Different Types of Bees in Florida

Even though bees might sting if you get too close, these extraordinary insects do wonders for the local environment. Today, we’ll take a closer look at Florida bees, how to identify them, and what to do if you have an infestation in your home. If you live in Florida, you may encounter a:

Bumble Bee
Carpenter Bee
Leafcutter Bee

Bumble Bee (Bombus)

Arguably the cutest of the bees, these critters are one of the larger bee species and known for their loud buzzing and fuzzy hairs. They like to nest in shallow underground areas like hollowed-out logs. And why do bees buzz so much, you ask? It actually serves a purpose: pollination. All that buzzing helps knock the pollen loose so the bee can eat it. This is a behavior known as sonication.

Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa spp.)

Similar in appearance to the bumble bee, but their abdomen is black and glossy, and only their thorax is fuzzy. These bees are very destructive and will bore into wooden structures to create their nests. While they can’t destroy your home like termites, their activity can result in costly repairs.

H3 – Leafcutter Bee (Megachile spp.)

While carpenter bees destroy your home, leafcutter bees ruin your garden. Despite pollinating plants, this species will cut circular patches from leaves to build their nests and house larvae and eggs. Leafcutters resemble honey bees but carry pollen underneath their bodies, not on top.

How Bees Help The Environment

Bees play an important role in pollinating not only the plants in our gardens, but our crops as well. Nuts, berries, seeds, and many fruits rely on bee populations. When bees are plentiful in your yard, you’ll notice more blooms on your flowers and shrubs.

How to Prevent A Bee Infestation

While bees are great for the environment, an infestation can cause many problems for a homeowner. Ways to prevent a bee infestation can include:

Clean Up Your Yard – Don’t leave clutter like appliances and lawn equipment in your yard. These things are ideal shelters for scout bees looking to set up a new colony.
Clean Up Previous Nests – Bees use pheromones to communicate, so if you’ve had trouble with bees before leaving, honeycombs around can attract new bees to your property.
Call Pest Control – The biggest danger that comes with exposure to bees is, of course, stings. Some people are highly allergic, and a bee sting could result in a life-threatening emergency. No one wants to be stung, but if bees have infested your home or garage, it increases the likelihood of being attacked. Most bees are not aggressive, but they will defend their colony if they think you’re threatening it. That’s why the best way to prevent and treat infestations is to call the professionals at Capelouto. We have the equipment and expertise to help rid your property of stinging insects.

Leave Your Bee Problem to Capelouto – Call Today!

The longer you sit on a bee problem, the worse it will get. Trust the experts at Capelouto to help rid your property of stinging insects like bees and wasps! Call (850) 656-1166 or leave us a message online. And don’t forget to check out our blog page for more tips on pest control.