A Buzzing Spring and Summer with Our Bee Removals in Las Vegas, 2024
As the desert heat rolled in this past spring and summer, we experienced a season unlike any other. At Vegas Bees, we’ve become experts at spotting trends in pollinator behavior, and this year was truly unique.
While honeybee swarms are always a cornerstone of our work, 2024 introduced some surprising new challenges—and opportunities—with an uptick in wasp nests and bumblebee colonies unlike anything we’ve seen in previous years.
The Surge of Wasp Nests
Wasps tend to make their presence known as the days grow warmer, but this year, they took it to a whole new level. Calls came in almost daily from homeowners and businesses grappling with wasp infestations in some of the trickiest places: under eaves, inside utility boxes, nestled in sheds, and even buried in ground holes.
Wasps can be a tough neighbor to have. Unlike honeybees, they are more aggressive and lack the benefit of producing honey. However, they’re not all bad—they play an important role in the ecosystem by hunting pests that could damage crops and gardens. Even so, their defensive nature can pose risks, especially when nests are close to human activity.
Our approach to wasp removals is safety-first for both our clients and ourselves. Relocation is always possible, and we take every measure to address these situations humanely and effectively. A large part of our work involves educating clients on prevention tips, such as sealing up cracks and crevices where wasps might sneak in to build their nests.
A Bumblebee Resurgence
While wasps were busy dominating the scene, the biggest joy of our season came from an unexpected source—bumblebees! These gentle, fuzzy pollinators are common in most of the USA, but usually aren’t here in the Las Vegas area. Imagine our delight when we started receiving calls about bumblebee colonies in backyards, gardens, and even hidden under patios.
One of our most memorable removals involved a bumblebee nest tucked away under an old shed. We carefully relocated the colony to our backyard, ensuring these hardworking pollinators could continue to thrive. Bumblebee populations have faced global declines, so seeing their numbers rise in Las Vegas was a bright spot in our busy season.
Honeybees Still Reign
Of course, honeybees remained at the heart of our work. From large swarms on palm trees to established hives in walls, we stayed busy with safe, no-kill relocations. Every removal was an opportunity to educate clients about the role honeybees play in pollination and food production. Many people are surprised to learn that honeybees pollinate around 75% of the crops we eat—something we never tire of sharing.
Why 2024 Stood Out
This spring and summer, the environmental factors created ideal conditions for pollinators of all kinds. An unusually warm and wet winter may have spurred the higher activity levels we saw. Wasps and bumblebees were drawn to the abundance of blooming flowers and water sources, while honeybees took advantage of the strong forage season to swarm and expand their hives.
Challenges in Bee Removal
Managing so many diverse pollinators wasn’t without its hurdles. Wasps posed a greater risk of stings, and bumblebee nests often required delicate maneuvers to avoid harming their fragile colonies. In addition, educating clients about the differences between these species was key—many people initially mistake bumblebees for wasps or honeybees, leading to confusion about the best course of action.
We also had to stay nimble as removals took us to new heights—literally. Swarms in palm trees and roof eaves often required creative problem-solving and specialized equipment to ensure safe extractions.
How to Protect Your Property
This season also reminded us of the importance of proactive measures to minimize unwanted encounters with pollinators. Here are a few tips to help protect your property:
Seal Entry Points: Wasps love small gaps, so inspect your home for cracks in walls, siding, or around windows and doors.
Be Mindful of Clutter: Bumblebees and wasps often nest in forgotten garden items like old pots, boots, or debris piles. Keep your outdoor spaces tidy.
Plant Smart: While flowers attract pollinators, some species are less likely to encourage nesting. Consider planting flowers away from high-traffic areas if you’re worried about encounters.
Provide a Water Source: Bees are less likely to seek out pools or birdbaths if you give them their own water source, such as a shallow dish with stones.
Looking Toward Fall and Beyond
As the seasons change, pollinator behavior shifts with the cooler weather. Wasps and bumblebee colonies will dwindle as their life cycles come to an end, while honeybees will retreat to their hives, preparing for the winter months.
We’ll transition to a different pace of work, focusing on maintaining our apiaries and continuing to educate the community about these amazing creatures.
Reflecting on this spring and summer, one thing is certain—Las Vegas remains a hub of pollinator activity, and we are grateful to play a role in preserving their place in our ecosystem. Whether it’s rescuing honeybees, relocating bumblebee nests, or handling wasps with care, every removal is an opportunity to make a positive impact.
As we close the book on this unforgettable bee removal season, we’re looking ahead to what the next year will bring. Whatever the challenges or surprises, we’ll be here, ready to help you and your pollinator neighbors coexist safely and happily.
Betsy and Pete
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Us: The Authors
We're Betsy and Pete, passionate Las Vegas beekeepers trained by a master in the field. With hundreds of successful bee and bee swarm removals under our belts, we're not just experts; we're enthusiasts committed to the well-being of these incredible pollinators.
We manage dozens of beehives, both natural and honey-bearing at our Joshua Tree Preserve.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Education is an ongoing journey, especially in a dynamic field such as beekeeping. That's why we continually update our knowledge base, collaborate with other experts, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in bee control methods and beekeeping practices.
We also provide top-tier beekeeping supplies, offering everything a beekeeper needs, from beginners to experts.