Bee Prepared....
Bees are among the most beneficial insects known to man—one of our most essential agricultural resources, as bees are instrumental in pollinating countless varieties of fruit trees and other flowering plants.
Tragically, Ireland has faced an ecological crisis over the last few years, with bee populations dwindling as Varroa mites—parasites originally from India—have wiped out thousands of thriving hives. The mites, which consume bee larvae, have proved particularly resistant to standard pesticides. Uncontrolled, their proliferation has the potential to cripple the country’s agricultural and beekeeping industries. Ecological considerations notwithstanding, bees can nonetheless become dangerous pests for homeowners. Bee stings are not only painful, but also potentially life-threatening for individuals who suffer allergic reactions to them.
Four principal classes of bees are found in Ireland:
honeybees, bumblebees, wasps and carpenter bees.
Honeybees live in colonies and are kept commercially for the honey they produce. Stings are particularly painful, as their stingers are barbed and become embedded in the skin. While honeybees are generally not regarded as pests, it is possible for a wild swarm to leave its nesting area to travel in search of a new hive. Generally docile at this stage, these bees are often spotted in large clumps, attached to tree limbs or on fence rows while “scouts” seek out a new home. Pest-control problems arise when honeybees establish wild hives within buildings or other undesirable locations.
Bumblebees, which are related to honeybees, are much more independent. They do not live in colonies and are commercially disregarded because they produce only minute amounts of honey. These slow-moving bees seldom pose a major pest-control problem, but they will take up residency in or near your garden.
Wasps form colonies and can be identified by their streamlined bodies and the “paper” nests they build, often under eaves and in the rafters of sheds or houses. They are much more aggressive than honeybees or bumblebees, known for giving chase when disturbed by a “nosy” human—especially during warmer months.
Carpenter bees are solitary insects that
pose a significant threat. Known for their extremely painful stings, they also
damage buildings by burrowing or tunnelling into wood and forming “galleries.”
Weathered and unpainted wood is most susceptible to attack, making infestation
a pest-control emergency.
Because bees are a protected species in Ireland, it is critical to call a pest-control specialist if you develop a problem. You also want to avoid the multiple stings many homeowners experience when they disturb a bee colony. Take the following steps to ensure your family’s safety:
Always maintain a safe distance. While bees have been known to fly several metres to pursue a perceived attacker, they generally avoid individuals who stay at least five metres away—as long as they do not feel threatened.
Always call a pest-control professional. Never attempt to kill or capture a colony on your own.
You may have read or heard that beekeepers will respond to calls from homeowners with bee problems, eager to capture an unwanted hive or colony of honeybees for its commercial value. With the infection risks posed by Varroa mites, beekeepers are far less inclined to do so. Call a pest-control specialist instead.
If you are stung, do not pull the stinger from the skin. Squeezing it releases more venom into the bloodstream. Instead, use a credit card or dull knife blade to scrape away the stinger. Apply ice to control pain, and buy an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to alleviate minor swelling and itching at the sting site. If you experience shortness of breath, wheezing or hives on other parts of your body, you are facing a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Call for immediate emergency medical assistance. Such reactions usually occur within 20 minutes of a bee sting. You may require an injection of epinephrine to counteract the effects of the bee venom.
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