How to control bees?

How do you prevent the venomous sting?

There are different types of bees, for instance honey bees, bumblebees and the carpenter bee. Control measures are considered necessary because many people have

an unreasoning fear of bees. Others are allergic to bee stings and face the prospect of death if they tangle with these tiny creatures. In the southwestern United States the presence of aggressive, Africanized honeybees has further compounded these fears. Certainly caution should be taken around all bees, but to some extent, these are misunderstood creatures.

The Common Types of Bees

Each of the five common bee types have specific characteristics and purposes.

Honeybees

Honeybees are worker bees that produce royal jelly and beeswax. They produce the honey that we all enjoy and that is believed to have many health benefits. (There are also industrial uses for honey.) Unless provoked, honeybees are fairly docile insects.

Stingless Bees

Stingless bees can be found in a lot of subtropical countries in the world, but mostly in Australia. They are also capable of producing honey, although not as much as honeybees. These bees do not sting but rather use their large colonies as their pr imary defense mechanism.

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees are large and resemble the bumblebee. The male of the species does not sting, but the female does. Instead of living in a hive, these bees nestle in softwoods. They create a tunnel and lay their eggs inside. Bumblebees, on the other hand, nest and lay their eggs on the ground.

How Do Bees and Wasps Differ?

Bees and wasps belong to the same group of insects but differ in body form. All types of bees have stout, hairy bodies. Wasps' bodies, on the other hand, are smooth and slender. Bees can only sting once, because of the presence of the barb on their stinger. Wasps do not have barbs and they can sting several times in rapid succession.

In judging each of these creatures as "pests," bees come out on top because unlike wasps, they do serve multiple environmental purposes. Bees feed on nectar, pollen, and anything that is sweet -- even soft drinks. They are key to the pollination process among the plants on which they feed.

Bee Control

Bees can be controlled by anyone with the proper tools and substances, however, for severe cases, such as the presence of an actual hive, professional help is advised. You can control sweat bees (tiny creatures attracted to the salt in human perspiration) with a wave of your hand - a full blown hive or colony of active, working bees on the other hand is a dangerous proposition and one that should not be undertaken lightly or without the proper equipment.

Minimizing Annoying Bees

For bee pest control to address the simple nuisance of their persistent presence on your patio or in your yard, opt for preventive measures before doing anything. Cover any sweet items when outdoors. Wear white clothing, as this color is the least attractive to bees. Be aware of the fact that perfume, hairspray, or scented lotion will attract bees.

Continue to: Some of the Common Substances Used to Control Bumble Bees

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