Common Questions About Bees and Their Behavior

Serving Las Vegas | Henderson | North Las Vegas

At Pest Control Inc, we believe that the best way to treat any unwanted insects is to understand them first, and then take steps to treat the issue. It’s especially important to treat bee removal very carefully, as they are crucial for our environment to function.

Bees are a great example of how we use our experience and knowledge to remove them and any nests. By understanding how and why bees act in certain ways, we can protect our customers that much easier–all while maintaining ethical standards for bee removal!

Are bees aggressive?

This question is complex. The correct answer is yes–but this varies by season, circumstance, and species. For instance, some species of bee are only aggressive when their nest is threatened. Some species are aggressive continuously, and especially in the territory surrounding their nest, like the Africanized honey bee. Most species of bees have a greater chance of becoming aggressive during late summer and fall, as resources become scarce. Bees can also become aggressive if their queen dies.

Without knowing the species, it’s difficult to determine whether or not a bee will sting or attack aggressively. If you’re not familiar with bee behavior, it’s always best to give bees a wide berth. Don’t rely on your eyes to identify the species, either–some kinds of bees can only be identified by looking at them under a microscope!

Can honey bees hurt you?

Yes, they can sting, and in certain situations, they will attack aggressively. Honey bees have a single barbed stinger which is pulled out after they sting, causing them to die.

If you’ve been stung by more than 15 honey bees, feel ill after being stung, or have a history of insect allergies and have been stung by a honey bee, seek medical attention immediately. If you have a diagnosed bee allergy, take the appropriate medical steps that your doctor has given you.

Allergies to bee stings can develop over a lifetime, and can occur at any time. We can’t stress enough: avoid bees when possible, and seek medical attention if you have been stung and feel unwell.

Do bees carry diseases?

Bees do not transmit diseases to humans.

Are there Africanized bees in Las Vegas?

Yes, there are Africanized honey bees in Las Vegas. They first appeared around 1998, and have continued to spread for the last twenty years. There is no way to properly identify these bees by sight alone, and they resemble the far more docile European honey bee, so it’s imperative to be as careful as possible around any bee, but especially aggressive bees.

If you suspect you’re around an Africanized bee nest, or you see a large number of agitated bees, run in the opposite direction until you reach safety. There is an increased danger of a large number of stings. If you are stung, resist the urge to swat at other bees, and continue running in the opposite direction.

What attracts bees?

This can be answered pretty simply: flowers. If you smell like a flower or look like a flower, you’re going to attract bees in search of nectar. Strong or sweet perfume, brightly colored clothing, or any other item that resembles a flower can attract a bee. If a bee is drawn to you, it’s important not to swat or otherwise encourage aggressive behavior.

There are some wasps that are carnivorous, especially around late summer and early fall, but bees are not attracted by meat, and they won’t likely be attracted by your picnic.

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