Updated: February 12, 2017

Steps of the Beekeeping Process

If you are a stranger to beekeeping or are merely trying to get into the beekeeping business, it is crucial to understand how the beekeeping process works. Many safety precautions need to be kept in mind and the best ways to start the beekeeping system. Here are some of the best insights when looking into the beekeeping process and how to best ensure your beekeeping venture’s success.

Purchase Your Bees

It may sound odd to think that you would have to purchase your first set of bees, but did you feel that they would come to you? Get ready to make your bee purchases before spring rolls around. January is a great time to order bees for shipment by April or May. A local beekeeping association will help you determine how to navigate this process and the type of package you should call for your needs.

Select the Right Hive System

As far as hive systems go, there are two main ones that beekeepers utilize; the Langstroth hive and the top-bar hive. Both methods are great and built for the safety of the bees and beekeepers alike. You will need to decide what system and system build suit your needs best.

Beekeeping Supplies

When starting your first beekeeping project, we recommend starting with two hives. Your odds of success are more substantial by having two separate packs.

The Standard Langstroth Hive

We recommend the Langstroth hive as your standard beehive. It is what local professional beekeepers use throughout Texas. The Langstroth hive includes a brood box and honey supers, queen excluder, frames, lid, and bottom board. All of these elements will help you construct the best beehive possible.

The Honeybee Suit

No beekeeper should work without a proper bee suit. We recommend the whole suit with a hat/veil that zips onto the suit for beginner beekeepers.

Other Beekeeping Supplies

• Bee Gloves
• Bee Brush
• Smoker
• Hive Tool
• Uncapping tool
• Honey Extractor
• Hive Stand or wooden pallet
• A safe place to put the hive.

Introducing Bees to Their New Hive

Once your bees arrive, it is time to give them a proper introduction to their new home. There are many ways to introduce your bees to their hive. It ranges from pouring bees on a bed sheet as close to the entrance as possible to feeding the swarm directly into their home. If you have questions about this, contact your local beekeeper in Houston, Fort Worth, or Dallas.

Maintain the Health of Your Bees

Although your bees will not be a massive time commitment, you will need to give them ongoing care from season to season. Most of your checking in on your bees is going to be observed. It can be a very satisfying experience as a beekeeper.

Your best bet for successful bee maintenance is further research and separating the tasks by the different seasons.

Join a Local Beekeepers Association

We highly recommend joining a local, state, or national beekeeper association. The local associations generally meet once a month for beekeeping classes, and it’s the fastest way to learn about beekeeping. For Texas beekeepers, you can check out the Texas Beekeepers Association to learn more about beekeeping in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston.

Got a Hive and Not a Beekeeper? Call Bee Safe Bee Removal

If you have a beehive on your property and don’t plan to become a Fort Worth beekeeper, you most likely want the hive removed. As professional bee removers and beekeepers, Bee Safe Bee Removal is the best local company to contact your bee problem. Call us today and find out more about our services and scheduling a time for a professional beekeeper to come to your home and make your beehive a thing of the past.

When you notice a beehive on your property, your first instinct is to make sure that it gets removed promptly. Your local bee removal company will help you with your problem; however, it would help to have some general knowledge about the company and the process itself. Here are five questions that we think are important to ask your professional before signing on to the job.

1. Would it Be Safe to Remove the Bees on My Own?

This is an excellent question because it seems like homeowners are always trying to save where they can. However, the answer is a simple, yet strong, no. There are different types of bees in each area with different personalities; some may even be Africanized and extra aggressive. Performing a DIY bee removal puts you at not only the risk but also the rest of your home. By leaving your problem in the hands of professionals, you will be able to save money on a pricey hospital visit.

2. What if the Bees Return After Removal?

Sometimes after a bee removal, bees can return to the site of their former hive during the next available season. This is not what homeowners want, so you want to ask your potential bee removal company how they remedy this problem without gouging your wallet.

Like Bee Safe Bee Removal, some companies offer a program where they return to your home over a set time and perform maintenance on the area to ensure that the bees do not return to your home.

3. Do You Kill the Bees?

This is important to ask. Bees are an essential member of our ecosystem. So, while they may be a nuisance, having a bee removal company poison them does no good for the environment or the air quality around your home.

