Blog Post

Why Do Bees Nest in Homes? How to Prevent Them

Nick Siebert • September 16, 2023

Stop bees from building a nest in your walls or attic. 

You may not realize it, but honey bees nest in cavities in and around your home. They search for enclosed areas so their hives are protected since they don’t add a protective layer to their nests as bald-faced hornets do. 


The overall goal is for honey bees to protect their queen, which is why they keep her, her eggs, and any larvae away from harm at all costs. But this might mean that the enclosed area they build their nest is in your house. 


Your home adds protection but also regulates the temperature of their hive, something they look for. Honey bees want this continuous temperature especially in the cold winter months, making your home prime real estate for their nests. 


But you don’t want a bee nest in your home, especially since some people are deadly allergic to stings. They can also cause significant property damage. Instead of trying to remove them yourself — something that can be very dangerous to you and your family — always hire a pest control service in Sparta, NJ. 


Where Do Bees Set Up Shop?


When bees are in the wild, they look for cavities in trees to build their nests. They also look to create nests in rock formations. However, honey bees in suburban areas don’t always have the luxury of building their nests in these areas. 


This means they may build a nest in your house because it better suits their needs, protecting them from predators. In this situation, you’ll find that honey bees look to build nests in the open space between your walls or floors. They’ll even build nests in porches or in attics. 


Bees are known to be less aggressive when compared to stinging insects, but they will attack you if they feel threatened. If you suspect a nest is in or around your home, you need a professional to remove it safely and humanely. This is where
Serene Property Services can help


Prevent a Bee Infestation


While professional pest removal services are the best way of removing bee nests from your property, it’s important to prevent them in the first place. This means removing anything that looks appealing to them. 


Bee's nests are in enclosed areas where they feel safe and protected. If you have an opening on your property that’s the size of a pencil eraser or bigger, bees can enter and make a nest. 


It’s hard to locate these tiny entry points if you don’t know what you’re looking for, but professionals have the tools and expertise to identify these areas and seal them up before bees enter your home. 


You might also find bees in or under your shed, in water meter boxes, or even in any upside-down planter boxes.


Don’t Let Bees Nest In Your Home


Always look for places where bees nest around your home and yard. You should also look for bee colonies. One or two bees doesn’t mean you have a local colony and removing
flowers in your yard won’t keep bees away. 


You want to look for a large amount of bees floating around an opening in your home. Do you hear any humming noises? What about active insects? Don’t forget to look for an underground bee nest. You may also find some colonies in your attic. 


Caulk entry points, checking your roof and foundation. If you see holes in trees or walls, cover them. If you have a chimney, properly cover it. 


Use mesh window screens to cover your attic vents, along with keyholes for meter boxes and irrigation valve boxes. If you have trash, clean it up and throw it out. Also, cover garbage cans.


Always close your shed doors tightly and make sure they don’t have any holes or cracks in them. If they do, seal and repair them to keep bees out. If you have a shed or outbuilding you don’t often use, be careful when entering them to avoid any bees or other
stinging insects


Remove Bees Today


Bees are very beneficial and you should avoid killing them if possible. However, you don’t want them in or around your home, building nests and colonizing. 


Serene Property Services can help with bee nest removal and more. We have the knowledge and expertise to safely and humanely remove bees — or any pests — from your home. Call us today to see how we can help, and to discuss a preventative pest maintenance schedule. We service all of Sussex County, NJ, and Warwick, NY.

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