Bees are fairly predictable creatures. Whenever we remove bees from a property, it’s usually from a roof, or inside the wall of a structure. These types of jobs are called structural removals. Structural removals may be the most common, but there are also many other places bees commonly build hives. Below are a few of the most common and predictable, non-structural places where bees build hives.
Furniture
Got an old couch you don’t use anymore? Be sure to haul it away or donate it before springtime. The same goes for cabinets, dressers, and any old piece of furniture. It may be tempting to put it outside and use it as patio furniture.
The problem is, indoor furniture is built differently than patio furniture. The big difference is that indoor furniture usually has open voids inside the structure of the couch, chair, or dresser. This inner space makes it an attractive area for bees to invade. Over the years, we have had to cut the fabric of many couches and recliners, to remove the beehive inside.
Dumpsters and Recycling Bins
Like to go dumpster diving? Bees do! Industrial garbage bins, trash cans, recycling bins, and com-posters. Bees love to invade, hive, and forage for food inside all these types of bins.
Usually, when they decide to build a hive, it’s most commonly under the lid of the bin. Sometimes they just scout and forage for food. They are also attracted to the recycling bin if the soda cans have not been rinsed out. Bees love the sweet, sugary leftover colas and will forage for the syrup in the bin. All of the above scenarios can make it quite difficult when you are trying to take out the trash.
Bird Houses and Owl Houses
Another common area of infestation is the owl box or birdhouse. If you live in Palm Spring, and you put up a birdhouse or owl box, expect to one day get a bee infestation. There is something about an enclosed box, high up in the air, that instantly makes it a bee magnet. If you catch the problem quickly (within a week or two), the bees can often be removed alive and relocated humanely.
The longer you delay, the more difficult it will be to destroy the bee’s life. No one knows why, but our technicians have found that bees that have spent more than a few weeks in an owl or birdhouse become restless. This makes removing the bee’s life extremely difficult, especially if it is very high up or securely connected to the tree with wires, cables, or screws.
Irrigation / Meter Boxes
The most common, non-structural place is irrigation and/or a meter box. Usually, these hives are discovered when a homeowner or a landscaper tries to turn the water on or off. Sometimes the person will pop off the green or purple plastic lid, only to find a swarm or hive is hanging from the underside of the lid.
This can be scary because sometimes the bees will attack if you disturb them. So how can you tell if you have bees in an irrigation box without the risk of getting stung? The best way to tell is by watching and observing the top of the lid from a safe distance. If you see a dozen or so bees flying in and out of the hole of the lid, there will likely be an entire colony on the inside.
BBQ Grills
The last most predictable, non-structural place bees like to invade is probably sitting on your patio or yard right now. Some are built-in, others are on wheels. Yep, you guessed it. Barbecues! Even when you put a tarp over it, the bees seem to find their way under it. Usually, they will build the hive under the lid.
As with any bee problem, time is of the utmost importance. The sooner you catch the problem, the easier (and less expensive) it will be to remove the bees.
Call Palm Springs Pest Control today for a comprehensive Bee Inspection at (760)202-1122.