Bees are the primary pollinators for many fruiting and flowering plants. While there are the occasional self-pollinating plants, in addition to bats, moths, butterflies, birds and wasps, which also act as pollinators, the plant world in its current form would not exist without bees. When a colony of bees takes up residence in your backyard, however, you are bound to feel threatened. A backyard beehive can be dangerous if you do not understand the risks and adhere to various safety precautions.
Bee stings produce pain and swelling in the localized area of the sting. This is because the bee releases a stinger that contains venom into the victim’s skin. Over time, this pain and swelling is reduced to itching. The biggest threat that a beehive in the backyard poses is stings by not just one but multiple bees.
Bee stings are bad news for people with bee allergies. In addition to pain and swelling, bee stings result in other symptoms like nausea and vomiting, fainting and closing of the throat in people who are allergic. In the case of a backyard beehive, multiple stings have the potential to kill someone who is extremely allergic to bees. Immediate medical attention is needed if you are stung and you have a bee allergy.
Bees sting as a form of aggression when they feel threatened or if they feel there is a threat to their hive or colony. They also tend to be more aggressive in hot climates, if the hive is located in a shady area or if there is a lack of flowering plants. Keep your distance if you discover a beehive in your backyard. Make sure that children and visitors are also aware of the hive’s location, and make they stay away to prevent encounters with aggressive bees. Loud lawnmowers and weed eaters in close proximity to the hive are also known to aggravate bees, causing them to swarm and sting. If you should encounter a hive of aggressive bees, seek shelter indoors immediately.
Some bee enthusiasts keep colonies of bees in their backyard to yield fresh honey. The practice of beekeeping is not undertaken lightly. It is important that you know what you are doing, in addition to having the right clothing and equipment. Beekeeping in an urban or suburban area is possible but also dangerous if you do not understand how to keep your bees from becoming a nuisance, and potentially stinging your neighbors. Proper tools and elements of beekeeping include tall fences, to divert bee flight paths over people’s heads; a source of clean, fresh water so bees don’t go elsewhere to hydrate; and a bait hive, which prevents bees from swarming by giving them a place to reside outside their normal hive. Without the proper knowledge and equipment, backyard beekeeping is a dangerous venture.
Populations of honey bees are currently in decline. This is due in part to disease and lack of nesting areas. Honey bees are vital for plant pollination. If a backyard beehive is far enough away from your home, and no one in your home or the surrounding area is allergic to bees, consider allowing the hive to remain. If the hive poses a danger to you or your loved ones, however, it must be removed. Never attempt to remove the hive yourself, even if you think the hive is empty and abandoned. Always call a professional beekeeper to safety remove and relocate beehives.
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