Bee Infestation – The Signs You Need To Be Aware Of

The planet needs bees to thrive, and bees need us in order for their population to prevail against the odds. They pollinate our crops and keep our plants colourful. But we know that they can be a right pain when they invade our homes and gardens. During the summer, it is not a rare sight to see a few bees around your property; the question is, what are the warning signs of a potentially dangerous infestation, and what can you do if you discover one? Well, lucky for you, this is what we are going to discuss during today’s article. 

If you spot any of the below warning signs, we strongly advise that you call a bee nest removal company as attempting to remove a nest yourself can be extremely dangerous. 

More Bees Than Usual 

Okay, we know we are stating the complete obvious here, but the first indication that you have an infestation is if you notice an excessive amount of bees flying in and around your property. If you can’t pinpoint where the bees are coming from, and they don’t seem to go away, there could be a chance a nest is in your home. Sorry to be the bearers of bad news. 

Finding a Nest

Yep, another obvious sign. But if you find a nest (whether that be in your house or garden), this is an infestation. Active nests are most commonly found in sheds, routed in trees or underneath floorboards. So, if you do suspect you have a problem, these should be the first places to look. We must stress that you do this with caution as you run the risk of getting seriously hurt if you disturb one. 

Dark Spots/Stains on Your Walls

If you see mysterious dark spots or stains on your walls, this could be a sign of a bee infestation. When bees make their nests, they fill the cells with honey as a security measure. As a result, some of the honey seeps out, and if you have a nest in your home, it will trickle down your walls. This may seem pretty minor as you can just paint over it, right? Wrong! The honey can rot wood and cause structural issues. It can also attract other pests and insects. 

Preventing a Bee Infestation

Keep Food Covered

One of the most effective things you can do is to keep food covered (especially during the warmer months). Bees are pretty much attracted to any types of food but are drawn towards sugary and sweet foods such as fruit. We are not saying don’t have family and friends over to enjoy a nice spread of foods; just make sure it is covered and put in the fridge wherever possible. 

Make Your Own Bee Repellent

There are many different products you can buy over the counter to deter bees away. These include systems that emit high-frequency sounds that bees hate. But, if you don’t feel like forking out on a high tech piece of equipment, you could make your own bee repellent at home. In addition to peppermint oil, washing up liquid and citronella is a brilliant bee repellent. 

If you are environmentally conscious and want to protect the bees, then making your own natural repellent is a great option (and cheaper!). 

Why You Need a Professional Bee Removal Company

You might get tempted to deal with a bee infestation yourself, but we strongly urge caution. The general advice is to leave bees alone as they are now an endangered insect, but if your situation becomes dangerous, you need to call in the professionals. Despite what the common belief is, bees are not aggressive; they just like to be left alone. But, unfortunately, when a bee feels in danger, it will release a scent that will attract more bees who will come to protect their friend. If in doubt, always seek the skills of a professional to protect yourself and family.