Whether you’ve had a previous bee infestation, or are just trying to prevent one, there are several easy ways you can protect your house. We’ve listed the most common ways bees find their way into homes, and the best fixes to keep that from happening. Please remember, if you stumble on an active beehive to call an expert trained in hive removal. Don’t try to remove it yourself.
Look for Cracks, Holes, and Gaps
Bees aren’t the smallest bugs, but they can fit through extremely tiny cracks or holes. As small as 1/8th of an inch wide. Check your foundation, walls, and eaves for cracks and gaps in the siding that would allow bees, or any other bugs to enter your home. Fix any loose trim, or use an expandable foam or caulk to seal off cracks. As your home shifts over time and the outside trim ages, it’s a good idea to recheck these areas again each year for signs of wear.
Follow Your Poles, Pipes and Cords
An easy place for bees to gain entry is through man-made holes, like those used to install cable wiring, gas piping, or other cords that run inside the walls. Bee proof these in much the same way as cracks, with a foam product or caulk. If you prefer not to use something as permanent, any kind of removable foam or weather stripping can be wrapped around wires to fill in the gaps.
Attic Vents and Chimney Tops
Some areas of the home naturally have large openings that bees may take advantage of to build a hive. Attic ventilation panels and chimney tops have larger openings that cannot or should not be sealed off. Using a fine grade mesh, or installing a top-closing chimney damper are the most effective ways to prevent bees entering attics and chimneys. Please check the building codes in your area to ensure any additions meet with current safety regulations.
Doors and windows
Inspect your doors and windows for gaps and damaged seals which are easy places for bees to get inside. On the exterior, window seals can age or pull away from the walls leaving openings perfect for a hive entry point. Resealing windows with caulk will not only prevent bugs from entering your home, it can prevent water leaks as well. Add weather stripping to doors and windows to eliminate gaps and further seal off any entry points. Prefabricated door seal kits are also available for this purpose, and are easy to install.
An important trait to remember when dealing with bees is that they usually return to the same place even after a hive has been removed. They are able to trace back their scent and will try to build another hive in its place, so it’s important to address and fix any potential entry points as soon as a hive is removed. Having a property that is bee proof is an important next step.
Little Giant Beekeepers is available to assist with fast and easy bee removal services in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas. We offer several options for bee removal and other stinging insects, and can help answer your questions about preventing bee infestations.
Please call us today for help. 972-980-0923.
We always get our bee!
