Bees

Stinging & Biting-General

Bees, hornets, and wasps are, for the most part, a very beneficial group of insects, being the major pollinators of flowering plants, helping to reduce the numbers of many insect pest species, etc. However, of the 54 reported deaths each year from arthropod bites or stings, bees, hornets, and wasps account for 30 percent.

Liberty Pest Control has experienced professionals and we understand the habits of each species and use that knowledge to find a program that best fits you and your families needs.
We strive for 100% customer satisfaction and we pride ourselves on fast, responsive service every day. We are available 24 hours a day for any emergency service. Contact us at 800-278-7778 or email us at customerservice@teamlem.com to schedule a free consultation.

Africanized (“Killer”) Bees

Description
Africanized “killer” bees look so much like a regular honeybee that the only way to tell the two apart is by measuring their bodies. Africanized bees have different wing measurements than honeybees.

Pest Facts

Color: Golden-yellow with darker bands of brown.

Legs: Six

Shape: Oval; bee shape

Size: 1/2 inches

Antennae: Yes

Flying: Yes

Region: AZ, CA, NM, NV, TX

Habits
These bees defend their colony and attack when threatened.

Habitat
Africanized bees have small colonies, so they can build nests in unique places. They have been known to live in tires, crates, boxes, and empty cars.

Threats
Their venom is no more dangerous than regular honeybees-they just tend to attack in greater numbers, which causes more danger to humans.

Prevention
Because of the aggressive nature of these pests and the enormity of their nests, a pest control professional or beekeeper must address an infestation. If you are chased by Africanized honeybees, run in a zig zag pattern and seek shelter in a house or car.

Bumble Bees

Description

Bumble bees are beneficial insects because they pollinate crops and plants.

Pest Facts

Color: Black with yellow stripes

Legs: Six

Shape: Oval; bee shape

Size: 1 inch

Antennae: Yes

Flying: Yes

Region: All 50

Habits
The occupant of a disturbed bumble bee nest will buzz in a loud volume. They defend their nests aggressively.

Habitat
Bumble bees often nest in the ground, but can be found above ground around patio areas or decks. They will sometimes build their nest in soffits of attics.

Threats
As part of their aggressive defense of their nests, bumble bees will chase nest invaders for a considerable distance. The bumble bee sting is one of the most painful. Unlike honey bees, bumble bees can sting more than once.

Prevention
Bumble bees can be prevented through inspection of potential nesting areas and removal of potential harborage materials. Because bumble bees will sting when threatened, homeowners are advised not to address the infestation themselves.

Carpenter Bees

Description
Carpenter bees look like typical bumblebees but often lack yellow stripes. They are solitary bees.

Pest Facts

Color: Blue-black, green or purple metallic sheen on abdomen

Legs: Six

Shape: Oval; bee shape

Size: 1 inch

Antennae: Yes

Flying: Yes

Region: All 50

• Resemble bumblebees, but the top of the carpenter bee’s abdomen is hairless, often shiny, black, and has no yellow stripe.
• Are about one inch in length.
• Bore into dried, seasoned and untreated wood surfaces, preferring softwoods such as cedar, redwood, cypress, pine and fir.
• Males are noted for aggressive behavior and a white spot on their face. They are harmless, however, and do not possess stingers; females have stingers but are generally docile.
• Nest in nail holes, exposed saw cuts and unpainted wood.
• Leave sawdust piles near perfectly round tunnels in wood; often these sawdust piles are accompanied by defecation stains.
• Usually emerge from the nest in spring.
• Are commonly found in porch and shed ceilings, railings, overhead trim, wooden porch furniture, dead tree limbs, fence posts, wooden shingles, wooden siding, window sills and wooden doors; prefer wood that is at least two inches thick.

Habits
Unlike bumble bees, carpenter bees are solitary insects. Female carpenter bees will chew a tunnel into a piece of wood to build a nest gallery. The bits of wood she chews and deposits outside the nest are called frass. The male carpenter bee guards the outside of the nest. He does not have a stinger, but his constant buzzing causes concern for some.

Habitat
Carpenter bees bore through soft woods to lay eggs and protect their larvae as they develop.

Threats
Carpenter bees do not pose a public health threat, but they can damage wood through their nest building.

Prevention
Carpenter bees prefer bare wood, so painting and staining wood can sometimes deter them. However, they will sometimes attack stained or painted wood, so contact a pest control professional for assistance.

Honey Bees

Description
Honey bees are social insects found all over the world. They are an extremely important beneficial insect because of their role in pollination. Honey bees pollinate more than 100 crops in the U.S.

Pest Facts

Color: Predominantly golden-yellow with brown bands

Legs: Six

Shape: Oval; bee shape

Size: 1/2 inches

Antennae: Yes

Flying: Yes

Region: All 50

Habits
Honeybees are active pollinators, and produce honey which feeds their young in colder months. The honeybee is the only social insect whose colony can survive many years.

Habitat
Honeybees produce honey from pollen and nectar of the plants they pollinate. They store the honey in honeycombs in their nests. They often build their nests in tree crevices, but will occasionally build nests in attics or chimneys.

Threats
Honeybees do sting, but they only sting once. The sting can be extremely painful if the stinger is not immediately removed from the skin. Persons allergic to insect stings will have a more severe reaction.

Prevention
Honeybees should be addressed by a professional. Removal of a honeybee nest and the honey product can be very messy. Because honeybee colonies are so large, only a pest control professional or experienced beekeeper can safely remove a honeybee nest.