Bees, Wasps & Hornet Removal Grand Rapids MI
If you’re in need of 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 in 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.
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.
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.