Good News Bees: How To Safely Remove Them
So, you've got good news bees buzzing around, huh? These little guys, also known as Osmia lignaria, are actually solitary bees and great pollinators, but sometimes they can set up shop in places where they're not exactly welcome. Don't worry; you don't have to reach for the pesticide just yet! There are plenty of humane and effective ways to encourage them to relocate. Let's dive into how to handle these beneficial, but sometimes misplaced, insects.
Understanding Good News Bees
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of removal, let's understand what we're dealing with. Good news bees, or blue orchard mason bees, are super pollinators, even better than honeybees in some respects! They're called "solitary bees" because they don't live in hives like honeybees or bumblebees. Instead, each female is her own queen, laying eggs in individual nesting chambers. They're gentle and rarely sting unless severely provoked, which is a big plus.
These bees typically nest in small holes or crevices, like those found in wood, hollow stems, or even man-made bee houses. They get their name from the "good news" they bring to gardens and orchards – greatly improved pollination and, consequently, better fruit and veggie yields. However, their nesting habits can sometimes lead them to undesirable locations, like the walls of your house or your kids' play equipment.
When these bees choose to settle in areas that pose a problem, relocation becomes necessary. Understanding their behavior and preferences is crucial for implementing effective and humane removal strategies. The goal isn't to eliminate them but rather to encourage them to move to a more suitable location where they can continue their important pollination work without causing inconvenience or concern. This approach ensures the preservation of these valuable insects while resolving any conflicts with human habitats.
Identifying the Nesting Site
The first step in evicting your unwanted tenants is to locate exactly where they're nesting. Good news bees are pretty consistent in their nesting habits. Look for small, round holes about the diameter of a pencil. These holes might be in wood, brick, or even mud. Pay close attention to areas where you've seen the bees frequently flying in and out. Common nesting spots include:
- Cracks and crevices in wooden structures: Fences, sheds, and decks are prime real estate.
- Hollow stems of plants: Old flower stalks or bamboo can be attractive.
- Existing holes in walls or siding: Any pre-existing hole is an invitation.
- Bee houses: If you've put up a bee house, they might be a bit too comfortable.
Once you've located the nest, take a close look. Are the holes sealed with mud? This indicates that the bees have already laid their eggs and are in the process of provisioning the cells. If the holes are still open, the bees are likely still actively using the nest. Knowing this will influence your removal strategy.
Understanding the nesting stage is crucial because it dictates the urgency and method of relocation. If the nests are sealed, you'll need to wait until the offspring have emerged before taking action. If the nests are still active, you can employ methods to encourage the bees to move elsewhere before they fully commit to the location. By accurately identifying the nesting site and its current state, you can proceed with a targeted and effective removal plan.
Humane Removal Techniques
Alright, now for the meat and potatoes – how to actually get rid of these bees without harming them. Remember, we want to be kind to our pollinator pals!
1. Blocking the Entrance
If the bees are actively using the nest, but haven't sealed it yet, you can try gently blocking the entrance. Do this in the evening when the bees are inside for the night. Use something like steel wool, soft cloth, or even mud. Don't seal it completely shut! Leave a small gap so the bees can still get out. The idea is to make it inconvenient enough that they decide to move on. After a few days, remove the blockage completely. Hopefully, they'll have found a new place to call home.
2. Relocating Bee Houses
If the good news bees are nesting in a bee house, you're in luck! This is the easiest scenario. Simply wait until evening when all the bees are inside, and gently move the entire bee house to a new location. Ideally, this should be at least 300 feet away to prevent them from returning to the old spot. Place the bee house in a similar environment – sunny, sheltered, and near flowering plants.
3. Creating Alternative Nesting Sites
Before you block or move their existing nest, provide an alternative! These bees are looking for specific conditions, so offer them a better option nearby. You can purchase or build a new bee house and place it close to the original nesting site. Make sure it has holes of the appropriate size (around 1/4 to 3/8 inch diameter). You can even smear a little mud around the entrance to make it more attractive.
4. Waiting it Out
If the nests are already sealed, the best thing to do is wait. The larvae will develop inside the nests, and the new bees will emerge in the spring. After they've all emerged, you can clean out the nesting holes to prevent them from being reused in the same spot. This is a patient approach, but it ensures the survival of the next generation of pollinators.
5. Using Natural Repellents
While we don't want to harm the bees, we can use natural scents they dislike to deter them from nesting in certain areas. Good news bees aren't fans of strong smells like citrus, peppermint, or eucalyptus. You can place cotton balls soaked in these essential oils near the nesting site to encourage them to move on. Reapply the oils regularly to maintain the scent.
Preventing Future Nesting
Okay, you've successfully evicted your good news bees. Now, how do you keep them from coming back? Prevention is key!
1. Seal Unwanted Holes
Inspect your home and other structures for any holes or cracks that might be attractive to nesting bees. Seal these up with caulk, wood filler, or other appropriate materials. Pay special attention to areas where you've had problems in the past.
2. Provide a Designated Bee House
If you want to keep good news bees around for their pollination services (and you should!), provide them with a bee house in a location where they won't cause problems. This gives them an attractive alternative to nesting in your walls or furniture.
3. Maintain Your Property
Keep your property well-maintained to reduce the availability of nesting sites. Remove dead plant stems, fill in cracks in walls, and keep wooden structures in good repair. A little bit of maintenance can go a long way in preventing future bee infestations.
4. Use Bee-Deterrent Landscaping
Incorporate plants that bees tend to avoid into your landscaping. These include things like marigolds, geraniums, and wormwood. While this won't completely eliminate bees from your property, it can make it less attractive to them.
When to Call a Professional
In most cases, you can handle good news bee removal on your own using these humane techniques. However, there are some situations where it's best to call a professional:
- Large infestations: If you have a large number of bees nesting in a difficult-to-reach area, it's best to let a professional handle it.
- Allergies: If you're allergic to bee stings, don't attempt to remove the bees yourself. Call a professional who has the proper safety equipment.
- Structural damage: If the bees have caused significant damage to your home or other structures, you'll need a professional to assess the damage and make repairs.
Conclusion
Dealing with good news bees doesn't have to be a stressful experience. By understanding their behavior and using humane removal techniques, you can encourage them to relocate to a more suitable location without harming these beneficial pollinators. Remember, they're doing important work for our ecosystem, so let's treat them with respect. With a little patience and effort, you can enjoy the benefits of their pollination services without the inconvenience of having them nest in unwanted places. So, go forth and bee kind!
