Mar 17, 2025 | Wildlife
Bees play a remarkable role in maintaining our ecosystem. Their tireless work as pollinators supports the growth of plants that provide food, oxygen, and habitat for countless species, including us. However, when bees decide to make their home just a little too close to yours, it can pose challenges for homeowners. If you’ve noticed increased bee activity around your house, don’t panic! This guide will help you recognize the signs of a potential bee infestation and explain how professional help can manage the situation while staying out of harm’s way.
Managing a Bee Infestation
Recognizing the Signs of a Bee Infestation
Before you assume you have a bee infestation, it’s important to identify the signs. Here are some telltale indicators that bees may have established a colony on your property:
1. Frequent Bee Sightings Near Your Home
Seeing a few bees in your yard is perfectly normal, especially in garden-friendly states like Georgia. But if you notice a consistent stream of bees flying to and from a specific location, it could be evidence of a nearby colony.
2. Buzzing Sounds Inside Walls or Ceilings
Bees commonly build their colonies within the walls or ceilings of homes. If you hear a faint but steady humming sound, especially in quiet rooms, it could be the sound of an active colony.
3. Sticky Residue or Dark Stains
If bees have built a colony inside your walls, over time, melted honey or wax may create sticky or dark stains on surfaces. Inspect areas with staining or discoloration to check for other signs of bee activity.
4. Lingering Bees Around Specific Features
Check attics, vents, chimneys, or exterior cracks in the foundation. Bees are resourceful when it comes to nesting, and these areas are common colony building spots.
5. Sightings of Swarms
A bee swarm can understandably seem alarming, but swarms are often temporary . Swarming typically happens when bees are searching for a new nesting site. If they’re congregating nearby, they might be looking to settle on your property.
Why You Shouldn’t Attempt DIY Removal
We understand you might be tempted to address the problem yourself. However, when it comes to bees, DIY efforts can sometimes make matters worse. Here’s why leaving it to a professional is essential:
- Proper Identification: Not all stinging insects are bees—correctly identifying them ensures the right approach.
- Avoid Secondary Issues: Improper colony removal can leave behind honey and wax, attracting pests and odors.
- Health Risks: Approaching a colony without protection can lead to stings—leave it to the experts.
- Bee Preservation: Professionals focus on no-harm colony relocation to protect the environment.
How Professional Services Can Help You
If you’ve identified signs of a bee infestation, partnering with a professional bee relocation service is the next best step. Specialists in handling bee situations offer tailored solutions that balance your needs as a homeowner with the wellbeing of the bee population. Here’s how experts can assist:
- Thorough Assessment: Experts evaluate the colony’s location, size, and species to determine the best approach for removal.
- Humane Relocation: Many services focus on relocating colonies instead of destroying them, often partnering with beekeepers to ensure bees are moved to a better habitat.
- Protective Measures: Technicians use specialized equipment and methods to handle the colony without unnecessary risks to people or property.
- Long-Term Solutions: Beyond removal, professionals seal entry points and recommend ways to prevent future colony activity.
- Education & Guidance: Experts offer insights on recognizing early colony formation, reducing attractants, and coexisting with pollinators.
Contact Professional Services for Bee-Related Concerns
As a homeowner, it’s normal to feel concerned when bees settle a little too close for comfort. But with expert guidance and humane solutions, managing a bee infestation can be as stress-free as possible. Protect your home and support local pollinators by reaching out to your local bee removal experts today!
