Have you noticed a swarm of flying insects exiting from the walls of your home or heard a buzzing noise within the house? If this is the case, there’s a good chance that a colony of European honeybees (Apis mellifera) has taken up residence within your walls. The question is, why does this occur, and what can be done about it? Here, we’ll explore the issue.
Identifying the Invaders
The first step is to identify who these uninvited guests really are. While honeybees are typically the culprits, European wasps (Vespula germanica) also occasionally construct their nests within man-made structures. The nests of European wasps have a papery appearance and are made from chewed-up plant fibers. They are yellow and black, with a slimmer waist. Honeybees have less slender waists, are furrier, and have a duller orange-brown hue. Regardless of their identity, if they are settling in high-traffic areas or inside homes, it is advisable to enlist the help of a professional for removal. Stingless bees and bumblebees, two other social bee species, may sporadically create colonies in man-made structures depending on where you live. Nonetheless, they generally do not cause any significant issues. Solitary native bees, such as carpenter bees, blue banded bees, and teddy bears, do not form colonies, but they may construct their individual nests near one another. These insects are typically mild-mannered and can often be left alone.
How Did They Arrive?
When a honeybee colony outgrows its current dwelling, the bees embark on a quest to find a new home. In preparation, the queen bee lays eggs in specialized cells labeled “queen cells.” The larvae in these cells are fed royal jelly, which helps them develop into new queens. When the new queens emerge, the old queen departs the hive with a sizable number of worker bees. Now homeless, the house-hunting bees gather in a tight cluster known as a “swarm ball” on a close object. From this temporary base, the bees send scouts out to search for potential nesting sites. When a scout locates a suitable location, she returns to the swarm ball and performs a dance known as a “waggle dance.” This dance transmits the location of the potential new home to other scouts, who then go out to examine the site. If they believe it’s appropriate, they return to the hive and perform their waggle dance. When enough scouts agree on the appropriateness of the new home, the entire swarm takes flight and migrates to their new home. Unfortunately, the bees may sometimes choose to settle in man-made structures. Once inside, they create wax to make up the hexagonal cells of the nest. Some of these cells are nurseries for larvae, while others hold pollen and honey.
What To Do?
The most noticeable sign of a bee infestation is a steady stream of bees flying in and out of the hive through a small hole or gap in the wall. You might also hear a buzzing sound. Unfortunately, honey and wax created by bees can deteriorate, stain walls, and attract rodents. The weight of a colony can cause structural damage over time as well. While honeybees are typically gentle creatures, they will sting in self-defense, particularly near their colony. If honeybees have taken up residence in your home, request the help of a professional such as a beekeeper to remove them. Do not attempt to remove the bees yourself; this could be hazardous. Spraying insecticides or repellents into your walls may not kill all of the bees and could incite aggression. Colonies can be relocated alive. However, this is not always possible. Not all beekeepers are qualified to eliminate bees from homes; look for beekeepers who offer “bee removal” or “bee rescue” services. Amateur beekeeping organizations may also maintain a list of experienced bee removers. If there are no suitable beekeepers in your area, or the colony is not readily accessible, you may need to engage a pest controller. Prevention is preferable: seal cracks or holes in exterior walls and cover outdoor vents with fly screen mesh. Beekeepers may prevent swarms from forming by properly managing their hives. Joining a local beekeeping club is an excellent way to learn about bee care.
Conclusion
Honeybees, while essential pollinators and producers of honey, may sometimes be an unwelcome nuisance in homes. They may settle in man-made structures, resulting in the creation of wax and cells that can damage walls and attract pests. If they’ve taken up residence in your home, enlist the help of a professional such as a beekeeper to remove them. However, prevention is key, and sealing up cracks and holes in exterior walls and covering outdoor vents with fly screen mesh may make your home less inviting to honeybees.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
