Types of Bees in Southern California
There are one thousand species of California native bees, 26 of these are bumblebees and most of the rest are solitary bees. The main types of bees we encounter in Southern California are the bumblebee, the European honeybee, the Africanized honeybee and the carpenter bee. While it’s easy to differentiate the bumblebee by its fuzzy striped appearance, it is difficult to differentiate the European honeybee from the Africanized honeybee. The difference between them can be verified with a microscope.
Another introduced bee species to the United States are the European honey bees. As their name implies, European honey bees are native to Europe. They arrived in the New World during the 17th and 18th centuries. These bees are more docile in nature than their Africanized counterparts. Also, most beekeepers in Southern California use European honey bees for honey production; European honey bees are known for storing nectar during the winter. European honey bees are larger than Africanized honey bees. These bees usually attack hive invaders alone, rather than call on the entire colony for defense. European Honey Bees which are often called Western Honey Bees are the most common type of bee we find here in Southern California. Although they are more docile than Africanized Honey Bees, don’t bee fooled. When they feel threatened they too will attack and sting you pretty good. If you notice a bee hive in a tree, wall, or fence area be sure to give us a call.
BUMBLEBEES
One of the largest bee species in Southern California is the bumblebee. Two different species of bumblebees live in Southern California, the bumblebee (Bombus genus) and cuckoo bumblebee (Psithyrus). Both types of bumblebee grow to 1 to 2 inches long. Bumblebees differ from honey bees since they do not have barbed stingers; this means their stingers do not detach when they sting, so they are able to sting multiple times. Bombus bumblebees are social bees with a caste system of workers, drones and queens. Cuckoo bumblebees are parasitic and lay their eggs in the hives of other bumblebees.One of the largest bee species in Southern California is the bumblebee.
Two different species of bumblebees live in Southern California, the bumblebee (Bombus genus) and cuckoo bumblebee (Psithyrus). Both types of bumblebee grow to 1 to 2 inches long. Bumblebees differ from honey bees since they do not have barbed stingers; this means their stingers do not detach when they sting, so they are able to sting multiple times. Bombus bumblebees are social bees with a caste system of workers, drones and queens. Cuckoo bumblebees are parasitic and lay their eggs in the hives of other bumblebees.
YELLOW JACKETS
Have you ever seen these buggers at your picnics? You don’t invite them, but they know where the party is at. They are scavengers that eat sugars and proteins. These guys will forage to just about everything you’ve got from the hotdogs to the sweet beverages. Yellowjackets are definitely not a critter you want to mess with. If you come across their nest, leave it alone! They are incredibly defensive, and unlike honeybees they can sting more than once. Yellowjackets can be distinguished from honeybees because they are smaller and have no hairs on their bodies. They are very sleek and brightly yellow and black striped. Yellowjackets build paper mache type nests shaped like honeycombs but it is actually made of paper or other fibers. Nests are made of foraged material and will look much like paper-mache
. The nest will resemble honeycomb, but is smaller. Originally, the ‘paper’ would have been made of tree barks, but they have also begun to use our trash, especially newsprint. You can actually see some color variations in the layers of the nest. Typically they will nest in the ground or in attic spaces. They have a nasty habit of chewing through drywall and showing up inside your house at the worst times. Before Africanized Honey Bees made their appearance here in Los Angeles, the emergency calls were usually for yellowjackets. To avoid having these pests at your house it is best to eliminate all waste appropriately. Make sure outside trash receptacles are cleaned regularly and sugars and proteins do not stick around. There are ways to get rid of wasps yourself. However, we do not recommend these methods.
WASP
Have you ever seen these buggers at your picnics? You don’t invite them, but they know where the Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, party-thrower, tree-climber, or party-goer, the phrase “wasp nest” probably makes you jump a little. The Wasp is an infamous insect, with a painful sting and a sometimes elusive nest. As if one type of wasp isn’t bad enough, there are actually around 75,000 species of them. Yellow jackets and Hornets are both common species of wasps in North America. Wasps include two broad categories – solitary and social wasps. If disturbed, a colony of social wasps can be a very dangerous group. These wasps will emit a pheromone that sends its colony members (as many as 100 at a time) into a defensive stinging spree. Although only female wasps can sting, they have the capability of removing their stinger from a victim and stinging repeatedly. A combination of this and the fact that they tend to attack in larger numbers gives the wasp its well-earned fear factor.
Wasp Nest Under Roof Overhang party is at. They are scavengers that eat sugar and proteins. These guys will forage to just about everything you’ve got from the hotdogs to the sweet beverages. Yellowjackets are not a critter you want to mess with. If you come across their nest, leave it alone! They are incredibly defensive, and unlike honeybees they can sting more than once. Yellowjackets can be distinguished from honeybees because they are smaller and have no hairs on their bodies. They are very sleek and brightly yellow and black striped. Yellowjackets build papier Mache type nests shaped like honeycombs, but it is actually made of paper or other fibers. Nests are made of foraged material and will look much like a papier-Mache. The nest will resemble a honeycomb but is smaller. Originally, the ‘paper’ would have been made of tree barks, but they have also begun to use our trash, especially newsprint.