Apr 27, 2016 | Pest Control, Wildlife
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Now that we’re well into the Spring season, you may be noticing an influx of pests that were hiding out over the winter – mosquitoes, ants, termites, and BEES. While some bees you’ll encounter are harmless, others can seem threatening and leave behind painful stings and cause allergic reactions. Here’s a list of common bees in the South to be on the lookout during the Spring and Summer seasons, with bee control tips:
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1461783788041{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][ctitle title=”Carpenter Bees” uppercase=”no” background=”#ffffff” font_size=”26″ position=”left” separator_color=”#ffffff”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator style=”blank” padding_top=”5″ padding_bottom=”5″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”15376″ img_size=”300×155″ style=”vc_box_outline” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.callnorthwest.com/identify-pest/bees/carpenter-bees/”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Carpenter bees are large black and yellow bees, often mistaken for bumble bees. You’re likely to see them in the Spring hovering around the eaves of your house or under and around decks and porches. Carpenter bees can cause damage to structures by creating small, circular holes as entry points into nests with multiple tunnels, leaving behind trails of sawdust. Any area of exposed wood can be a target for carpenter bee nests. The good news: carpenter bees rarely sting unless bothered; males do not have a stinger but can become aggressive towards other bees, animals or people near their nest and females usually only sting when extremely agitated. You can also prevent carpenter bees from nesting by treating or painting any exposed wood. If you’re already seeing carpenter bee nests, each nest hole should be treated with a pesticide if bees are inside the nest. If no bees are in the nest, seal or paint entry holes. For best results, call a pest control company that specializes in bee control and removal.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1461783795963{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][ctitle title=”Cicada Killer Bees” uppercase=”no” background=”#ffffff” font_size=”26″ position=”left” separator_color=”#ffffff”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator style=”blank” padding_top=”5″ padding_bottom=”5″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”15377″ img_size=”300×155″ style=”vc_box_outline” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.callnorthwest.com/identify-pest/bees/cicada-killer-bees/”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Cicada killer bees are large bees, black or rusty-colored with yellow markings, that resemble a larger version of a yellow jacket. Unlike a lot of other bee species, cicada killer bees do not live in colonies and prefer to nest underground in areas of bare ground. Female cicada killer bees dig burrows 1/2″ in diameter that can extend up to 10″ deep which can cause significant lawn damage. You’re likely to encounter cicada killer bees in the Summer – usually July and August – when they emerge from burrows.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1461783803707{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][ctitle title=”Bumble Bees” uppercase=”no” background=”#ffffff” font_size=”26″ position=”left” separator_color=”#ffffff”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator style=”blank” padding_top=”5″ padding_bottom=”5″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”15378″ img_size=”300×155″ style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
While relatively harmless bees, bumble bees – identified by their fuzzy, black and yellow-striped appearance and a buzzing sound while flying – can become aggressive and sting if their nest is threatened. They’re normally seen in flowering plants and typically don’t nest in structures.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1461783813281{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][ctitle title=”Yellow Jackets” uppercase=”no” background=”#ffffff” font_size=”26″ position=”left” separator_color=”#ffffff”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator style=”blank” padding_top=”5″ padding_bottom=”5″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”15379″ img_size=”300×155″ style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Yellow jackets are one of the most commonly encountered bees and also one of the most aggressive. Their stings can be extremely painful and cause severe allergic reactions for some. Yellow jackets are also know to sting repeatedly. Avoiding yellow jackets is the best method of sting prevention or remain still if you encounter them; swatting or sudden movements can cause them to attack.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1461783821501{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][ctitle title=”Paper Wasps” uppercase=”no” background=”#ffffff” font_size=”26″ position=”left” separator_color=”#ffffff”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator style=”blank” padding_top=”5″ padding_bottom=”5″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”15381″ img_size=”300×155″ style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Paper wasps are large, aggressive wasps that cause painful bites and sometimes severe allergic reactions. They’re most likely to sting if their nest is threatened or disturbed. It’s recommended to contact an exterminating company for wasp nest removal.
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Hornets are brown and yellow striped with reddish colored wings, and sometime mistaken for cicada killer bees. They build above-ground nests, usually in trees, and are active in the Spring. It’s recommended that you contact a pest control company to remove a hornet nest, but they do not pose a serious threat to humans and will die or hibernate in the Fall.
