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Do I have a honey bee hive?
Do I have bees?
Flying yellow-striped stinging bugs can be hard to tell apart, but it's not impossible. In order to save some time and money, try to safely get a close look at the offending insect. If its hairy, you might have honey bees. If it's anything else, it's a wasp or yellow jacket. Another easy way to tell is to look at the hive or nest. If it's a big grey papery ball that's hanging from your roof or a tree, you have wasps.
Bees are small and fuzzy
Wasps and hornets are godless killing machines that sting without mercy and will not stop. Most wasps are about the same size as honey bees, but they are far more aggressive and not fuzzy. If you are unsure about the insects you have, call a professional.
Wasps
This is an example of a wasps nest. There is nothing delicious inside there. You will only find regret if you try to crack it open. Your best option is to trap it in a cardboard box and put a large "H" on the side. That way you'll know there are hornet inside. Make sure to shake vigorously before giving it to an enemy.
Other Pollinators
While wasps and hornets are tiny flying nightmares, there are some other types of bees that you'll see around flowers, but don't make honey. The two common types are: carpenter bees and bumblebees. They are much larger than the honey bee and have a very different coloration. If you see them, try to avoid and not kill unless absolutely necessary. They are fantastic pollinators!
Another view of the bumblebee.
Wasps
Don't kill unless you need to. They might be awful, but they are still beneficial pollinators that help plants thrive.
Other FAQs
---SHOULD I SPRAY THE BEES?
No, never, and under no circumstances should you ever spray honey bees. You should keep a safe distance and call Syracuse Honey to come and remove them.
---I think there are bees in my house. What should I do?
If you think you might have an infestation of bees in your home or on your property, you need to take immediate action to have them removed. The longer a hive stays in your walls, the greater the opportunity for property damage. Killing them might seem like a quick and cheap solution, but this will not removed the honey or wax from your walls. Unless you remove that honey and wax, it will just attract new bees and/or other creatures looking for a easy snack. Also, dead bees smell terrible. If your walls are full of dead bees, you will know it.
---How long does it take to remove an Infestation from a house or structure?
The amount of time it will take depends completely on the size and location of the hive. If it has been in your walls for years, it's likely very large and could take days to fully remove. Fresh infestations (those a few months old) will take much less time to remove, maybe as little as a few hours. Additionally, hives in high or hard-to-reach areas can greatly increase recovery time.
---What will it cost to remove a hive?
Pricing is completely dependent on the size and scope of the infestation. A new hive at ground level is much easier to remove than a 5 year old hive on the third floor of a building. You will need to call and set up an appointment for a technician to evaluate the infestation. To save your time, review the section above "Do I have bees?" and make sure you actually have honey bees and not wasps. If you have wasps or hornets, you can remove them yourself or call pest control.
---What will it cost to remove a swarm?
In most cases, swarms that are outside and have not moved into a structure will be removed at no cost to you. Please call 315-516-6000 if you see a swarm.
---How often are Nucs available for purchase?
Nucs will be available for purchase throughout the early summer. Please call for specific details.
---Where do you take the bees?
All displaced honey bees are relocated to our managed hives in apiaries across the Syracuse area.
---Where can I buy your honey?
Honey will be available for purchase through our online store, or buy calling 315-516-6000.
---Once the bees are removed, how do I keep bees from coming back?
Call and speak to a technician for details and taking preventative measures.
---How do I become a Beekeeper?
Its easy! Call and ask for Bob. He will talk you through the process and answer all your questions.