Discovering that bees have made a nest in your roof can be alarming But before reaching for the pesticides, there are some effective yet bee-friendly methods you can try to remove them.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get rid of a bee nest in the roof safely and humanely
Why Bees Nest in Roofs
Bees, especially honeybees, are constantly scouting for suitable nesting cavities. Roofs often fit their criteria perfectly:
- Dark, enclosed spaces stay at stable temperatures.
- Small gaps allow entry but keep larger predators out.
- Roof overhangs provide shelter from rain and wind.
- Attics and wall voids give ample room for hive expansion.
The main attraction is simply that roofs provide bees with secure, undisturbed shelter ideal for establishing a colony.
Signs of a Bee Nest in Your Roof
Suspect you may have uninvited bee residents overhead? Here are some telltale signs to look for:
- Buzzing or humming sounds coming from the roof, attic or walls.
- Bees entering and exiting small cracks or holes in the roof.
- Wax debris accumulating on the ground below hive entry points.
- Honey drippings or staining on the exterior of your home.
- A sweet, honey-like odor around the structure.
If you observe increased bee traffic focused around certain areas of the roof, it likely indicates their nesting site. Call a professional for confirmation.
Should You Remove Roof-Nesting Bees?
Honeybees are extremely important pollinators, so tolerant coexistence is ideal. In most cases, bees nesting in the roof cause no real issues and can be left undisturbed.
However, hive removal becomes necessary if:
- Bees start entering living spaces, posing a stinging risk.
- Significant honey buildup leads to moisture damage or rotting wood.
- You have severe allergies to bee stings.
- The colony shows aggressive behavior, indicating Africanized hybrids.
Otherwise, it’s best to let the bees be if the hive stays confined to the roof. Their pollination services and honey production outweigh removal hassles.
Safe DIY Methods to Remove Roof Bee Nests
If you decide to tackle roof bee removal yourself, focus on gentle persuasion rather than killing them. Here are some bee-friendly DIY methods to try:
Use Bee Lures
Place bowls of sugary water or syrup mixed with a few drops of lemon extract or honey around the exterior. The scent helps lure some foraging bees away from the nest temporarily.
Seal Entry Points
Find and seal all cracks, holes or gaps in roofing, siding, and ventilation points that bees use to enter with caulk, expanding foam, metal flashing, wire mesh, or wood. But act fast so bees don’t get trapped inside.
Remove Nearby Bee-Attracting Plants
Eliminate any flowering plants, bushes or trees around the exterior of your home that provide nectar and pollen sources. This encourages bees to look further afield.
Install One-Way Exclusion Cones
Special exclusion cones let bees leave the nest but prevent re-entry. This causes the colony to relocate on their own. But they must be installed carefully to avoid trapping bees inside.
Use a Bee Vacuum
Bee vacuums utilize soft brushes and gentle suction to remove bees from comb. But improper use can harm or kill bees, so get professional assistance ASAP if attempting this method.
Call a Professional for Safe Removal
For best results with minimal risk to bees, have a licensed beekeeper or pest control company handle the hive removal process professionally. Here’s what you can expect:
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A pre-removal inspection identifies the hive’s exact location and entry points.
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The hive is fully exposed by opening roof access panels or exterior siding carefully.
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Combs are gently cut or detached using specialized hive tools.
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Bees are carefully brushed or vacuumed off comb into a ventilated box and relocated.
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Entry points are sealed to prevent recolonization.
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The captured colony is transported to an apiary or adopted by a beekeeper.
This ensures the queen, workers, and brood are all captured together and moved with minimal disturbance. The colony can start fresh in a new managed hive.
Prevent Recolonization
To keep bees from returning after removal, make your roof less inviting:
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Seal any gaps, holes or cracks thoroughly with caulk, expanding foam, wood, or metal.
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Install wire mesh over vents, chimneys, and other possible entry points.
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Ensure attic spaces and wall voids have proper insulation to deter bees.
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Trim back any branches or plants touching the roofline.
Regular inspections after removal help ensure bees don’t find their way back in. Act quickly if you spot any returning scouts.
Welcome Bees as Allies, Not Pests
With the right methods and precautions, roof bee nests can be removed humanely. But remember that honeybees are not pests. They’re integral pollinators and honey producers worth protecting.
Whenever possible, simply monitor hives and let them be. And if you must intervene, call in experts to relocate bees safely to an apiary rather than exterminating them. With ecological benefits far outweighing removal hassles, bees in the roof are guests worth welcoming.
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.
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.
Quick Tips: Bees Getting Into House from Cracks in Roof Line
FAQ
How do you get rid of a bees nest fast?
Is it bad to have bees in your roof?
How do I get bees out of my ceiling?
What happens if you block the entrance to a bees nest?
How do you get rid of a bee nest in your roof?
A Bees Nest in Your Roof is made by bees and can generally be removed by treating them with pesticides or removing them from the attic, gutters, and surrounding areas. With so many bees living on your roof, you might end up with a honeycomb that can harm your home. Signs of a bee infestation are visible, but sometimes it is hard to spot.
Do you need a beekeeper to remove a nest?
Honey bees, for example, are valuable pollinators and removing their nest should be done by experienced beekeepers. If you are unsure of the type of bees or the potential risks involved, it is best to consult with a local beekeeping association or pest control professionals.
How do I protect my roof from bees?
Remember to always prioritize your safety and the well-being of the bees throughout the process. Safely remove a bee’s nest from your roof by identifying, approaching, and removing the nest with caution and respect for the bees. Prioritize safety, use protective gear, and seal entry points to prevent future infestations.
How do you get rid of a bee nest without killing them?
When a beekeeper removes a bee’s nest from the roof, sometimes they will inadvertently kill them while trying to get rid of it. This is because they have been known to react defensively when they feel threatened. In this case, the best way to get rid of the nest without killing any of them is to use steams and bleach.
How do bees choose a location in a roof?
Bees choose a location in the roof based on various factors such as proximity to food sources, shelter from weather, and availability of suitable materials for nest construction. Understanding bee behavior and roof construction can help in preventing nest formation. Can Bees Cause Damage to the Roof Structure if Their Nest Is Left Untreated?
How do you get rid of bees inside a house?
Use mesh, caulk, wood, expanding foam or metal flashing. But this traps bees inside, so get professional removal help fast! Wait it out: Given enough time, bees often relocate rather than expand their roof nest. But keep monitoring the situation.