The Structure of the Beehive

A beehive is an enclosed structure that houses honey bees (genus Apis) and their young. Natural beehives, sometimes referred to as nests, are naturally created by honey bee colonies. While man-made beehives, or apiaries, are structured to house domesticated honey bees, it is the man-made housing that are often referred to as "beehives".

Species of the subgenus Apis are the only ones that live in hives, and only the Eastern honey bee (Apis cerana) and Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) are kept domesticated.

Honey bees are essential to human survival. Instinct may dictate humans to instantly kill them; however, thorough research should be performed and then the bees should be professionally relocated instead. Beehives can cause problems for households, especially when improperly located. Here are tips for the safe removal of beehives from your vicinity:

• Establish what type of bee is in the hive.
• Ask for professional help if the hive is large or difficult to access.
  • There are around 10,000 honey bees in a hive.
  • Hives may look small from the outside, but they are actually hidden deep in walls, chimneys, roofs, and trees.
  • Depending on the type of bees that live in the hives, some will sting or swarm you if their domain is threatened. Yellow jackets are one such bee.





• When the hive appears to house honey bees, you can contact a local bee keeper. They may be willing to relocate the bees for free or a nominal fee, especially now that honey bees are on the decline.
  • The yellow pages or online services may provide you with the information needed for a bee keeper or bee wrangler.
  • Ask general merchandise stores or local markets regarding bee keepers.
  • Call your local farmers’ market or nursery for transactions with bee keepers.
• Beehive removal and extermination should be limited to small hives that are easily managed with the use of basic insecticides. Avoid larger hives and honey-producing hives.
• Call a professional if the hive is too large or too complicated for a novice bee handler. Relocating or removing large hives is dangerous and would require great skill, experience, and training.
• Repair tools and materials should be on standby when removing a large beehive from a house.
  • Walls and other parts of the house may need to be cut away for easier access.
• Bee proof the area where the hive cannot be removed, this would avoid further infestation.
• Be sure that the hive and all of the honey are removed.
  • Dead bees and honey may attract other insects, such as wax moths, ants, and other bees.
  • If the hive and honey are not completely removed, scout bees would find ways to move in and build new colonies.
• Where there is an active hive, make sure to evacuate children, seniors, pets, and those with allergies from the immediate area.
  • Only attempt to move small hives when the bees can be controlled by household chemicals, but never move a large hive without professional assistance.
• Wear socks, shoes, long sleeves, and other necessary clothing when approaching a hive.
• There are pros and cons in attempting to kill bees at night.
  • Bees are less active at night.
  • Bees are likely to stay inside the hive.
  • It is harder to see at night, which may cause inefficiency and accidents.

Insecticide Method for Small Hives

If you have a small hive, you may be able to get rid of it using insecticides. Just follow these steps!

• Purchase an insecticide and be sure to look for cans that have long range spraying capability.
• Spray the hive and eliminate the bees by poisoning them.
• Try to avoid falling bees and those that have escaped.
• Once the hive is inactive, knock it down, but be sure it is safe before going near it.
• Be cautious with your movement around the hive, though it is inactive, some bees may still be alive.
• Carry the nest to a safe location and dispose it. It is also an option to burn the hive.

Tips

• In some countries and jurisdictions, it is illegal to kill honey bees. You should check with the authorities first. They may be able to assist you with the disposal of hives or recommend a professional for that matter.



• Beekeepers are more than willing to take the bees off your hands. Contact your local beekeeper for assistance, they can also determine if the bees are salvageable.
• The pollination from bees is a significant economical factor for fruit farmers. You should consider the benefits of bees.
• In some jurisdictions, you may be required to call a company that deals with nuisance animals. Expect a hefty fee.
• In some jurisdictions, you may be required to contact an exterminator or professional animal handlers. Be straightforward during the initial conversation. Depending on the situation at hand, some companies may decide that such situation is beyond its scope of treatment. They may just recommend you to another company.
• You should consider evacuating from your house if it involves dealing with large hives.
• Swarms may appear out of the blue. Always be on the lookout for intruders, such as bees.
• In outdoor situations, when a bee dived towards you, slowly walk away without swatting or provoking the insect. Take shelter.

Warnings

• Bees can be dangerous. If you are not sure how to control bees or do not have the proper equipment, it is best to call a professional bee handler.
• The population of honey bees have drastically dropped for the past few years. A dwindling amount of hives can have a worldwide impact on crops, livestock, food, and human survival. Be sure to contact professional bee handlers if you discovered a hive near your house. They will probably protect and relocate the hives.
• Bees are harmless unless threatened. The proximity of a person to a hive may be sensed as a threat. Be careful when approaching areas with beehives.
• Bees are often attracted to flowers, but there are types that look for sweet food instead.
• Different bees have various behaviors. European bees usually swarm once a year, while African bees swarm several times a year. Having a considerable level of knowledge about bees can help you anticipate and control bee activity.

Conclusion

Bees can cause problems for humans. Though they are an integral part of the ecosystem, they can cause skin problems, allergic reactions, and other physical pains. Bees should never be provoked or you might get a taste of their wrath. Beehives should not be disturbed at all times. Disturbing the hive may be the catalyst for a bee attack.

When dealing with bees and beehives, it is best to contact professionals who know what to do in various situations. The guidelines stated above can provide you invaluable information regarding the beneficial yet dangerous insect. Try to learn more about bees and know their tendencies and behavior. You should know the plan of action in case of a bee attack.