Honeybees are a vital part environment. As a pollinator, they help ensure that nearly 400 types of agricultural products (like apples, almonds, and cucumbers) are able to grow and thrive. Plus, honeybees make delicious honey!
When it comes to pest management, Ed’s Dead Bug works hard to protect the helpful bees in our communities while ensuring the proper management of other pests. Here’s how we do our part to protect the amazing, hard working honey bees.
How Ed’s Dead Bug Helps Save the Bees
Before we treat any area, we accurately identify the insects present. This ensures that honey bees aren’t accidentally put in harm’s way, protecting the natural ecosystem.
When performing general pest prevention and elimination treatments for other stinging pests, we treat any eaves with Fifra 25(b) exempt products. These won’t transfer to any nearby bee colonies, ensuring a single honey bee that is passing through can’t carry the treatment back to their hive. We also never use neonicotinoids on the exterior or a home or business, and only use it in the interior when absolutely necessary.
We also use minimal chemicals for the removal of any pests. The majority of situations only require Fifra 25(b) products, and many exposed nests can be removed without any chemical treatment at all.
When applied by licensed pest control professionals, all the products we use are safe for pets and people, as well as the honey bees that are so essential for the environment.
What Can You Do to Help the Bee Population?
Not long ago, the news swirled around the internet saying that helpful honey bee was in crisis and their numbers fell at alarming rates. While it is true that colony collapse disorder did impact the population (and one obscure bee species in Hawaii became endangered), that isn’t the case for many of the honeybee species you see buzzing around your yard anymore.
Skilled beekeepers have worked to replenish colonies, and local laws ensured that wild hives were handled with care, usually by relocating them to safe areas.
Now, most honey bees are doing pretty well, but that doesn’t mean you can’t chip in by helping their continued recovery. Here’s how:
Plant flowers or flowering trees
Bees thrive on pollen, making flowering plants and trees their primary food source. Nearly any common landscape flowers and flowering trees can help the bees get a meal, so consider adding some to your landscaping.
As a bonus, they can also improve the look of your property, upping the curb appeal.
Don’t cut down your dandelions right away
Dandelions (those little sunshine buttons that dot most people’s yards) might be considered a weed by some, but are actually an excellent source of pollen for honey bees. While you don’t have to let them overtake your landscape, consider allowing them to bloom until you need to cut your grass so they bees can enjoy them for a while.
Place small water trays near flowering plants and trees
Bees, like any other living creature, need water to thrive. In periods of dry weather, place small dishes (or coffee can lids) filled with water near your flowering plants and trees.
Just make sure to change the water daily. Otherwise, you may invite mosquitoes to breed in your yard (and no one wants that!).
Call Ed’s Dead Bug to Remove Any Nest
It takes a significant amount of care and attention to properly remove established nests, particularly for stinging insects. If you spot a nest, contact Ed’s Dead Bug. We know exactly what needs to be done to ensure that everything is managed safely and correctly.