Hiring an eco-friendly bee removal company that is also a team of beekeepers is the preferred option. This way, you know the bees are being removed and transplanted safely. All while your home is being cleared of any stinging guests.

4. What If I Have More Than Bees?

Sometimes you may think that you have bees, but you could be wrong and have wasps as well. It is a good idea to make sure that the company you decide to work with also has expertise in handling various wasps.

Much like bees, different types of wasps behave independently, so you want someone who knows their business. It is much easier to have one business handle two problems than having to hire two separate companies.

Bee Safe Bee Removal Handles Your Bees and Wasps!

If you have a bee or wasp infestation on your property, this is a problem that you need to have resolved as soon as possible. Don’t put your family in danger of toxic fumes. Work with a professional beekeeper like Bee Safe Bee Removal to get the job done right. Contact us today to find out about our services and methods of safely and efficiently getting bees away from your home.

Is There African Killer Bees in America?

The Africanized bee, also known as the killer bee, is a species that is currently making a name for itself across Arizona. Yes, most people have heard about Africanized honey bees for years, yet some still can’t wrap their heads around the common facts that make these bees dangerous.

At Bee Safe Bee Removal, we specialize in getting Africanized honey bees off your property safely and humanely. Here are some reasons why you should give us a call the next time you see a swarm of bees near your Arizona home.

What is an Killer Bee?

You may not be a threat to your local bees in Arizona, but that means little to the Africanized killer honey bee. This species is notorious for sensing danger and aggressively attacking when threatened. If a nest of killer bees feels like they are being intruded on, expect at least 10 to 20 bees to defend their nest within a rather extensive radius,

Can African Killer Bees Sting More than Once?

When most people think about bee stings, they think of a bee only sting once and then dying shortly after. It is not the case at all with the killer bee. These bees not only require little stimuli to attack, but they can continuously sting their target. While the venom they produce is not more potent than the average honey bee, continuous stings to a target from multiple bees in an attack can quickly turn deadly.

Usually, the average honey bee will calm down after a few minutes. Africanized killer bees can hold a grudge and remain aggressive for hours.

Warmer Climate Creates a Higher Threat

Killer bees are known to enjoy warmer climates. Areas like Texas and Southern California are no stranger to this species. Therefore, it should be no surprise that Arizona is the perfect area for Africanized honey bees to migrate.

With temperatures that can easily reach in the high hundreds, your community is a natural breeding ground for these deadly visitors.

African Killer Bees Breed Quickly

Keep in mind that the size of an Africanized honey bee contributes to their danger. They are significantly smaller than the average European bee. They have a shorter development time frame, which means that in areas where they nest, a community of killer bees can quickly grow into a threat to the areas surrounding the nest.

Bee Safe Bee Removal Gets Africanized Honey Bees Off of Your Property

Any bee removal job is dangerous if you are a homeowner that thinks a DIY attempt will work. Multiply that danger by the thousands when approaching the possibility of Africanized honey bees. This species is a real threat in Arizona, and that is why Bee Safe Bee Removal is prepared to help you out. Contact us today to find out more about the services we provide in your community.

In Texas, one of the most prevalent insects is the bee. In Texas, we remove several different types of bees that range from:

• Honey Bees
• Bumblebees
• Africanized
• Carpenter, and many more

However, it is essential to note that not all bees are created equal. There are several key differences between each bee species necessary to report when identifying what type of infestation you have in your home. At Bee Safe Bee Removal, we consider the different species of bees and begin our job from there. Here are some main differences between bees that you may find in or around your Texas home.

Identifying Bees by Looks

One of the most significant ways to tell the differences between bees is visual cues. While Honey Bees are known for the orange and black visible stripes, these are not the typical colors and body types of other bees.

Bumblebee

The bumblebee is usually larger than the honey bee. Bumblebees have a black body and are covered with thick yellow and black hair. Carpenter bees and bumblebees have a similar look, but the critical difference between these two bees is that bumbles are relatively smaller than carpenter bees.

Africanized Bees

Africanized bees are known as a hybrid of European honey bees and African honey bees. The Africanized bee looks very similar to the honey bee but is slightly smaller. The danger in this visual difference is that the size reduction can only really be determined under the microscope.

