How to Get Rid of Bees in Soffit – A DIY Guide

Bees nesting in your home’s soffit can be a nuisance and potentially dangerous situation. As a homeowner, you want to get rid of them safely and effectively This DIY guide will provide tips on identifying the type of bees, removing their nest, and preventing future infestations, so you can resolve the issue yourself

Identifying the Bees

The first step is identifying if they are honey bees, bumblebees or wasps. Each requires a different approach:

• Honey bees are less aggressive and beekeepers may remove their hive for free.

• Bumblebees nest in cavities like soffits. Their hives are smaller than honey bee hives.

• Wasps are more aggressive and their papery nests are built from wood pulp

Observe the insects and nest to identify them. Phone a local apiary if unsure whether you have honey bees.

Removing the Nest

Once you’ve identified the bees, it’s time to remove their nest Here are some tips

• For honey bees, contact a local beekeeper to have the hive safely removed. This avoids killing beneficial pollinators.

• For bumblebees and wasps, removal depends on the nest’s location. If it’s contained within the soffit, removal may require soffit repair.

• Remove nests at night when bees are less active. Wear protective clothing covering your body.

• Use an extension pole with a hooked blade to cut out nests you can access. Place nest in a sealed bag and dispose of it.

• For inaccessible nests, or if you want to avoid soffit repairs, use insecticide sprays or dust formulated for bees/wasps. Apply at night into nest openings.

• Expanding foam sprays also work for sealing nests inside voids like soffits. The foam blocks entrances when applied into openings.

Safety note: Do not shine flashlights at night. It attracts attacking bees if the nest is disturbed.

Preventing Re-Infestation

Eliminating nests does not guarantee bees won’t return. Here are some prevention tips:

• Seal crevices and holes in siding, vents, and soffits using caulk, expandable foam, copper mesh, or other sealants. This blocks entry points.

• Install soffit vents with built-in insect screens if ventilation is needed. Screening prevents access.

• Use residual sprays labeled for bees around potential entry points. These temporarily repel scouting bees. Reapply as directed.

• Place fake bee nests near problem areas. Bees may avoid building new nests near competitors.

• Keep the exterior of your home in good repair. Bees exploit flaws in siding, wood, etc when seeking nest sites.

With proper identification, removal approaches, and prevention tactics, homeowners can successfully eliminate bee nests from soffits and discourage their return. While challenging, the methods and tips outlined above make DIY bee nest removal achievable. Just take safety precautions, arm yourself with the right tools, and be thorough in sealing up their entryways.

Helpful Products for Bee Removal and Prevention

Here are some recommended products for safe DIY bee removal and prevention:

Protective Clothing & Equipment

• Beekeeper’s suit with veiled hood – Provides full body protection.

• Leather gloves – Protect hands from stings during nest removal.

• Dust masks – Prevent inhalation of insecticide dusts.

• Flashlights with red lenses – Won’t provoke attack like white light.

Removal Tools

• Extension pole with hooked blade – For cutting out reachable nests.

• Dust applicator – Applies insecticidal dust into nest openings.

• Aerosol spray cans – Apply bee/wasp sprays up to 20 feet.

• Expanding foam sealant – Seals nests inside voids like soffits.

Prevention Products

• 1/8″ galvanized mesh – Use to screen vents, gaps and holes.

• Caulk and expandable foam – Seal cracks around siding, vents, overhangs.

• Residual bee sprays – Temporarily repel bees from treated areas.

• Fake bee nests – Deter competitors from building new nests.

With the right approach and supplies, homeowners can tackle bee removal and prevention as a DIY project. But don’t hesitate to call a professional if the infestation is severe or situated in tricky locations. Safety should be the top priority.

When to Call a Professional

In some cases, it’s advisable to hire a pest control professional rather than DIY:

• If you’re unsure of the type of bees and their temperament.

• If the nest location is dangerous, like high on the roof.

• If the infestation is very large with multiple hives.

• If you’re unable to properly seal entry points after removal.

• If bees return and re-establish a hive after your own removal attempt.

Though a bit costlier than DIY, professionals have specialized tools, protective gear, and expertise to handle challenging bee issues safely and efficiently. They know how to permanently eliminate bee nests and prevent their return.

So don’t put yourself at risk attempting removal beyond your capabilities. Call a local pest pro for an inspection and estimate if you have doubts about safely or effectively tackling bees nesting in your home’s soffit yourself.

Bees nesting in the soffit can create a stressful situation for any homeowner. Identifying the type of bees, removing the nest safely, sealing up entryways, and discouraging re-infestation takes knowledge and diligence. This guide provides DIY tips on tackle a bee problem yourself along with information on when it’s wiser to hire a pest control professional. With the right approach and supplies, ridding your soffit of unwanted bees is an achievable do-it-yourself project.