Bee Removal in Frederick, MD: A Guide for Homeowners

As a homeowner in Frederick Maryland, discovering bees on your property can be cause for concern. Bee infestations should always be handled by professionals, as bees can deliver painful stings if provoked. Luckily there are pest control companies in Frederick that specialize in bee removal and can safely eliminate bee nests from your home or yard.

This article will provide an overview of bee removal services in Frederick, MD. We’ll cover:

• Common bee species in Frederick
• Signs of a bee infestation
• Dangers of DIY removal
• How to find a professional bee removal company
• What to expect during bee removal
• Cost factors for bee removal jobs
• Prevention tips to avoid future infestations

Bee Species Commonly Found in Frederick

There are three main species of stinging bees that are encountered in Frederick

• Honey bees – These bees have yellow and black bands on their abdomens. Honey bee hives contain thousands of bees and are usually found outdoors on trees sheds etc.

• Bumble bees – Large and fuzzy bees that nest in cavities like abandoned rodent burrows. Generally docile unless provoked.

• Carpenter bees – Metallic black bees that bore perfectly round holes in wood to make their nests. Attracted to wooden structures.

Identifying the type of bee can help pest controllers determine the best removal method.

Signs Your Home Has a Bee Infestation

Bees found on your Frederick property could indicate a larger nest or hive nearby. Here are some telltale signs of bee infestations:

• Seeing swarming bees clustered together, usually around a queen. Swarms may contain thousands of bees.

• Noticing multiple bees flying in and out of a small hole or crack in a wall void, soffit, or exterior wood.

• Hearing buzzing noises coming from within walls, chimneys, attics, or crawl spaces.

• Finding hexagonal wax comb built on walls or wooden structures.

• Getting stung by bees on your property.

• Spotting bees gathering on outdoor trash cans, bird feeders, or water sources.

If you observe any of these warning signs, it likely means bees have made a home on your property. Call a professional right away to schedule an inspection and removal.

Dangers of DIY Bee Removal

When bees invade your home, it can be tempting to tackle removal yourself. But this is extremely dangerous for non-professionals. Risks include:

• Multiple stings – Bees defend their hives aggressively. Disturbing a nest often leads to mass stinging.

• Falling from heights – Bee nests are often high up on eaves, trees, etc. Improper ladder safety can lead to dangerous falls.

• Getting trapped in walls/attics – Attempting to dig out nests in wall voids can cause structural damage or leave you stuck inside.

• Exacerbating the infestation – Amateur efforts may disturb the colony and cause it to swarm to another area on your property.

Bee stings can also cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Overall, DIY bee removal is best avoided unless you are a highly experienced beekeeper.

How to Find a Bee Removal Company in Frederick

To safely eliminate bees on your property, hire a licensed pest control professional that specializes in bee removal. When researching companies, look for these positive signs:

• Licensed and insured – Important protections in case of liability issues during removal work.

• Experienced with bees – Look for companies that employ technicians specifically trained in bee control.

• Offers bee removal services – Not all pest companies remove bees, so look for ones advertising this service.

• Has positive reviews – Check reviews and look for companies with satisfied bee removal customers.

• Provides thorough inspections – A good company will inspect inside walls, attics, etc. to find all nest locations.

• Uses humane methods – They should relocate bees rather than outright exterminating them when possible.

Ask friends for referrals or search online review sites like Yelp to find the highest rated local bee pros.

What to Expect During Professional Bee Removal

Once you hire a pest control company for bee removal, here is a general overview of what to expect:

• Inspection – The technician will thoroughly inspect all areas bees could access, including inside attics, crawlspaces, and walls.

• Preparation – They will seal up any entry points and set up ladders or lifts to safely access nests. Protective gear is worn.

• Removal method – For honey bees, the hive is vacuumed up. Other nests may be manually removed or extracted. Some nests may be treated with pesticides.

• Cleanup – Wax, honey, and debris left behind are cleaned up. Entry holes are sealed shut.

• Relocation – Whenever possible, live bee colonies are safely moved to an apiary location. Exterminating bees is a last resort.

• Follow up – Technicians should follow up to ensure removal was successful and no new bee activity starts.

The process is meticulous and varies case-by-case depending on the type and size of infestation. Always let the professionals handle it for your safety.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Bee Removal?

Like any pest control service, the total bee removal cost depends on several factors:

• Type of bees – Honey bee hive removal is generally more extensive and costly than removing bumble bees or carpenter bees.

• Size of infestation – Larger hives with more extensive comb and bees take longer to remove and have higher costs.

• Location difficulty – Safely accessing hard-to-reach areas like tall trees or high walls also adds more labor time.

• Amount of drilling/repairs – If walls or structures must be cut open and repaired, this adds to the bee removal price.

• Time of year – Peak summer activity months may carry premium or emergency service fees for some companies.

To save money, address bee issues early before they escalate. Get a free estimate to know exact removal costs for your scenario.

Tips for Preventing Bee Infestations

While occasional swarms are inevitable, you can reduce bees around your Frederick home with some simple prevention measures:

• Seal up cracks, holes, and crevices on the exterior of your home. Bees exploit these openings to enter and build nests.

• Make sure all vents/chimneys have secure screens. This keeps bees out of attics and crawl spaces.

• Inspect eaves, roof peaks, and exterior wooden structures for small holes. Seal any you find to prevent carpenter bees.

• Remove food waste frequently. Bees forage on trash cans and compost piles.

• Avoid flowering plants that attract bees, like clover, sunflowers, or bee balm.

• Install nesting boxes for native pollinators like mason bees, which compete with hive-building bees.

With proper sealing and exclusion methods, you can discourage bees from invading your Frederick home. But periodically inspect for new bee activity and call a professional remover right away if any is found. Don’t let bee infestations go unchecked.

Call Frederick Bee Experts Today!

Dealing with buzzing bees flying around your property is stressful. But professional bee removal services in Frederick offer a fast, effective solution to eliminate bee pests while also using humane practices when possible. Safeguard your home and family by calling a bee pro at the first sign of bees this season.