Bees are fundamental to the ecosystem, serving as primary pollinators for many food crops and wild plants. When bees nest too close to homes or businesses, the goal is to encourage them to leave without causing them harm. Any approach to managing their presence should prioritize non-lethal methods like gentle deterrence and safe relocation. This article provides practical strategies for identifying, deterring, and safely relocating bees to keep both the insects and the residents protected.
Knowing Your Insect
The first step in any humane removal process is correctly identifying the insect, as methods for dealing with beneficial bees differ greatly from those used for aggressive wasps. Bees, such as honey bees and bumblebees, typically have robust, rounded bodies covered in fine hairs. Their coloration often features muted yellow and brown bands, and they can frequently be seen with visible yellow pollen packed onto their hind legs. Bees are generally less aggressive and will only sting when they feel directly threatened or if their nest is disturbed.
Wasps, including yellow jackets and hornets, have sleek, smooth bodies with little hair and a distinct, narrow “waist” connecting the thorax and abdomen. Yellow jackets are known for their high-contrast, bright yellow and black stripes. Unlike bees, wasps are opportunistic scavengers and can become aggressive around human food or garbage, often stinging repeatedly without provocation. Distinguishing them is necessary because non-lethal relocation is reserved primarily for bees, while wasps often require different, specialized control measures due to their aggressive nature.
Immediate Non-Toxic Deterrents
For temporary bee congregations, such as those drawn to a patio or picnic area, immediate non-toxic deterrents can gently encourage the insects to forage elsewhere. Strong, non-floral aromas are effective for discouraging their presence because bees navigate heavily through scent. Essential oils with pungent odors, like peppermint, cinnamon, and clove, can be used to create a localized scent barrier. These oils can be mixed with water and sprayed on outdoor furniture or applied to cotton balls placed strategically in the area.
Garlic-based sprays are also effective deterrents, as their strong odor is off-putting to bees without being harmful. Apply these sprays to hard surfaces or perimeter areas, not directly onto flowers or foraging bees. Furthermore, covering all sweet foods, sugary drinks, and pet food while outdoors eliminates the primary attractants that pull bees into close proximity with people.
Swarms, Nests, and Professional Relocation
When a large number of bees cluster together, determine if it is a temporary swarm or an established nest, as the approach for each is different. A swarm is a dense, temporary cluster of honey bees, often hanging from a tree branch or post, representing a colony in transit to a new home. Swarms are generally docile because they are engorged with honey and focused solely on finding a new residence, a process that usually resolves itself within 24 to 48 hours.
If the bees are actively entering and exiting a fixed point on a structure, like a wall void, chimney, or under a shed, the aggregation is an established, structural nest. Established nests, especially those within a wall cavity, require professional live removal or extraction, and homeowners should not attempt a do-it-yourself intervention.
Killing the bees while leaving the hive structure intact can create a larger problem, as the leftover honey and wax will attract other pests, including rodents and insects. The decomposing material can also cause significant structural damage, including odor issues and compromised drywall. Contacting a local beekeeper or a specialized bee removal service that focuses on relocation is the safest action. These professionals are equipped to safely remove the colony and relocate it to a managed apiary, preserving the insects while protecting the home.
Long-Term Exclusion and Prevention
Once bees have been safely relocated, long-term exclusion measures are necessary to prevent a new colony from taking up residence in the same spot or a different location. Honey bees can enter potential nesting sites through openings as small as 3/16 of an inch. Homeowners should seal all cracks, crevices, and gaps in the building’s exterior, paying close attention to areas around utility lines, eaves, window frames, and foundation lines.
Vents and chimney openings should be covered with fine-mesh screens to allow ventilation while blocking bee access. Removing potential attractants also aids prevention, including:
- Clearing away yard debris.
- Removing stacks of unused lumber.
- Disposing of overturned pots that offer sheltered cavities.
- Promptly disposing of fallen fruit.
- Managing standing water sources.