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Apr 27, 2016 | Pest Control, Wildlife
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Now that we’re well into the Spring season, you may be noticing an influx of pests that were hiding out over the winter – mosquitoes, ants, termites, and BEES. While some bees you’ll encounter are harmless, others can seem threatening and leave behind painful stings and cause allergic reactions. Here’s a list of common bees in the South to be on the lookout during the Spring and Summer seasons, with bee control tips:
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1461783788041{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][ctitle title=”Carpenter Bees” uppercase=”no” background=”#ffffff” font_size=”26″ position=”left” separator_color=”#ffffff”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator style=”blank” padding_top=”5″ padding_bottom=”5″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”15376″ img_size=”300×155″ style=”vc_box_outline” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.callnorthwest.com/identify-pest/bees/carpenter-bees/”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Carpenter bees are large black and yellow bees, often mistaken for bumble bees. You’re likely to see them in the Spring hovering around the eaves of your house or under and around decks and porches. Carpenter bees can cause damage to structures by creating small, circular holes as entry points into nests with multiple tunnels, leaving behind trails of sawdust. Any area of exposed wood can be a target for carpenter bee nests. The good news: carpenter bees rarely sting unless bothered; males do not have a stinger but can become aggressive towards other bees, animals or people near their nest and females usually only sting when extremely agitated. You can also prevent carpenter bees from nesting by treating or painting any exposed wood. If you’re already seeing carpenter bee nests, each nest hole should be treated with a pesticide if bees are inside the nest. If no bees are in the nest, seal or paint entry holes. For best results, call a pest control company that specializes in bee control and removal.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1461783795963{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][ctitle title=”Cicada Killer Bees” uppercase=”no” background=”#ffffff” font_size=”26″ position=”left” separator_color=”#ffffff”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator style=”blank” padding_top=”5″ padding_bottom=”5″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”15377″ img_size=”300×155″ style=”vc_box_outline” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.callnorthwest.com/identify-pest/bees/cicada-killer-bees/”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Cicada killer bees are large bees, black or rusty-colored with yellow markings, that resemble a larger version of a yellow jacket. Unlike a lot of other bee species, cicada killer bees do not live in colonies and prefer to nest underground in areas of bare ground. Female cicada killer bees dig burrows 1/2″ in diameter that can extend up to 10″ deep which can cause significant lawn damage. You’re likely to encounter cicada killer bees in the Summer – usually July and August – when they emerge from burrows.
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While relatively harmless bees, bumble bees – identified by their fuzzy, black and yellow-striped appearance and a buzzing sound while flying – can become aggressive and sting if their nest is threatened. They’re normally seen in flowering plants and typically don’t nest in structures.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1461783813281{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][ctitle title=”Yellow Jackets” uppercase=”no” background=”#ffffff” font_size=”26″ position=”left” separator_color=”#ffffff”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator style=”blank” padding_top=”5″ padding_bottom=”5″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”15379″ img_size=”300×155″ style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Yellow jackets are one of the most commonly encountered bees and also one of the most aggressive. Their stings can be extremely painful and cause severe allergic reactions for some. Yellow jackets are also know to sting repeatedly. Avoiding yellow jackets is the best method of sting prevention or remain still if you encounter them; swatting or sudden movements can cause them to attack.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1461783821501{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][ctitle title=”Paper Wasps” uppercase=”no” background=”#ffffff” font_size=”26″ position=”left” separator_color=”#ffffff”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator style=”blank” padding_top=”5″ padding_bottom=”5″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”15381″ img_size=”300×155″ style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Paper wasps are large, aggressive wasps that cause painful bites and sometimes severe allergic reactions. They’re most likely to sting if their nest is threatened or disturbed. It’s recommended to contact an exterminating company for wasp nest removal.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1461783548104{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][ctitle title=”Hornets” uppercase=”no” background=”#ffffff” font_size=”26″ position=”left” separator_color=”#ffffff”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator style=”blank” padding_top=”5″ padding_bottom=”5″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”15382″ img_size=”300×155″ style=”vc_box_outline”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Hornets are brown and yellow striped with reddish colored wings, and sometime mistaken for cicada killer bees. They build above-ground nests, usually in trees, and are active in the Spring. It’s recommended that you contact a pest control company to remove a hornet nest, but they do not pose a serious threat to humans and will die or hibernate in the Fall.
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Mar 27, 2012 | Pest Control, Wildlife
Although you may be seeing bees buzzing around your home it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have an active bee hive in your area. There is a good possibility that you are seeing scout bees. The survival of a bee hive oftentimes depends on the scouting bee. Bees need a constant supply of nectar and have to find a new place to go once their source is low. This is where the scout bee comes in. Scouting bees are sent out to look for a new home for their hive and if you do not take action, your home could be their new home.
To most people, scout bees look just like other active bees but once you get a closer look, you are able to notice small differences in their behavior. Scout bees usually scout an area for about 3 days before moving in or moving on. If you see bees for 5 days or longer, there is a good chance that it is an active hive and not just a scout bee. Scout bees tend to hover around an area rather than a steady stream of bees that are coming and going from the same area; that is typically an active hive. Scout bees are not as aggressive as other bees since they are not protecting their hive.
It is better to treat for scouting bees rather than taking a chance of getting an active hive. Bees can cause structural damage to your property as well as pose a safety risk. It is always best to call a professional exterminating company for bee removal. If you live in the Atlanta, Columbus, or Nashville area and are seeing bees, call Northwest Exterminating and we will come take a look to see if you are seeing scouting bees or an active hive.
Have you seen scouting bees near your home?
