The amount of time that a bee lives varies based on the type of bee and the season. Drone bees, for example, rarely survive through a winter but worker honey bees just become inactive when the winter season comes. This article explores the hibernation patterns of bees, bee activity at the end of the year, and how to get rid of bees if you notice them around your home.

The Life of an Adult Bee

There are four stages of life for a bee: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The adult phase begins when the bee emerges from the capped cell of the pupa stage and is free to start fulfilling its role in the bee caste system. Honey bees are either worker bees, drone bees, or queen bees – all essential roles to keep the hive functioning properly. The developmental period for a bee is between 16 and 24 days.

Do Bees Hibernate?

Yes, some types of bees hibernate to survive the cold winter and extend their lifespan until the next year. Bumble bee queens mate and find a safe place to nest for the winter while the rest of the colony dies off in the cold. Hibernation is important for the queen bee so she can burn very little energy and slow down her metabolism in the winter and avoid death. However, honey bees stay fully awake during the winter and do not hibernate. A honey bee colony is active all winter long with the bees eating and working to store away food.

Bees Through the Seasons

Many types of bees become less active in the winter and are not seen because they are either hibernating, staying inside for warmth, or dying off. Bee activity picks up in the spring when the weather gets warm and plants start to bloom. Bees are very active in the summer months, and then they start to prepare for the winter during the fall season to continue the cycle of life.

Getting Rid of Bees in the Late Fall

Bee removal is a common service that we provide at Precise Termite and Pest Control in the fall because they are prominently out and about preparing for winter. During this time of year, bees get into food-gathering mode to stock up on supplies for cold days ahead. This means that you may see more bee activity as the bees make preparations to help their colonies survive.

Contact Precise Termite and Pest Control at 866-971-2847 for a free bee inspection and consultation about how to handle the bees in your yard. We’ll check all potential bee habitats, ensure that items around your home aren’t attracting bees, and safely and humanely remove bees so that you aren’t burdened by them. We look forward to serving you in Northern New Jersey.

Bees are insects that are fascinating, terrifying, beneficial, and harmful all at the same time. This is because there are numerous types of bees that each have their own habits and patterns. To help you learn more about bees, this article will answer the question of “how long do bees live?” and discuss a bee’s life cycle and why they can be pests.

How Long Do Bees Live?

As you might expect, different types of bees live for different amounts of time. Also, the length of time a bee lives also depends on the season.

For example, worker honey bees live for about five to six weeks during the active season but up to four to six months during the inactive winter season. Drone bees die within hours of mating with the queen bee and rarely survive through a winter. There are more than 500 species of stingless bees, and some of these bees can live for three years or longer. Queen bees have the longest life cycles and average two to five years of life. However, some queen bees have lived up to seven years.

What Affects Bees’ Life Spans?

Many bees die of natural causes but are sometimes eaten by other bees. Bees’ life spans are also impacted by diseases and infections that can impact the entire colony. Pesticides and habitat loss can make bees die sooner than they would naturally as well. Human interference affects the lives of bees and is a leading cause for habitat loss.

Life Cycles of a Bee

Bees develop through four stages of life: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This process is shortest for queens and a few days longer for worker bees and drones – overall between about 16 to 24 days to reach maturity. Honey bees lay eggs in wax honeycombs, and new bees hatch about three days after a bee lays eggs. The larval stage lasts about five days for eating and growing before bees enter the pupal stage, which is when bees form their eyes, wings, and legs. When bees become adults, they instinctively know their role in the hive and how to function in their society.

Why Bees Are Problematic

Bees are most troublesome for humans when they sting because bee stings are painful and can cause allergic reactions in some people. Certain types of bees can carry diseases that affect humans as well. Honey is a desirable product that comes from bees; however, it can also attract other insects and stain or damage structures on your property.

How to Get Rid of Bees on Your Property

Bee control should always be handled by an extermination professional because of the dangers bees can cause. Precise Termite & Pest Control specializes in safe and humane bee removal, and we’ve been keeping Northern New Jersey pest-free for over 30 years.

We’ll find and take care of bee nests around your home and property so you can go outdoors without fear of being stung. Call us at the first sign of a bee problem and we’ll come out for a free inspection.

Most people spend their lives trying to avoid bees and wasps as much as possible due to the threat of stings. But if you’re a homeowner, it makes sense to learn about the different species so that you can identify them on your property can call for professional help when needed.

Here’s an overview of the most common varieties of wasps and types of bees in NJ.

Carpenter Bees

As the name suggests, carpenter bees have a habit of boring into wood to make their nests. This is problematic because of the damage they can cause to your home and other wooden structures that you have built. These types of bees in NJ can be territorial and sting if a person comes to close to their nests. However, the real threat of these bees is with the structural damage they cause.

Honeybees

Honeybees are a beneficial species of insect that spread pollen and help flowers, fruits, and vegetables to grow. These types of bees in NJ typically only react to humans when they feel threatened. But their stings can be severe and cause pain, burning, redness, and even life-threatening symptoms if you have an allergy.

Bumble Bees

Bumblebees are common in our area, and these bees usually build nests close to the ground. Therefore, it is easy to stumble upon bumble bee habitats and put yourself in danger. Bumble bees also have a role in the pollination of wildflowers. They are not as defensive as other types of bees but can sting multiple times in a row, which is risky to people with bee allergies.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps live in small colonies and are not very aggressive. However, they can sting multiple times to protect themselves from threats and have venom that cause allergic reactions. These wasps get their name because they build nests from paper materials and often live in the eaves, rafters, and porch ceilings of homes.

Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets also live on New Jersey properties and are often found buzzing around flowers. These wasps can be aggressive and sting if they are provoked, which is very painful.

Mud Dauber Wasps

Mud dauber wasps are generally calm insects that build nets and rarely attack people. But although stings are rare, they are possible and can cause redness and swelling of the skin. These are solitary wasps that build nests in mud around homes and other property structures.

Get Help with All Types of Bees and Wasps in New Jersey

No matter which type of bee or wasp you’re dealing with, Precise Termite & Pest Control is here to help. We specialize in New Jersey bee and wasp removal and provide free inspections to help you safely control pests. Contact us at the first signs of a bee or wasp problem to protect yourself and your property!