Bees sometimes enter homes due to the existence of nearby bee hives. When there is a honey bee hive in close proximity, bees might venture into the area and unintentionally make their way indoors. This can also happen if there is an abandoned hive in the vicinity. The confusion often arises when individuals spot one or two bees within their dwelling, leading them to speculate if they inadvertently left a window ajar for an extended period. But as the days go by, more and more seem to be popping up. It’s time to call for honey bee removal in Manassas, VA.
If you don’t exactly know the location of the hive, our experienced beekeepers can help. Once we've found the location of the swarm of bees, we'll proceed with our safe removal process. The removal of honey bees requires a full uniform, including a veil and gloves. Then we'll grab the beehive safely, place it in a ‘brood box,’ and relocate the honey bees!
The owner of Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia - Arlington to Haymarket is not only a professional service provider but also a dedicated beekeeper! In addition to offering honey bee removal in Manassas, VA, we also ensure the safe relocation of honey bees and their hives, contributing to the flourishing pollination of local vegetation.
So what should you do when you think you may have a bee problem on your property? The first question our expert team will ask is what rooms the bees are getting into. In this type of service, it's important to know if it is in a living room with a fireplace in it. Bees love to get into chimneys to build their bee hives. Chimneys are attractive for honey bee colonies looking to nest since they are warm, dark, and protected from the outside elements. If the bees are getting into a room with a fireplace, it is crucial to understand the extent of the infestation and the potential dangers they may pose. Our expert team will assess the situation by inspecting the chimney, identifying any entry points, and evaluating the size of the honey bee colony. Based on this information, we will develop a comprehensive plan to safely remove the bees and prevent future infestations. Contact us today to get started on a honey bee removal & relocation service.
Now, let's take a look at the most common places for honey bees to enter and hive in your Manassas home.
Most Common Ways Bees Can Enter Your Home in Manassas, VA
If bees are entering through the fireplace, they will typically make their way to a nearby window or skylight in a swift motion. It's not likely that you will spot them inside the fireplace itself. Bees are instinctively drawn to sunlight; thus, they will naturally incline towards the windows. If you suspect that there might be bees in your chimney, it is more efficient to rely on your sense of hearing rather than sight. We strongly recommend switching off all electronic devices, such as radios, appliances, televisions, and so on, and giving your full attention to the surrounding sounds. In many instances, you will perceive the gentle buzzing if you simply sit and listen attentively.
If you are unable to hear anything or do not have access to a fireplace, the next course of action would be to inspect any areas with vents. This includes stove vents, bathroom vents, and dryer vents. If the bees are located near the windows in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, thoroughly examine the venting systems in those specific rooms. Once more, be mindful to rely on your sense of hearing rather than sight. Create a quiet environment, place your ear against the wall near the vent, and listen carefully. Do you detect any faint buzzing sounds? If you still cannot hear anything, it is time to venture outside.
To determine if you require honey bee removal in Manassas, VA, the next crucial step is conducting a thorough perimeter inspection around your house. Take a stroll around your home and observe whether there are any specific areas where bees are entering. It could be:
- Attic Vent Holes: These are the openings that enable the attic to ventilate and the heat to dissipate. The screens on the openings are typically 1/4 inch, providing bees with ample space to enter. Once inside the attic, they typically construct a hive on the underside of the roof. Although the hive or swarm may not be visible from the inside, you will observe increased flight activity entering and exiting the vent hole.
- Bathroom, Dryer, and Stove Vents: Always make sure to check these vents for bee activity, even if you don't hear any buzzing inside. Don't be fooled by the absence of noise, as you might not notice a large number of bees from a distance. Instead, keep an eye out for a dozen or two flying in and out of the vent. Keep in mind that the majority of the swarm or hive will be located on the inside of the wall. If you have a 2nd story, it's worth using binoculars to get a closer look. From afar, these bees may resemble flies rather than bees, so be attentive.
- Gaps, Cracks, and Holes in the wall: Check for spaces beneath the eaves, gaps in or under the roof tiles, and any openings where cables or electrical wires enter the building. Often, these wire entry points are not properly sealed with silicone, providing easy access for bees to make themselves at home. It's time to seal those gaps and ensure the bees don't take up residence rent-free! Did you know “bee space” is only 3/8 of an inch? The gap or crack does not have to be very big to allow the honey bees to come and go as they please.
- Chimney Exterior: Even if you can't hear any noises coming from inside the fireplace, it is always better to take precautions and get those binoculars. Direct your gaze towards the highest point of the chimney and observe the exact spot where the roof and the chimney intersect, both on the rooftop and beneath the eaves.
