How to get rid of bees without harming them.

Mshel · April 30, 2011, 06:39:25 PM

Does anyone have a recommendation for how I can get rid of some bees (without hurting them). Every day it seems that when I open my front or back door there are bees right there to greet me. I have looked and do no see a hive anywhere close by, but it has become an increasing problem. I left the other day and had left the patio screen shut, and when I came home and went to open the back door there were bees on the inside of the screen. After much finagling I was able to get them out. I do not need to be getting stung repeatedly so any advice would be much appreciated.

wd · April 30, 2011, 07:44:21 PM

What are they looking for? I'd set up a bait hive / swarm trap. I have two at the moment myself near doors. Usually, there's more activity, this year I'm not seeing as much. It seems divert their attention. some place for them to get water and or feed if you don't mind feeding and if they take it. In general, I don't worry about it, it's just part of the scenery.

iddee · April 30, 2011, 08:42:21 PM

Sounds like possible scouts. A swarm trap may just produce for you.

Michael Bush · April 30, 2011, 09:10:26 PM

I don't think they want a hive. I think they want the bees to go away...

Kathyp · April 30, 2011, 09:52:30 PM

watch them and see where they are coming and going. i'm guessing you have a hive in your wall, roof, or a tree close to you. i know you said you looked for a hive, but you need to follow them. if you can figure out where the hive is, we can give you some ideas on how to manage the problem. there may even be one of us close who can help you out.

and...i don't mean this to sound like i think you are stupid....but are you very sure they are honey bees? it's amazing how many people get that wrong...

you may also be using something that is attracting them. pop cans that are open, sweets that are being baked, air freshener that smells like food to them....

you were thinking of beekeeping? you may find that you already have bees :-D

AllenF · April 30, 2011, 09:54:08 PM

Did you spill lemon grass oil or use lemon Pledge on the front porch?

Terrex · April 30, 2011, 10:53:23 PM

Don't you have a hive or two?? They could be yours.

Mshel · May 01, 2011, 10:36:14 AM

No food or containers of any sort that I see. I did not think to check crawl space though (not sure willing to crawl under house either) I will try to see where they are going too. It was not a big deal @ first, but I need to be able to get in & out of my house without incident.

wildbeekeeper · May 01, 2011, 10:54:17 AM

dont rule out the possibility of them being mason bees.... probably hornfaced mason bees as they look like honeybees but a little smaller. Ive receievd a lot of calls about honeybees near doors windows etc this year and all of them have turned out to be mason bees. Watch to see where they are going.....you will probably notice a pencil sized hole(s) or smaller near the door. Just a thought!

Mshel · May 01, 2011, 08:33:07 PM

Quote from: wildbeekeeper on May 01, 2011, 10:54:17 AM
dont rule out the possibility of them being mason bees.... probably hornfaced mason bees as they look like honeybees but a little smaller. Ive receievd a lot of calls about honeybees near doors windows etc this year and all of them have turned out to be mason bees. Watch to see where they are going.....you will probably notice a pencil sized hole(s) or smaller near the door. Just a thought!

I did double check and these are not mason bees, but I appreciate the info. :)