What Do Bees Do During the Winter?

Bees in the winter in El Paso TX - Pest Defense Solutions

Here in El Paso, bees are one of the most common insects we encounter in the spring and summertime. This is because, as pollinators, they have abundant access to flowering plants this time of year. Their activity can peak in the late summer and linger into the fall—but what happens to bees during the winter months? While we don’t experience frigid temperatures in the winter often in our region, bees are nonetheless out of sight this time of year.

Believe it or not, some types of bees can actually go into a dormant state similar to hibernation during the winter as they wait for spring to arrive once more. Keep reading to learn more about winter bee activity with the experts at Pest Defense Solutions. 

Common Bees in the Winter

Bees are more active during the warmer months of the year. They’re less likely to be around as soon as temperatures drop below 50°F. In El Paso, the following bees all react to winter a bit differently:

  1. Carpenter bees: These wood-destroying bees can remain dormant through the winter in their nests. During the winter months, young carpenter bees that hatched in the summer will hibernate in their nests. During the summer, older bees will die after larvae are laid.
  2. Honey bees: For honey bees to survive the winter, they must have a robust population with a secure hive and a large store of honey. Male honey bees die off, leaving the female bees to crowd tightly together in their hive with the queen in the middle. The female worker bees will vibrate and shiver around the queen bee, keeping alive until warmer days return.
  3. Bumblebees: All bumblebees in a colony except the queen will die if temperatures become too cold. The queen bees will hibernate, or overwinter, by digging small holes in the dirt.

Bee Prevention Tips in El Paso

While you shouldn’t worry about an infestation during the winter, it’s a good time to prepare for the coming months. It is possible to keep bees and other insects out of the spring and summer by using simple pest prevention methods. Seal cracks and crevices around the exterior of your house to prevent pests from entering. Consider planting your garden away from the perimeter of your property, or only growing non-flowering shrubs. Install tight-fitting screens on your windows and doors, and ensure that your trash cans have tight-fitting lids. Finally, keep your yard tidy and fill in any holes left by animals to prevent bees or wasps from nesting.

Want to Protect Your Property From Bees?

Any time of year, you should contact a local bee expert if you have bee problems. At Pest Defense Solutions, our team will identify potential nesting sites on your property or areas where stinging insects may spend the winter. As spring and summer approach, we can also prepare you for pests. Contact us today to get started!

How to Be Pest-Free in Your Outdoor Living Space

Prevent pests in your El Paso TX backyard - Pest Defense Solutions

Pests and insects are a completely normal part of outdoor life. Whether you spend your time in your backyard barbecuing, doing yard work, or playing with your kids, you’ve likely dealt with pests from time to time. Mosquitoes in the birdbath or ants on your barbecue area can be frustrating to deal with, which is why it’s important to learn what you can do to lessen the risk of pest problems outside your home. At Pest Defense Solutions, we know that pests are common year-round here in El Paso. But we don’t believe they have to ruin your time spent outdoors! Our expert technicians have gathered info on how to be pest-free* in your outdoor living space.

5 Steps to Be Pest-Free Outdoors

The last thing you want during a barbecue or family picnic is a pest problem. Chances are, there are several things in your backyard that could be attracting pests. The key is to make your yard less attractive to pests in general. Our top tips are to:

  1. Keep a clean environment. Crumbs and spills will attract ants and other insects.
  2. Remove any standing water. Stagnant water is one of the biggest attractants for mosquitoes.
  3. Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed. Ticks and mosquitoes will shelter in overgrown vegetation or tall grass.
  4. Inspect all wood structures. Wood-destroying pests (carpenter ants and termites) will damage your wooden decks or porches.
  5. Use an insect repellent. Most store-bought repellent containing DEET will help repel mosquitoes and ticks.

What Pests are Common in El Paso Backyards?

If you’ve lived in the area for some time, you know that pests and insects are common during most months of the year. However, pests are more common than ever this time of year, and are likely right in your backyard! The pests you’ll see in your yard are mosquitoes, stinging insects (bees, wasps, and hornets), ants, spiders, ticks, fleas, and flies. While most of these pests are a nuisance to deal with, ticks and mosquitoes in particular are more dangerous. Because these pests can bite and transmit diseases, it’s very important to learn how to keep them away from your property altogether.

Year-Round Outdoor Pest Control

A pest problem outside your home can quickly become a pest problem inside your home. By preventing pests in your backyard, you can lessen the risk of those pests coming indoors. For expert help on staying pest-free*, the residential pest control pros at Pest Defense Solutions can help. Contact us today!