Frequently Asked Questions About Insects - Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic:	Bees, honeybees
Question:	After discovering bees in my home, I called a pest control company. I was told that they would not come and kill honey bees because they are endangered. Is this true? If so, what can I do about these bees?
Answer:	This may be an honest misunderstanding by your pest control company based on statements required on many pesticide labels. Labels often give strict warnings not to apply pesticides where honey bees are actively foraging or likely to contact spray drift. Some pesticide applicators are under the mistaken impression that honey bees are, therefore, protected. It is true that we should never contaminate or kill foraging honey bees outdoors because they are beneficial insects. In addition, some honey bees may be producing honey for consumption by people. However, this general rule does not apply to targeted destruction of unwanted nests. Once bees enter a structure, or once they invade any specific location where unwanted (such as a tree in your backyard) there is no law prohibiting their destruction. Pesticides may legally be applied to such sites as long as label directions are followed and the pesticides are applied directly to the nest and not to foraging sites. Another explanation for your applicator's response is that they simply didn't want to take on the job. Many applicators are afraid of bees themselves, never having received training in their control and/or lacking the proper protective gear for bee work. But don't give up. There are many companies out there willing to treat bee colonies. You should continue to call around for pest control companies who will kill bees. But be prepared to hire a carpenter or handyman to open up the wall and remove the nest once bees have been killed out. A honey bee nest will leave honey, wax, and dead bees. These need to be removed to prevent infestations of carpet beetles, rodents, etc. and to prevent the honey and wax from melting in the hot summer.
Related Link:	http://honeybee.tamu.edu
Related Link:	http://tcebookstore.org/pubinfo.cfm?pubid=484
Image Link: **
Response by:	Michael Merchant
Title:	Professor and Extension Specialist
** Most of the Related Links above also contain images.

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