How to Handle an Unwanted Honey Beehive

A pest infestation is never fun. Usually when a home or business has a pest problem, the solution is to kill off all traces of them. However, it is the complete opposite for honeybees. Learn about the importance of honey

bees and how to handle an unwanted honey beehive when a swarm comes around your home.

The Importance of Honeybees

Honey bees are a critical part of our planet’s agriculture. Not only do they produce honey but, even more importantly, they pollinate a third of the food we eat and beverages we drink in the US. Hundreds of crops such as apples, nuts, strawberries, broccoli, cucumbers, sunflower, alfalfa and so many others in between all exist today with the help of honey bees.

Unfortunately, the honey bee population has been dramatically declining due to colony collapse disorder (CCD). The worker bees leave the hive and never return, leaving queens and few adult bees behind to manage the hive, which is unsuccessful without the crucial worker bees. But what is the cause of the colony collapse disorder? Insecticides. Agricultural pest control chemicals that are used to prevent crop-ruining pests are killing off the insect that is responsible for pollinating crops, an essential part of the crops’ existence.

Humanity needs to protect the existing honey bee colonies in every way possible, including properly handling honey bee beehives.

What to Do When You Find a Honey Bee Hive

Discovering a honey bee hive can be alarming, but it’s essential to handle the situation carefully and responsibly. Honey bees are vital pollinators, playing a key role in ecosystems and agriculture. Here’s how to manage a honey bee hive while ensuring safety for yourself, your home, and the bees.

Step 1: Confirm It’s a Honey Bee Hive

Not all hives are created equal. Follow these tips to identify if you’re dealing with honey bees:

• Where They Build: Honey bees prefer nesting in empty structural spaces like walls, attics, or hollow trees. Their hives are flat, waxy, and feature hexagonal honeycomb patterns.
• How They Look: Honey bees are amber or brown with black stripes and short, fuzzy hair. Unlike wasps or hornets, their legs are not visible while flying.
• Behavior: Honey bees are generally non-aggressive unless threatened, so avoid swatting or sudden movements near the hive.

Step 2: Do NOT Destroy the Hive

Resist the urge to destroy a honey bee hive, no matter how inconvenient its location might be. Here’s why:

• Environmental Importance: Honey bees pollinate over 100 essential crops in the U.S. alone, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Without them, food supplies would face significant challenges.
• Protected Status: In many areas, honey bees are a protected species due to their critical role in pollination and declining populations.
  Instead of removing the hive yourself, let the experts handle it safely and ethically.

Step 3: Call a Local Beekeeper

Beekeepers are your go-to solution for handling honey bee hives. Here’s why contacting one is the best course of action:

• Expert Care: Beekeepers specialize in relocating hives without harming the bees or damaging your property.
• Low-Cost or Free Service: Many beekeepers offer their services at minimal or no cost, as they value honey bee colonies and use them to support their apiaries.
• Eco-Friendly Solution: Relocation allows bees to thrive in a safe environment, continuing their essential pollination work.

You can find local beekeepers through:

• Online directories
• Social media groups
• Local agricultural or gardening associations

Why It’s Important to Protect Honey Bees

Honey bees are vital to the balance of ecosystems and the global food supply. By protecting and relocating their hives, you’re contributing to biodiversity and supporting sustainable agriculture.

Need Help with a Honey Bee Hive?

Don’t panic! Trust us to handle the situation safely and ethically. By acting responsibly, you’ll not only protect your home but also contribute to the survival of one of nature’s most important pollinators. Together, let’s keep our environment buzzing with life!