As the leaves fall and temperatures begin to cool, you may notice fewer honeybees and other stinging insects in general around your property. As our Bee Aware campaign concludes, your local pest control experts remain dedicated to educating the Tri-State area on the benefits, habits and threats associated with various bees. Understanding the benefits these insects provide to the environment and economy allows us to take the proper steps towards preserving a precious species.
With fall quickly transitioning into winter, the tri-state area has already passed the peak activity and aggression from honeybees. The next question that’s asked is where do these insects disappear to in the winter?
The truth is that, unlike most stinging insects, honeybees don’t hibernate through the winter. Not adapted to the cold, they must cluster together within their hives to produce enough heat. With the cluster tightening or loosening as temperatures fluctuate, the hive maintains a cozy temperature of 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit. Bees tend to remain in their hives once the temperature dips below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
While huddled together in their hives, the honey they’ve stored becomes the bees’ primary food and energy source. This also explains their more aggressive nature in the summer and fall, rapidly collecting pollen and nectar while flowers begin to die. However, honeybees typically collect two to three times more honey than needed to survive through the winter.
Of course, we love the honey produced, but we should also value the benefits honeybees bring to our environment. Honeybee colonies pollinate more than $300 million worth of agricultural crops, according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. That’s why steps should be taken towards coexistence with honeybees rather than immediately calling pest control.
We understand the concerns that are raised once hives start appearing closer to your property. We also understand it’s hard to resist the urge to combat the problem yourself. If honey bees are presenting/nesting to close to your home and you are concerned, you probably should call a local bee keeper rather than Masters Pest Control. Your local county cooperative extension is a great place to start to find the number of a bee keeper near you.
To reduce the chances of disturbing a nest and getting stung, Masters Pest Control stresses calling the professionals when hives, other than honey bees, encroach on your property.
For more than 40 years, our team has protected your family and home from pests while minimizing environmental impact. To learn more about bees and their habits, click here. Call 877-546-9575 for a consultation from your Tri-State pest control experts for any unwanted guests.