Question 1

What time of year are bees most likely to swarm?

Accepted Answer

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Honey bees are most likely to swarm during spring and early summer, typically from April through June, as colonies expand and prepare for new growth. Swarming occurs when a hive becomes overcrowded, prompting the queen and a group of worker bees to leave in search of a new nesting site. During this time, you may notice a temporary increase in bee activity around your property.

Question 2

Should I try to remove a bee's nest myself?

Accepted Answer

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You should never try to remove a bee's nest yourself because it can be extremely dangerous. The amount of bees that can live in a hive depends on the type of bee, but honey bees can have up to 80,000 bees living in a hive. People who are allergic to bees can have life-threatening reactions from a single sting. So, it's best to leave bee nest removal to the professionals who have the knowledge and equipment to do so safely.

Question 3

Do honey bees sting?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, honey bees can sting, but they typically only do it when they feel their hive is threatened. When honey bees are away from their hive, they’re focused on foraging for pollen and nectar, making them unlikely to sting. Only female honey bees, called workers, have stingers, and they will die if they need to use them. Generally, if left undisturbed, honey bees will leave you alone.

Question 4

How do I know if I have a bee infestation?

Accepted Answer

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Look for consistent buzzing sounds, visible hives, or increased bee activity around your property.

Question 5

Should I hire an animal removal specialist instead of calling my local municipality?

Accepted Answer

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You might be tempted to call your local municipality to remove animals from your property, such as a groundhog burrowing in your yard or raccoons getting into your trash cans. However, they typically only remove domestic animals like dogs and cats from properties, or sick and injured wildlife that pose a public safety risk or health threat, such as a rabid animal. They typically do not capture or remove healthy wildlife.

Animal removal professionals have the tools, knowledge, and skills to trap and remove wild animals adequately and humanely. They also can relocate them correctly.