest currently exists on your property.
People should remember the importance of exercising caution when close to a nest. For example, never deliberately provoke stinging insects, avoid drawing near to a nest, warn children of any threats, and never try risky tactics such as striking a nest with an object or spraying a nest with a water hose.
Call The Experts For The Safe Removal Of A Bee's Nest
As specialists in bee control in Vero Beach, HomeShield Pest Control safely assists local property owners. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Vero Beach.