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 with a Honey Beehive
- Determine that it is a honeybee beehive
: Honey bees build their hives inside empty structural spaces such as walls or attics. Their nests are flat, waxy, and have honeycomb. If you can’t see the hive, identify the bee. Look for an amber/brown color with black strips and short, furry hair. When flying, their legs are typically not visible. They are not very aggressive unless they feel threatened. - Do NOT destroy it: Once you identify that it is or even might be a honey bee hive, DO NOT destroy a honey beehive as annoying as they may be. Like mentioned previously, we are responsible for the existence [and potential non-existence] of honey bees and over 100 crops in the US so, whatever you do, do not attempt to destroy a honey beehive.
- Contact a beekeeper: There are beekeepers all over the nation who make it their duty to take care of and help maintain honey bee colonies. For no to minimal cost, a beekeeper will take a honey beehive off your hands and relocate it to a safe environment.