Wolverine Pest Services

Bees, Wasps & Hornet Removal Grand Rapids MI

If you need wasp, hornet, or bee removal services in the Greater SE Michigan, Grand Rapids area, reach out to us online or give us a call. These creatures play vital roles in our ecosystem, aiding plant pollination and pest control. While some are social and others prefer solitude, different species have varying levels of aggression when disturbed. Although they don’t transmit diseases, their stings can be extremely painful. For individuals with allergies, this can pose a serious threat. If you need wasp, hornet, or bee removal services in the Grand Rapids area, just contact us online or call (517) 999-5008.

Bees, Wasps & Hornet Removal Grand Rapids MI

Different Species of Wasps:

Wasps and hornets can exhibit aggressive behavior when they perceive a threat. This can occur if you inadvertently come too close to their nests, unknowingly startle them, or try to steer them away from their food or drinks. Unfortunately, these insects may construct their nests uncomfortably close to your residence, resulting in an issue for you, your loved ones, and your visitors in Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids is home to two species of wasps: the Northern paper wasp and the European paper wasp. The Northern paper wasp is native to the United States and can be identified by their yellow legs and reddish-brown markings on their bellies.
Northern paper wasps are known for using wood to construct their nests, often firewood, landscaping wood, and wood from fences, sheds, barns, and homes. Due to the abundance of timber in residential areas, these wasps frequently build their nests near homes. These social insects are capable of distinguishing between wasps of different species. Additionally, Northern paper wasp nests can contain multiple fertile females in addition to the queen, who mates and gives birth to offspring.
European paper wasps in Grand Rapids, though not native, have established themselves in the US and Canada. Unlike bees, they can sting multiple times as they can remove and reuse their stinger. The colony's queen and older worker wasps are particularly aggressive when protecting her. These wasps are smaller than their Northern counterparts and can be mistaken for bees due to their black and yellow appearance. However, they are less aggressive and usually only sting when disturbing their nests. They are also not known to bother people during outdoor dining, making them less of a nuisance.
Then there are mud daubers, a non-social group of wasps constructing mud nests near humans. These wasps are not aggressive, and only the females possess stinging abilities. They capture and feed spiders to their offspring. Another solitary wasp in our state during the summer months is the cicada killer, which paralyzes cicadas as food for their young.

Hornets

Bee removal in Grand Rapids is important: Hornets, although commonly mistaken for a distinct insect, are a variety of wasps. They resemble yellow jackets (more details to come) but have a slightly larger physique than other species of wasps. Due to the unique chemical makeup of their venom, hornets inflict more painful stings and will fiercely protect their nests with their stingers.
Bee removal in Grand Rapids

A Note About Yellow Jackets and the Importance of Professional Wasp Nest Removal Services

Yellow Jacket’s nest removal services: 

Yellow jackets are often mistaken for bees due to their yellow and black pattern. However, they are a type of wasp. These wasps can be found worldwide, with 16 species residing in the United States. They tend to hover over open soda cans and feed on fruit, among other behaviors.

While yellow jackets are not typically aggressive, they become fiercely protective of their nests. When they perceive a threat, they will sting, often multiple times, causing significant pain.
Because of the defensive nature of wasps and hornets in Grand Rapids, it is not advisable to attempt DIY nest removal. Instead, it is best to seek the assistance of trained professionals specializing in wasp and hornet nest removal services.

Types of Bees in in Michigan

There are over 450 species of bees found in Michigan. Here are some of the most common types:
Honeybees: 

Honeybees in Grand Rapids are the most well-known type of bee. They are social bees that live in colonies of up to 60,000 bees. Honeybees produce honey, which they store in honeycombs.

Bumble bees:

 Bumble bees in Grand Rapids are large, fuzzy bees that are often seen in gardens. They are social bees that live in colonies of up to 50 bees. Bumble bees are important pollinators of many plants.

Carpenter bees:

Carpenter bees in Grand Rapids are giant, black bees often mistaken for bumblebees. They are solitary bees that nest in wood. Carpenter bees are not aggressive and do not sting unless they are provoked.

Long-horned bees:  

Long-horned bees in Grand Rapids are small to medium-sized bees with long antennae. They are solitary bees that nest in the ground or wood. Long-horned bees are essential pollinators of many plants.

Sweat bees: 

Sweat bees in Grand Rapids are small, black bees attracted to sweat. They are solitary bees that nest in the ground or wood. Sweat bees are not aggressive and do not sting unless they are provoked.

Bees are essential pollinators and play a vital role in the environment. They help to ensure that plants are pollinated, and that food is produced. By planting bee-friendly plants and providing water sources for bees, you can help to support these important insects.

Keeping Bees, Wasps, and Hornets Away

Prevent attracting bees, wasps, and hornets by cleaning up spills and keeping trash tightly lidded. Repel them with dryer sheets, mothballs, and cloves. Remove wood piles and decaying leavesthat may attract bees. Keep flower gardens away from your Grand Rapids, MI home—seal gaps in siding and weatherstrip cracks and crevices.
To effectively repel bees, wasps, and hornets from your home in Grand Rapids, you can use many household items strategically. For instance, dryer sheets deter pests due to their scent, so hang them strategically around your property, such as near a deck or picnic table. Additionally, mothballs can be placed in cheesecloth and hung up as another effective bee repellent.
If you have a flower garden, be mindful not to plant it too close to your home, as this can attract bees. Furthermore, move any wood piles away from your home in Grand Rapids and take care of decaying leaves, as these can also attract bees. Lastly, check for any gaps in your siding and seal them up, as even a tiny hole can allow bees, wasps, and hornets in Grand Rapids to enter. Weatherstrip any cracks and crevices around your windows and exterior doors to keep these pests out.

Choosing Wolverine Pest Control

If you’re in Grand Rapids and dealing with an issue of honeybees near your home in Grand Rapids, Wolverine Pest Control is here to help. With over 20 years of experience, our team of professional technicians can provide you with beehive removal services. By removing the hives and relocating the bees, we can ensure that these beneficial creatures can contribute to agriculture in areas further away from your family. Additionally, if you need a bee exterminator for other species, we also have the expertise to handle that.
At Wolverine Pest Control, we understand the importance of providing our customers with affordable services. That’s why we offer complimentary, no-obligation estimates for all of our pest control services, including bee removal. Contact us online or by phone today to schedule an estimate. Our friendly and courteous team will happily answer any questions and provide you with an estimate for our services. Take the first step in dealing with your bee problem and contact Wolverine Pest Control today. Just contact us online or call (517) 999-5008.

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