Worry over the declining bee population has gripped the United States in the past few years. From April 1, 2018, to April 1, 2019, the managed bee population (AKA bees kept by commercial beekeepers) decreased 40% according to a report by the Bee Informed Partnership. Preliminary data from October 1, 2019, through April 1, 2020, cites the further loss of the managed bee population at 22.2%.
These numbers boil down to one startling statistic--over the past 15 years, bees have been slowly disappearing in a phenomenon known as the ‘colony collapse disorder’. According to National Geographic, in some regions, as many as 90% of the local bee population has disappeared.
The decline of local bee populations are a cause of concern for many, but many homeowners still don’t want bees nesting close to their own homes and families. Learn how to deter bees from your home naturally:
Close Off Any Entry Points
Bees can enter an object or structure through any opening a quarter of an inch or larger. One of the best prevention tactics you can take is to seal off any potential openings a scout bee may use to enter. Metal screens or caulk are good resources to seal off openings.
Reduce Outdoor Clutter
Rock crevices, hollow trees, and other open but sheltered areas are the places honey bees will choose to make a hive in the wild--on your property, they’ll look for similar places. Something as simple as leaving a broken down lawnmower out can create the perfect shelter for a hive.
Clean Up After Past Hives
If you’ve had any past issues with honeybees, it’s important to make sure you’ve had the honeycomb fully removed from your home. The pheromone that leads bees back home can also attract new bees to the honeycomb. Contact a professional to ensure all traces of the old hive have been removed.
If you’ve ever had bees in or around your home before, you’re likely to have them again. Taking preventive measures to protect your home from bees keeps your family safe from painful stings and can help to protect the declining bee population. For pest control expertise and advice in Houston, schedule an appointment or contact Preventive Pest Control at (713) 955-7405.