Personality Traits of Different Types of Bees

Africanized Bees

Many different types of bees are generally not aggressive unless they are provoked or feel that their hive is in danger. However, the Africanized bee will attack when unprovoked, and attacks are usually rapid and in large numbers. Even though both Africanized and honey bees can only sting once before death, the Africanized bee poses a genuine threat to an individual near their hives.

Africanized Bees are also very adaptable and known to nest outside of natural locations like empty boxes, old vehicles, and garages.

Bumblebee

The bumblebee can also sting; however, unlike the honey bee, the stinger does not detach, so that these bees can sting multiple times. Bumblebees are generally not aggressive unless they are defending their nest or are susceptible to harm.

Colonies and Nests

Honey Bees

Honey bees usually make their hives in the innards of trees and buildings, but since these bees are typically domesticated, most of them are kept in hives.

Bumblebees

Bumblebees tend to nest in either abandoned rodent holes or bunches of grass. These types of bees are generally quite adaptable and have even made nests inside of jacket pockets.

Preventing and Removing Different Types of Bees

If your home is experiencing a bee infestation, don’t wait to contact a professional. Bees can be very aggressive creatures and can pose a danger to you and your family if left alone.

The experts of Bee Safe Bee Removal are not only bee removal specialists but also beekeepers. We will safely remove your beehive and ensure that the process is as environmentally friendly as possible. Get in touch with us today to find out about our other services and our 2-year maintenance plan.

Updated: December 08, 2017

We all know one thing about both bees and wasps. They sting, and the stings hurt! However, even though they come from the same kingdom of Animalia and Insecta class, there are several differences and similarities between the two creatures that the average person doesn’t know. Here are some of the most remarkable facts about the differences between the average honey bee and the dreaded wasp living in your Texas neighborhood.

Wasp Vs. Bee Aggressiveness

It is well known that a honey bee will die after having stung someone. Many people think that this is true for all bees. However, other types of bees are capable of stinging a victim multiple times. Even though these types of bees exist, the bee is still a less aggressive insect than the wasp. This Is especially scary when one considers the danger of approaching a beehive for beehive removal in Fort Worth.

A wasp is going to be significantly more aggressive than a bee and Is always capable of being able to sting multiple targets. This ability alone makes a wasp an effective predator compared to the bee’s pollinator status. It’s no wonder that so many people are looking for wasp exterminators.

Body Type Between Bees and Wasps

While bees are known to belong and fat on the rear, have two pairs of wings, and are brightly colored, there are some similarities in the wasp, but some very stark differences that people need to see.

Wasps are usually long and thin. They also have two pairs of wings and are often brightly colored as well. Some wasps, however, are wingless and dig into the ground rather than fly.

Bees can also be defined by their hair, bodies, and legs. Wasps generally have a longer, smoother body with long dangling legs.

What’s In A Name?

A wasp is typically defined as an insect that is neither a bee nor an ant. The wasp species are predatory, and almost every other pest insect has a wasp species that enjoys preying on them. Although bees are closely related to both wasps and ants, they are more known for their role in pollination and for producing honey and beeswax. This is a great reason to call a local beekeeper to help with any removal of a beehive from your yard.

They Do Have One Big Thing In Common

Bees and wasps are very different creatures with one significant element of their livelihood in common. Their stings can be deadly if you are allergic. Stings from either insect could trigger an allergic reaction that can turn traumatizing if a person results in being allergic to the secreted venom from each insect. This danger alone is why it is recommended to call a local bee hive removal expert if you notice a beehive or wasp nest on your property.

Can’t Tell What You Have? Call Bee Safe Bee Removal

If you hear a constant buzz around your house, see the insects’ bright colors but can’t determine how to approach getting them off your property. Give Bee Safe Bee Removal a call today. We are dedicated to safely removing your beehives and exterminate wasp nests from your property in the most eco-friendly way possible.

Are Bees Going Extinct in California?

If you’ve been keeping track of any recent (updated since October 18, 2018) news reports on the status of Honey Bees in Southern California, then you already have an idea of how grave the situation is. Bees are dying off at alarming rates, and it is creating a ripple effect that can result in some serious environmental repercussions.

