Q: Will bees leave on their own?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re dealing with a bee colony on your property, you might wonder if they&rsquo;ll leave naturally over time. The answer depends on their circumstances. Bees often relocate if the hive becomes overcrowded, food is scarce, or they face a threat. With that said, if a hive&rsquo;s location is safe, warm, and with plentiful food sources, they are unlikely to relocate on their own, and the hive may persist for many generations.</p></div>

Question 1

Will bees leave on their own?

Accepted Answer

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If you’re dealing with a bee colony on your property, you might wonder if they’ll leave naturally over time. The answer depends on their circumstances. Bees often relocate if the hive becomes overcrowded, food is scarce, or they face a threat. With that said, if a hive’s location is safe, warm, and with plentiful food sources, they are unlikely to relocate on their own, and the hive may persist for many generations.

Question 2

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.

Question 3

How can I distinguish between bees and wasps?

Accepted Answer

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Bees usually have thicker, fuzzy bodies, while wasps have slender, smooth bodies. Behavior and nesting also differ.

Question 4

Are there any kinds of non-fruiting trees that attract yellow jackets?

Accepted Answer

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Any tree that emits a sap or resin can attract yellow jackets. They are particularly attracted to the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), which emits a sweet sap that both yellow jackets and spotted lanternflies love.

Question 5

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.