BeeBusters.com Frequently Asked Questions I've never seen bees here before! Why are they here now? There are just more bees now. We are experiencing the first major incursion of Africanized honey bees into Orange and Los Angeles counties, and we will all be seeing more bees for awhile. When are bees dangerous? Bees are only dangerous when they are defending their colony: nest, honey and brood. They are not dangerous when foraging for pollen, collecting water, nor typically when swarming. This means that it is important to check the area around your home for wild colonies of bees, as they can be easily disturbed and will defend themselves. Foraging Bees When bees are collecting pollen from flowers they are very docile and will only sting if stepped upon or attacked. Bees perform a great service by cross-pollinating plants and crops. Water-Collecting Bees Bees need water just like we do. They will gather at swimming pools, ponds, and water coolers in order to find it. Water-collecting bees are docile just as when they are foraging for pollen. Swarming Swarms of bees are typically looking for a new nest. They will hang from a tree branch or on the side of a house while scouts look for a new home. A swarm of bees rarely poses a threat because they have no home to defend, and because they are loaded with honey! How can I tell the difference between the Africanized honey bee and the European honey bee? You can't! It requires DNA testing and elaborate measurement tests in order to distinguish the two. Again, simply give all bees you encounter the respect you'd give any wild creature. As the European and Africanized honey bees interbreed, we will be dealing with a hybridized bee, with some characteristics of each. What other kinds of bees are there? Honey bees, wasps, bumblebees and yellow jackets are all covered in our Bee Biology section. What kind of nest is this? This is a swallow's nest. It is protected by law here in California, so do not disturb it. You wouldn't want to hurt one of these hungry little fellas, would you? Bee Biology              Bee Removal              Frequently Asked              Self Help Guide              Commercial Services              Bee News              Contact Us