Discovering bees inside your home can be alarming. You might be alerted by their telltale buzzing noise, or spot them entering and exiting a crevice in the exterior of your home. Because bees enter through tight openings, it’s important to act fast if you suspect an infestation. Here are some basic bee removal do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

How to Handle a Bee Infestation

Do:

Be extremely cautious.

It’s always best to be careful near the hive, especially if it hasn’t been professionally assessed yet. Don’t get too excited or alert the pests to your presence. While honeybees are not dangerous and won’t cause you harm if you leave them alone, yellowjackets, hornets, and wasps will sting if they’re interfered with. Swarms of bumblebees may buzz loudly and behave aggressively if they’re disturbed.

Hire an exterminator.

Always have an exterminator handle the bee removal process for you. They’ll first confirm that the problem is due to bees and not some other type of pest. Then they’ll determine the best form of removal based on the hive’s location and the bees’ point of entry. Oftentimes, it’s best to have the bees relocated so they can continue to help the environment. 

Don’t:

Attack the beehive.

Beehives themselves can pose a threat to your property. The bees could abandon the hive, but the honey left inside is an issue. It creates a moist, friendly environment for mold, other pest infestations, and can damage the adjacent walls. The wax inside the hive can also melt and cause discoloration to the ceilings and walls. Do not disturb the hive to avoid making a mess or scaring the bees.

Stay inside during treatment.

It’s not unusual for the buzzing insects to get a little agitated during bee removal. If you have children, pets, or anyone with a compromised immune system or a bee allergy in the house, it’s best to leave while your exterminator handles the job.

Are you worried about the presence of bees in your home? You can trust the skilled professionals at Joy Exterminators to assist you promptly. They offer over 50 years of industry experience to homeowners in Marietta and Beverly, OH, and Parkersburg, New Martinsville, and St. Mary’s, WV. The team can handle everything from bee removal and pest control to termite treatments and rodent control. No matter the severity of the infestation, they’ll devise a treatment plan that tackles it for good! Visit their website to find out more about their services, or call (740) 473-2739 to schedule an appointment.