Honey bee are important contributors in our world. Without them, we would have far fewer crops. They help plants reproduce around the world and are essential for the ecosystem. So why are we so scared of them? Because bees are stinging insects. A sting from one of these pollinators is painful and, in some cases, dangerous.
Here is a guide to honey bees in Louisiana. We’ve put together answers for your questions. Learn how to protect these important bugs while also protecting yourself and your family.
Honey Bee Appearance
Honey bees are flying insects that are usually about 15 mm long. They are often recognized by their distinctive black and yellow stripes and oval-shaped body. Though many insects attempt to camouflage themselves, bees embrace bright yellow bands as a warning sign for predators.
Honey Bee Benefits
What do honey bees do for the world? Honey bees are pollinators. They feed on nectar from flowers. As they feed, they transfer pollen from one flower to the next. Pollination is essential for plants to reproduce. Bees help sustain the plants in our world and the plants we eat. Over 100 of the crops we rely on are pollinated by honey bees.
Honey Bee Dangers
The bad news is honey bees can deliver a painful sting. The good news is each bee can only sting once. After a bee stings you once, they die. A bee sting can be quite painful. For some people, the pain can last for hours before fading into an itch which can last for days.
In over 5% of cases, however, a bee sting can cause a worse reaction. People who are allergic to bee stings can have severe reactions including swelling, rashes, intense pain, and even anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening.
Whether you’re allergic to bees or not, a sting from a honeybee is worth avoiding. It’s also important to make sure there are no nests on your property. Multiple stings from large colonies of honey bees can result in severe reactions even if you aren’t allergic.
Honey Bee Behaviors
Honey bees live in large colonies which can have thousands of members. During the winter, colonies will huddle together inside their nests. Their shared body heat keeps them warm throughout the cold months. When it warms up again in the spring, they return to their normal activity. This is why you might see an increase in bee activity around your property this time of year. As they emerge to feed, it’s important to know how to protect your home.
Honey Bee Prevention
Here are some tips to help you protect your family and prevent bee stings from ruining your spring and summer.
- Keep an eye out for nests. If there is a bees' nest on your property, call
- Havard Pest Control to help you safely remove it.
- Plant flowers far from your home. Bees can be good for your garden, but you should keep plants away from your home and from areas where your children play in order to avoid stings.
- Keep your trash in sealed containers. Organic trash can attract bees, so keep all garbage in tightly sealed containers.
- Don’t leave food uncovered. If you’re having an event outside or just snacking, make sure to keep food and drinks covered as much as possible. Sugar will attract bees.
- Don’t panic if you see a bee. Remember that honey bees aren’t trying to hurt you. After all, stinging you will kill them. If you see a bee nearby, remain calm so that it doesn’t feel threatened and sting you.
If you need help controlling bees on your property, call Havard Pest Control. We know why you don’t want bees in your yard. We also know how important bees are for the world.
We’ll help you, and the bees, with environmentally friendly nest removal. Trying to deal with bees on your own can be stressful and dangerous. Let us come and help you with all your stinging insect needs. We’re happy to help!