- Pipes and Gutters: Inspect the location where gas pipes enter your house, as well as examine the rain gutters for any potential holes where they connect to the structure. Your ultimate goal is to identify any small openings or gaps that bees could potentially use for entry. Be vigilant for signs of flight activity, such as repeated movement of a dozen or more bees flying in and out of any gaps or holes.
To Bee Or Not To Bee: How To Determine What Types of Bees You Have In Your Home
If you're not a bee lover like our owner, you may not know that there are several different species of bees. You probably know the difference between honey bees, wasps, and hornets, especially when they’re buzzing around in your home at different speeds when you leave the backdoor open.
But in terms of nesting, both honey bees and carpenter bees have the ability to enter your home. Carpenter bees are characterized by their shiny black abdomens. If you notice round, smooth holes in your wooden structures, such as wood decks or wood porches, it is likely a carpenter bee. Carpenter bees carve out smooth, nearly flawless circular holes that are large enough for them to pass through.
Over time, carpenter bees will cause significant damage to the wood structures around your home. Inspect the damaged wood for holes or tunnels when you start to notice warping or cracking. When you’ve determined there is a hive, contact us for honey bee removal in Northern Virginia.
Why Choose Mr. Handyman For Honey Bee Removal & Relocation Service in Manassas, VA?
Though honey bees are cute, and great pollinators for our environment, they are still considered a pest of some sort. You have no tolerance for pests such as ants, termites, or rodents inhabiting your walls, chimneys, and attics, and likewise, you have no desire for honey bees, especially if you suffer from allergies. At Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia - Arlington to Haymarket, our local business owner is also a beekeeper! We're experts in the handyman industry, but we're also passionate bee lovers. We understand the effect bees can have on the structure and safety of your home. Bees only need 3/8 of an inch to access an area. So while we're repairing your siding, deck, or gutters we can also remove the beehive and relocate it to a safer environment. The service professionals will not only perform expert repairs to the siding or gutters to prevent future infestations, but the beekeeper will also safely remove the honey bees and their hive, relocating them to ensure their continued flourishing and pollination of the local vegetation.
Whether you're located in Manassas, Springfield, Bristow, Haymarket, or the surrounding areas, Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia - Arlington to Haymarket can successfully perform honey bee removal services!
FAQs About Honey Bee Removal: Manassas, VA
If I just kill the bees, will they go away?
Killing the bees is not the optimal choice since the hive releases pheromones that continuously lure the bees. Eliminating the bees is not only a short-term fix, but it would harm the environment by reducing the number of pollinators that plants, including trees, need to grow.
Furthermore, swarms and bees will inevitably be drawn to the same spot again and again. To effectively address the situation, it is highly advisable to seek the assistance of a professional who can safely remove the hive. You can trust our professional beekeepers for honey bee removal in Manassas, VA.
Once the hive is removed, how long will the bees stay?
After a hive is removed, it's common for some bees to cluster around the former location because they were not present during the removal process. These bees, known as "stragglers," typically linger at the site for a week or two before either perishing or departing.
Can you remove bees without killing them?
In order to protect and preserve the precious work of bees, our honey bee removal & relocation service experts employ a meticulous process. First, we delicately vacuum or hand-move the bees into a specially designed bee box. Then, with the utmost care, we skillfully extract the wax honeycomb, brimming with delectable honey, nutritious pollen, and invaluable brood. We salvage as much as possible, ensuring that no efforts of these industrious creatures go to waste. Finally, we grant these diligent bees a new sanctuary to call home, where they can continue their essential work.
Can I remove the honey bees on my own with a pesticide spray?
This option is ill-advised and can have disastrous consequences. While you might succeed in exterminating the bees, you won't address the underlying issue of the combs and honey within the structure. Once the hive is lifeless or abandoned after pesticide use, the honey and wax will begin to liquefy, seeping down the walls. Additionally, it will act as a magnet for ants and a host of other bothersome insects, exacerbating the damage even further.
Instead, opt for expert services for honey bee removal in Manassas, VA. Our handyman team will safely remove and relocate the hive, along with its inhabitants. This way, you won’t have to deal with the aftermath.
Bee-Lieve Us! Mr. Handyman Can Safely Handle Your Honey Bee Removal in Manassas, VA
If you are in need of honey bee removal & relocation services in Manassas, look no further! Contact Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia - Arlington to Haymarket today for expert assistance. Our service professionals will safely remove the hive and the bees, so you can have peace of mind knowing that there won’t be any bees buzzing around your head when you least expect it!
Contact our excellent customer service team today to get a honey bee removal estimate! Bee-lieve us when we say this: It will be yet another successful task checked off your “honey-do” list by the leading experts in the handyman industry!