Bees play an essential role in our ecosystem. They’re pollinators, meaning they aid in the reproduction of plants. Although they collect pollen for food, they leave small amounts behind as they travel from flower to flower. In addition to helping maintain beautiful flower gardens, they also assist in the growth of many fruits and vegetables we enjoy every day.
However, bees can be dangerous. If they establish a hive near (or in) your home, you could face a serious bee problem. You shouldn’t attempt live bee removal on your own, though. It requires the experience of a bee removal specialist.
Bee Stings and Allergies
Bees sting when they feel threatened and can launch a bee swarm and sting people. Their stingers contain a venom that affects your skin and immune system. At the very least, it’s a mild but painful annoyance. You may experience redness, swelling, and itchiness around the site of the sting.
Some people are allergic to bees, though. Upon getting stung, the venom triggers a reaction that can be deadly if not treated right away. If you’ve never been stung before, you want to find out you have an allergy before attempting bee remove or hive removal on your own.
What Should You Do if You Get Stung by a Bee?
Bee stings, whether you’re allergic or not, require prompt treatment. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Stay calm and get to a safe area. Some bees will only sting once, but others can attack multiple times. If you’re around a nest, you’re also at risk of stings from several bees. Calmly leave the area and go somewhere safe, such as inside your home.
- Check for and remove the stinger. Some bees have barbed stingers, which get lodged in the skin after the first sting and continue injecting venom. You’ll want to remove it right away. Use your fingernail, a credit card, or a piece of gauze to scrape under it. Avoid tweezers or squeezing the skin, as you may accidentally push more venom into your body. If you can’t reach the spot where you were stung, ask for help.
- Wash the area. Thoroughly cleaning the sting site with soap and water will help prevent infection.
- Use an ice pack. Ice helps bring down swelling.
- If necessary, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Bee stings can be painful. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help ease your discomfort. Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can lessen itching.
Even if you haven’t had an allergic reaction to a bee sting in the past, you should still watch for signs of anaphylaxis. Symptoms include:
- Itching or burning not at the site of the sting
- Scratchy throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
These symptoms typically appear within a couple of hours of being stung. If you notice them, seek immediate medical treatment.
Damage to Property
Bees can also cause structural damage to your home if they decide to move in. The weight of a hive can compromise support beams, siding, wallboards, and more. Large hives can leak honey and wax, which can stain walls and attract other pests. Even if bees establish hives near your home in a tree branch or high up in trees – they can still create new nests in your house at any time.
Bees are also excellent navigators. They can find their way back to your home and attempt to re-establish their colony. You risk further damage if you try to remove a bee hive from inside your home or between structural supports yourself. Bee removal professionals like Budget Brothers can safely and carefully remove bees and hives from your home and help ensure they don’t come back.
The Threat of Killer Bees
In recent years, Africanized “killer” bees have spread more and more across the United States. These bees, which look similar to honeybees, are more aggressive than other species. Their venom is no more dangerous than that of a honeybee. However, they tend to attack in greater numbers, which can pose more danger if you encounter them.
If you’re stung by a killer bee, you’ll want to get away as quickly as possible. Protect your face and get inside your home or another safe area (such as your car). Do not jump into a pool or other body of water. These bees are likely to wait in the surrounding area for you to resurface.
Once you’re safe, follow the same advice as above. Safely remove the stinger, wash the area, and apply ice. Seek immediate medical assistance if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction.
Beekeeping vs. Wild Bees
Occasionally, an individual who finds a bee hive on their property will attempt to engage in beekeeping. Not all bees are honey bees, though. Additionally, professional beekeepers are serious pros and beekeeping requires commitment, extensive training, and a lot of proper equipment to stay safe. If you find a bee hive on your property, the best thing to do is contact a professional pest control company immediately to schedule live honey bee removal.
Hire the Best Bee Hive Removal Services
Have you encountered a bee hive on your Phoenix property? Do you also need wasp nest removal? Don’t wait to find out if they’re aggressive or attempt to take care of it yourself. For fast and affordable bee removal, contact Budget Brothers today!