Discovering that bees have made a home in your attic can be alarming However, bees are beneficial pollinators that we want to preserve. This article will explore the pros and cons of bee hives in attics, signs to look for, removal options, and tips to prevent future infestations
Why Bees Choose Attics
Bees, including honeybees, bumblebees and carpenter bees, are constantly scouting for suitable nesting sites. They prefer enclosed, dry, dark spaces up high that are protected from the elements and predators. Attics check all these boxes, providing ideal real estate that bees naturally gravitate towards.
Once bees access your attic they work quickly to build wax comb and establish a colony. A hive can contain over 60000 bees during peak summertime population. The comb they construct can weigh 100 pounds or more! All this concentrated activity in your attic can lead to some problems if left unchecked.
The Downsides of Bees in Attics
While bees are beneficial overall, hives located inside your home’s structure can cause some issues:
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Buzzing sounds emanating from the hive.
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Structural damage if large comb is built. Bees chew wood to make room.
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Insulation becoming damaged and saturated with wax, pollen and honey drippings.
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Possible health hazards from stings if hive is disturbed.
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Risk of attracting other predators like bears.
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Electrical wiring and HVAC systems can be damaged.
Clearly, a thriving bee hive in the attic can quickly become a nuisance for homeowners. Catching the infestation early and removing the bees humanely is advised.
Signs of Bees in Your Attic
Be on the lookout for these common signs that bees may have moved into your attic:
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Seeing multiple bees flying in and out of a specific area outside. Bees take the same route to their hive.
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Buzzing or humming noises coming from the attic. Activity peaks midday when foragers return.
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Odd dark stains on the roof or interior walls and ceilings. This is honey seeping through.
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Damage to soffits, vents or roof shingles as bees modify entry points.
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Crawling bees on the exterior of your home as they come and go.
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A distinctive honey scent around the house.
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Woodpecker holes or other animal damage as they try to raid the hive.
If you observe any combination of these signs, it likely indicates there is a bee hive established in your attic. Taking action quickly will minimize their impact.
Bee Removal Options
When dealing with a bee hive in the attic, humane removal is ideal. Bees are docile by nature if their hive is not disturbed. Here are common methods used:
Hiring a Beekeeper
Seeking professional help from an experienced beekeeper is the safest option. They have the proper protective gear and tools to remove the bees without harming them. After smoking the bees to calm them, the queen and the entire colony can be vacuumed up and relocated to an apiary hive. This is less stressful for the bees than rebuilding a new hive. Expect to pay $100-$200 for bee removal services.
DIY Bee Removal
With proper caution, you can attempt removing bees yourself using a shop vac equipped with a long hose. Identify the entry point, seal other openings, use smoke to pacify the bees, and slowly vacuum them up at night when activity is minimal. Release them in a new hive or remote location with ample flowers. Having someone spot you from below in case of stray angry bees is advisable. Don’t attempt this if you have allergies.
Bee Traps and Repellents
As a preventative measure or for minor infestations, there are various DIY bee traps and repellents available. Traps use pheromones to attract bees and capture them for relocation. Peppermint oil, garlic juice, cucumber peelings and other natural repellents may discourage bees from colonizing in your attic. Monitor their effectiveness and call a pro if bees persist.
Preventing Bee Hives In Your Attic
Once you evict the current hive, take measures to deter bees from returning. Recommendations include:
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Seal any gaps, holes or cracks in your roof, soffits, chimney and vents using caulk, expandable foam or steel wool.
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Install 1⁄4 inch hardware cloth mesh over vulnerable vents to block entry.
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Keep overhanging trees and bushes trimmed back from the roof.
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Avoid planting bee-friendly flowers too close to your home’s exterior.
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Apply repellents like peppermint oil or garlic around potential entry points. Reapply after rain.
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Place fake wasp nests in eaves and attic vents to deter bees. They avoid areas with lots of wasps.
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Use positive ventilation from gable vents to allow attic heat to escape so it’s less welcoming.
Insecticide Spray or Duster
Aerosol bee and wasp spray can be applied to the nest to kill the bees. The best time to spray into the hives is in the evening, when the bees are inside and not as active. It is a good idea to spray the pesticide on the openings of your attic. Make sure that you know the entering and exiting part of their beehives. By knowing these parts, you are able to stop the growth of any bees on your attic completely. One of the best and fastest ways to get rid of bees in the attic is to buy a duster. Make sure that you select the best duster that is available on the market today. Try to compare some available products before selecting the best one for yourself. Some dusters are compatible with some eco-friendly insecticides. After you are sure that all bees are killed, you can remove the nest of these bees. By removing the beehives or nests, you are able to prevent them from coming back to your attic.
What Not to Do
People, pets, and children should never be around when you are trying to get rid of bees. You should also wear a protective bee suit. Some sources say that bees are more aggressive when it’s windy and cloudy because they can’t find food. However, bees can be short-tempered in any weather conditions and should always be approached with caution. They are just as likely to sting at night as they are during the day if they think they or the hive are in danger. Do not use bright light if working to remove a hive at night (when bees are less active). Use a red light to avoid agitating the bees.
Fenn Termite & Pest Control, Inc. is the leading Los Angeles pest control company servicing residential and commercial properties throughout Southern California. We always offer environmentally friendly ways to get rid of pests, and our pest control experts have the training, experience, and tools to protect you from and get rid of all kinds of pests that cause damage.
Pest Control : How to Remove Bees From the Attic
FAQ
How do I get rid of a beehive in my attic?
Are bees in the attic a problem?
What kind of bees nest in attics?
Can a bee hive damage your house?
How do bees get into your attic?
Bees can enter your attic through small gaps and cracks in the structure of your home. To prevent them from returning, it is essential to seal these entry points. Inspect the exterior of your house, paying close attention to areas where bees may find a way in, such as gaps around windows, doors, vents, and utility pipes.
How do I prevent bees from re-entering my attic?
Once you get rid of bees, the next logical step is to prevent them from re-entering your attic. Here are a few practical tips to achieve such a goal: Inspect your property for construction gaps or other entry points that allow bees to get into your attic. Blue, purple, and yellow flowers naturally attract bees.
What types of bees are in your attic?
Here are some of the most common types of bees that you might find in your attic. Honeybees are one of the most common types of bees that you might find in your attic or the walls of your home. They are often a swarm that has broken off from a larger hive outside your home.
How do I know if I have bees in my attic?
You will find several signs if you have bees in your attic. Of course, the best way to make sure is to do a regular inspection and take a look at least once a month during the spring, summer, and fall months. If the hive is large, such as in the case of a hornet nest, you might hear buzzing or hear bees hitting the wall.
Are bees aggressive in the attic?
They can become aggressive when you try to remove the nest or disturb it in any way. Being in a closed space with many angry bees and no protection is not a good situation for anyone. The best way to take care of bees in the attic is to seal any holes where they could enter the area.
Why does my attic attract bees?
Before bees nest, they look for a place to keep their colony safe from elements and predators. They prefer deep, dark spaces. For these reasons, your attic naturally attracts them. The elevated location secures their territory and lets them build honeycomb on walls.