Having a home with a chimney means that the chimney will need to be cleaned properly from time to time. Most of the time, the chimney only needs to be cleaned once a year. However, sometimes a homeowner may find an extra unwelcome guest living in their flue.
We know that bees can be scary, and we know that people who have bee problems will want to figure out what’s wrong and how to get rid of the bees in the best way possible.
In this article, we have outlined the information you will need to take care of your infestation.
Discovering bees in your chimney can be alarming, but there are ways to safely remove them without harming yourself or the bees. With some careful planning and the help of professionals, you can get rid of bees in your chimney for good.
Assess the Situation
The first step is to assess the extent of the bee problem. Here are some tips
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Keep the fireplace off if you suspect bees. Lighting a fire could cause the beeswax to ignite or explode.
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Confirm it’s bees by looking for fuzz and rounded bodies. Bees have furry bodies while wasps and hornets have smooth, elongated bodies.
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Use an infrared camera to see if they’ve built nests Rent one and aim it up the chimney to spot heat signatures of hives
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Plug the chimney to contain them if it’s open. Get an inflatable chimney plug to block access between the fireplace and roof.
Contact Professionals
Don’t try removing bees yourself. It’s dangerous to get on the roof without proper gear. Instead:
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Call local beekeepers to relocate the bees. They can vacuum up a new hive before it gets established for less than $200.
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Hire a bee removal company for large hives. Using special tools, they’ll cut out comb and relocate bees for $200-$1500.
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Use an exterminator as a last resort if no bee specialists are available. They will kill the bees and remove nests.
Professionals can take 3-5 days to fully remove bees and hives from a chimney. Be patient as they work to avoid harming the bees if possible.
Prevent Bees from Returning
Once bees are gone, take steps to keep them out for good:
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Repair gaps and holes in the chimney bricks and flashing. This prevents new bees from entering.
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Install stainless steel chimney caps. Mesh screening keeps out pests while letting smoke escape.
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Burn citronella candles regularly. The scent repels bees from settling in the chimney.
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Spray soapy water on the roof and walls. Bees avoid areas with soap residues.
With the right precautions, you can enjoy your fireplace again without recurring bee problems. Taking a thoughtful, careful approach allows bees to be removed humanely.
Close Off the Chimney
To keep more bees from coming into the house, the chimney should be closed off before the infestation is taken care of.
To close off a fireplace, tape off the entrance with a thick plastic bag secured to the wall with painter’s tape. You may also want to close your chimney damper so that bees living in the flue do not enter the firebox.
Check the Top of Your Chimney
More likely than not, the cause of a bee infestation starts at the top of the chimney.
If the top of the chimney is not in proper shape, it can provide many openings for bees and other pests to crawl into. Replacing your chimney cap or having a top-sealing damper installed can help prevent future bee infestations.
Expert Tips to Remove Bees from Chimneys and Prevent Infestations: Beware!
FAQ
How long will bees stay in a chimney?
How do I get rid of bees in my fireplace chimney?
Why are bees attracted to my chimney?
What will make bees go away?
What preventive measures can stop bees from entering chimneys?
One of the first things you should do if you find bees in your chimney is to seal off your fireplace to prevent them from entering your home. You can do this by taping over a heavy duty garbage bag over the opening.
What essential oils repel bees from chimneys?
If you do want to try essential oils and scents, you could try rosemary, peppermint, clove, geranium, tea tree, cinnamon or bitter almond oil. Understanding the risks and concerns associated with bees in chimneys can help you make informed decisions.
Should I call a professional to remove bees from my Chimney?
Most of the time, you’ll need to contact a professional bee removal service to make sure you get the bees out of your chimney safely and effectively. One of the main entryways for bees to get into the chimney is through the weep holes. Not all chimneys feature weep holes because of the drawbacks they have.
How can I remove bees from my chimney stack?
Use Soap and Water – Mix together some water with dish soap (or any other kind of detergent). Let this mixture sit on the first few inches at the top of the chimney for about 15 minutes so that it will be easier for the bees to clean themselves off. This is the first step to getting rid of bees in your chimney.