Types of Bees in Southern California
Stinging insects can become a nuisance when they come into contact with people. California is home to over a thousand species of native bees, including 26 species of bumblebees, while most of the others are solitary bees. In Southern California, the most commonly encountered bees are bumblebees, European honeybees, Africanized honeybees, and carpenter bees. Bumblebees are easily recognized by their fuzzy, striped appearance. However, distinguishing between European honeybees and Africanized honeybees is much more challenging and typically requires microscopic examination. It’s also important to mention other stinging insects like yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets, which can pose a significant threat as well.
European Honey Bee
The European honey bee is found living in nests of 5,000 to 15,000 members per hive. Honey bees live year around and stay dormant in the winter. They can be seen as a giant swarm migrating or as 5 to 20 bees buzzing around a structural openings.
The European honey bee is found living in nests of 5,000 to 15,000 members per hive. Honey bees live year around and stay dormant in the winter. They can be seen as a giant swarm migrating or as 5 to 20 bees buzzing around a structural openings.
APA Bee Removal offers professional bee and wasp removal services in Azusa, CA and surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience, their local beekeepers specialize in safe, effective bee and wasp control for both residential and commercial clients. They provide same-day service and offer 24/7 emergency bee removal services and free beehive removal estimates. Call today (626) 336-1373 for your free bee removal estimate.
Why Choose Us?
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1. Expert TechniciansOur bee removal specialists are certified and experienced in handling all types of bee problems. From honeybees to carpenter bees, we have the skills to safely remove them without causing harm to the environment or the bees.
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2. Humane Bee RemovalWe believe in humane solutions. Our technicians carefully relocate bees to safe environments where they can continue their important role in pollination.
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3. Safe & EfficientWe use the latest tools and techniques to remove bees safely and efficiently. We ensure that no harm comes to you, your property, or the surrounding environment during the removal process.
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4. Preventive SolutionsOnce the bees are removed, we don’t just stop there. We provide detailed inspections of your property to identify potential entry points and offer long-term prevention tips to keep your home or business bee-free.
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5. Licensed & InsuredWe are fully licensed, insured, and compliant with local regulations in Covina, ensuring peace of mind while we take care of your bee removal needs.
If you have a swarm of bees that are threatening the safety of you, your family or your neighbors, don’t hesitate – call your bee removal experts at APA Bee Removal!
(626) 336-1373
At APA Bee Removal our customers’ satisfaction has always been our number one priority, and it shows in our ratings!
Offering prompt same-day or next-day service on our bee services, you’ll get treatment as soon as you need it!
We utilise bee removal solutions, taking a more environmentally conscious and safe approach to pest management.
Customer satisfaction is our priority. Prepare to witness quality and integrity.
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Swarm Removal:If you notice a large group of bees clustering around your home or yard, we can safely relocate the swarm to a bee-friendly environment.
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Humane Bee RemovalIf bees have built a hive inside your walls, attic, or roof, our experts will safely remove the colony and repair any damage caused.
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Bee Proofing:After removal, we’ll seal cracks and openings around your home to prevent future infestations.
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Bee Relocation for Businesses:Beehives in commercial spaces can be dangerous and disruptive. We offer bee removal services to businesses, ensuring no harm to your customers or employees.
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Regular Inspections & Maintenance:For businesses in bee-prone areas, we offer ongoing inspections to catch any potential issues before they become a problem.
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Emergency Bee RemovalIf you have an urgent bee issue, we offer 24/7 emergency services. Whether a swarm has arrived unexpectedly, or a hive is causing damage, our team is ready to respond quickly.
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Common Signs You Need Bee Removal
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Frequent Bee Sightings:If you notice bees flying in and out of your home or business frequently, it may indicate a hive nearby.
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Visible Hives or Nests:Hives can often be found in walls, attics, or even in tree hollows. If you spot one, it’s time to call in the experts.
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Swarming Bees:During certain seasons, bees may swarm in search of a new home. If you spot a large group, it’s best to act quickly before they settle.
Expert Bee Removal Azusa
Have you spotted bees around your home in an area with no source flowers or water? You have right to be concerned. There may be a colony of bees. While a swarm may be found in the open, a colony will seek a void space (a tree hollow, between inner and outer walls, or inside a hollow object) Bees leave behind pheromones and specialized removal of the honeycombs followed by tips for sealing the area can prevent another swarm from taking up residence. Removal also averts harm from other pests, wax and honey. APA Bee Removal, Inc. provides residential and commercial operation to safely eliminate unwanted bees from your property and ensuring that full removal won’t damage your place
For over 25 years, we are providing quality El Monte bee removal service. We handle various bee and stinging insects removal, rescue and beekeeping solutions. For any problem regarding bees, swarm or colony, call 626-336-1373 and a licensed, bonded and insured bee removal team will help you.
