In Southern Ontario, the Western Honey Bee is a vital part of our local ecosystem. However, these industrious pollinators occasionally seek out sheltered spaces that conflict with our living areas—specifically, the wall voids of residential homes.
When a honey bee colony moves into a wall, it isn’t just a buzzing nuisance; it can lead to structural concerns and honey leakage if left unaddressed. Here is how to prevent this from happening and the steps to take if you find a colony has already moved in.
How to Prevent Honey Bees from Moving In
Honey bees are opportunistic nesters. A “scout” bee looks for a cavity that is dry, protected from the wind, and has a small, defensible entrance. To make your home less attractive, focus on “bee-proofing” the exterior.
- Seal Exterior Gaps: Inspect your home for any openings larger than a quarter-inch. Check around utility penetrations, gaps in siding, and spaces around window frames. Use high-quality caulk or expandable foam to seal these entry points.
- Screen Vent Openings: Ensure that soffit vents, attic vents, and chimney caps are covered with a fine-mesh hardware cloth. This allows for necessary airflow while keeping bees out.
- Maintain Your Siding: Weathering or wood-boring insects can create small holes that honey bees eventually exploit. Keeping your home’s exterior well-painted and repaired is a primary deterrent.
- Remove Old Comb: If your home has had a bee infestation in the past, it is critical that the old wax and honey are completely removed. The scent of old honeycomb acts as a powerful signal for future swarms.
What to Do if They Move Into a Wall Void
If you notice a steady stream of bees entering and exiting a specific hole in your siding or brickwork, a colony has likely established itself. Here is the recommended course of action:
1. Do Not Block the Hole
This is the most common mistake. If you seal the entrance while the bees are inside, they will search for a new exit, which often leads them into the living areas of your home. Additionally, a trapped colony will die and rot, causing unpleasant odors and attracting secondary pests.
2. Avoid DIY Sprays
Using over-the-counter insecticides on a wall-void colony is rarely effective because the nest is protected deep behind the studs. Even if you manage to kill the bees, you are left with several pounds of wax and honey inside your wall. Without bees to fan the hive and keep it cool, the honey can melt, soaking into drywall and insulation, which causes significant structural damage.
3. Contact a Live-Removal Specialist or Beekeeper
The most effective and ethical way to handle a wall-void infestation is a “cut-out.” A specialist will identify the exact location of the hive, carefully remove the necessary section of the wall, and vacuum the bees out safely while removing all wax, honey, and debris to prevent future issues.