How to Find Where Bees are Coming From

Bees flying around or inside your home can be annoying and even dangerous. Finding where they are entering from is the first step to getting rid of them. With some detective work you can locate their access point and block it to prevent bees from returning.

Watch for Clues

The best way to start finding where bees are coming from is to observe where you see them. Pay attention to the rooms they seem to frequent and windows or walls they fly around. Also, listen closely to try and hear buzzing, which may indicate a hive inside the walls. Some signs bees may be nesting inside include:

• Bees near a certain window or wall repeatedly over several days
• Bees clustered on the same area outside
• Buzzing sounds coming from voids in walls, chimneys, attics
• Small holes in siding, cracks around windows, or gaps in brickwork

Be on the lookout for these clues to help pinpoint problem areas.

Inspect Outside

Take a tour of the exterior of your home to look for access points Check areas like

• Gaps around windows, doors, and siding
• Cracks or holes in the foundation
• Openings in exterior vents
• Underside of eaves and overhangs
• Chimney flues
• Areas where cables or pipes enter the house

Any small crack or crevice could allow bees to get inside. Look for the busiest spots where you see the most bees entering and exiting.

Check the Attic and Basement

Bees may find ways to access hidden voids inside your home’s walls from the attic or basement. In the attic, look along the interior roof line for gaps around chimneys, vents, and gables.

In the basement or crawlspace, check the sill plate, which is the wood beam running along where the foundation meets the wall framing. Look for cracks or deteriorating areas.

Listen at Walls

If you can narrow down the area bees seem focused on but can’t find an exterior access point, the hive may be inside a wall void. Turn out the lights and listen closely along walls in the room. Get your ear right up to the drywall and listen for buzzing or humming. This is a sign of bees inside.

Inspect Vents

Vents provide another way for bees to sneak inside. Bathroom vents, stove vents, and dryer vents all lead outside and could have an opening. Lean close and listen at each vent to check for bee activity. The buzzing will be loudest at the problem vent where they are entering.

Call a Professional

If the bees have gotten into voids inside your home’s walls, attic, or chimney, removal can be tricky. Trying to seal holes while the hive is still active inside won’t solve the problem. Filling cracks could even trap bees inside the walls to die.

The best solution is calling a pest control professional or beekeeper who can safely remove the bees and hive first before sealing up entrance points. They have the proper tools and techniques to relocate bees without harming them.

After removal, they can then identify all access holes and gaps so you can seal these up. Look for companies experienced in bee control and exclusion techniques to fully eliminate bees from your home.

Prevent Bees from Returning

Sealing cracks and blocking entrance ways is key to keeping bees out after removing a hive. Some tips include:

• Caulk around windows, doors, pipes, vents, etc.
• Seal openings in siding and the foundation with expanding foam
• Cover vents with fine mesh screen
• Install door sweeps and weatherstripping
• Screen chimney flues and tops

Maintenance is important to keep seals intact. Check for new gaps or cracks annually and re-caulk as needed to avoid providing entryways again.

With diligence, detective work, and proper exclusion methods, you can successfully rid your home of unwanted bees for good. Pay attention to signs of new bee activity and address it promptly to prevent another infestation.