At Bee Safe Bee Removal, we not only want to keep your home safe from unwanted hives, but we also want to ensure that the bees we remove from your home are leaving intact and preserved. Bee removal doesn’t have to be a death sentence for a hive, and here is why we stand firmly behind our removal process.

What is Killing the Bees in California?

Although the number of bees lost in California may seem like a deliberate effort among Southern California homeowners, it isn’t. The root of most of these bee’s deaths is due to bee-attractive plants placed in locations surrounding Southern California homes. Many of these plants have been pre-treated with harmful pesticides that can kill bees.

Also, unethical bee removal practices are a leading cause of the decline in the bee population. Many people with hives on their property rely on bee removal processes that kill the bees and destroy the hives. Sadly, once these bees are killed, that is one less hive of beneficial insects; and this can have environmental and economic impacts.

Why are Honey Bees Important?

Did you know that one of every three bites of the food we eat depends on bees for successful harvests? It’s true, and recently, California has seen the effects of fewer bees through struggles experienced on almond orchards. Our orchards typically need over one million bee colonies to pollinate and produce California’s largest agricultural export.

Most of the bees that are used for farming efforts are domesticated through the use of local beekeepers. However, even with current measures, local beekeepers have been unable to completely prevent the exposure of neonicotinoids to their bees that leave their hives to pollinate,

How to Save the Bees in California

Currently, the more significant efforts to reduce neonicotinoids rest in the hands of government officials. However, some steps you can take can quickly go a step beyond asking your local nursery if their bee-attractive plants have been treated with pesticides.

Even though you may love bees, no one wants an unexpected hive on their property. Instead of having the uninvited guests sprayed, call a bee removal company specializing in beekeeping and eco-friendly beehive removal.

Bee Safe Bee Removal Ensures Safe Bee Removal For All Parties Involved

Bee Safe Bee Removal is a company that prides itself on our safe practices and live removal from job sites. If you have a hive that needs to be removed, get in touch with us today to find out more about our Southern California services.

One of the most common insect problems in Texas during the spring and early summer is that of the wasp nest. It is usually very clear that you have a wasp problem, but by the time you do, a nest has most likely already formed, and the wasps can already be creating a sense of danger around your home. If you think you may have a wasp problem, take a look at some of these ways that you can identify the wasps, where they are nesting, and what to do next!

What’s the Difference Between a Wasp and a Bee?

Understanding the fundamental differences between bees and wasps is essential when examining what type of infestation you may have. Yes, they are both members of the Hymenoptera family of insects, but the main difference is their physical bodies.

Bees may be entirely black or brown with orange/yellow striping patterns. Honey bees are hairy, and wasps are usually smooth-skinned. Wasps also have a narrower frame and maybe more brightly colored than their bee cousins, sporting black and yellow vibrant patterns.

Track the Wasps to Their Nest

Once you start to see wasps buzzing around your residence or business regularly, you should take a few minutes to watch the wasps from a safe distance. You want to care for what they are feeding on and where they float away after they have provided.

It might help place some food like canned tuna to get a quicker idea of where the wasps are nesting. Remember, although there are several horror stories about wasps’ aggressiveness, these are not naturally aggressive creatures. They are merely out to build and protect their home, even if it is in an area that is not pleasing to you.

Wasp Nests Are Found in Different Locations High and Low

Once you’ve identified and baited your wasps, now is the time to find out where they are going. After a few minutes of safe observation, you should have a clear idea of the direction of the nest. Most wasps will funnel into a hole in a nest that rests under the eave of a house. You will want to check your porches and corners for this problem.

In some parts of the world, wasps are even known to build their nests in hollow underground areas. This is done to protect the insects from excessive heat and rain. These types of nests can be found in between walls or in tree stumps.

Are you removing Your Wasps? Don’t Get Swarmed! Call the Professionals

Even though we previously stated that wasps are generally non-aggressive creatures when you go poking around a nest, be prepared to be stung numerous times. Exterminating wasp nests can be dangerous in that sense, and if you are using poisons to eliminate your problem.

Avoid the DIY hazards altogether and give the professionals at Bee Safe Bee Removal a call. We have the experience to handle your wasp problem safely and efficiently. Give us a call to find out more about our services and schedule an appointment.