Symptoms
- Steady stream of bees flying in and out of a small gap in siding or brick
- Buzzing sound audible from inside the wall
- Increased bee activity, especially on warm days
Likely causes
- CommonHoney bee swarm establishing a hive in a wall voidWall cavities offer a protected, insulated space that mimics a natural hollow tree cavity bees prefer.
- CommonExisting gap or gap that developed from siding or trim damageEven a small opening is enough for a scout bee to find and lead a swarm into the space.
What to do
- Avoid sealing the entry point yourself once bees are established, since trapped bees can chew through interior drywall trying to escape.
- Do not spray the entry with pesticide, especially for honey bees, since a dead hive left in the wall can rot, leak honey, and attract other pests.
- Note how long the bees have been present, since a very new, small swarm is easier to remove than an established hive with built comb.
- Contact a local beekeeper or bee removal specialist, since honey bees are often relocated alive rather than exterminated.
- Have the specialist assess whether a full cutout (removing wall material to extract the hive and comb) is needed, which is common for anything beyond a very new swarm.
- Repair and properly seal the wall opening after the bees and all comb/honey are fully removed.
- Inspect the rest of the exterior for other small gaps that could invite a future swarm.
When to call a pro
Call a bee removal specialist or local beekeeper for live removal, or a licensed pest control company if removal as a colony isn't possible.
Safety
Use caution
Do not attempt to seal, spray, or disturb a wall-nesting bee colony yourself; get a bee removal specialist, especially since some people have severe sting allergies.