The importance of honey bees to crop production in the United States cannot be stated enough. According to the American Beekeeping Federation, they contribute almost $15 billion to the U.S. crop production with many crops dependent upon honey bee pollination and nectar-gathering for their survival. Crops that are more than 90-percent dependent on honey bees include apples, blueberries, cherries, avocados, cucumbers, onions, grapefruit, oranges, and pumpkin. One crop, in particular, almonds, is completely dependent on honey bees for production.
It is for this reason alone, that honey bee colonies which move into or near private residences should be removed intact when feasible. Honey Bee Removal in Pittsburgh PA should only be performed by an experienced beekeeper, however, if none are available and the hive is a threat to human safety, then extermination is the logical option. You can click here to search for beekeepers in your area.
Honey bees will swarm in search of a new place to establish a hive when their numbers have outgrown their current home. Swarms have as many as 20,000 bees, including the queen, and can be an unnerving sight to most observers. But unless they get caught in your hair or clothing they are not likely to sting. Swarming bees only travel a few hundred yards when searching for a new site and prefer hollow trees with cavities between four and nine gallons in size. However, they will settle for an open space between the exterior and interior walls of homes, barns, and garages. Other suitable places include utility boxes, barbecue grills, soffits, and inside fireplace chimneys.
It is obvious we need honey bees to pollinate crops and the ecologically-smart choice is to humanely remove them when they take up residence in places too close for human comfort. Professional beekeepers and pest removal specialists like The-Beeman are experts at handling bee hives and safely extracting them. The earlier they are notified, the easier the nests are to remove and relocate.
Fortunately, humane Honey Bee Removal in Pittsburgh PA services are available to remove and relocate the honey bees, their hive, and their honeycombs. Removal of the honeycomb is critical whether the hive is removed and relocated or exterminated. If left behind, the honeycomb can literally melt within the structure resulting in stains and possible damage. Also, the odor left behind by the honey may attract swarming bees or other pests such as rodents or other insects.
