As the weather warms up, you may start to see more and more bees flying around. This is because bees are emerging from hibernation and are searching for a new place to build their hives. That’s definitely a good thing unless they decide to settle in at your home or vacant property.
Vacant properties are especially vulnerable since they don’t usually receive the same time and attention as current residences. In order to avoid this from occurring, bee-proofing ahead of time is your best bet. Ready to get started? You can do so with the tips that follow. But first, a question:
What is bee-proofing and why do you need it
Bee-proofing is the process of making sure your home or property is not attractive to bees. This is important because bees will establish a colony in your home if it provides the right environment for them. A bee colony can contain up to 60,000 bees and once they are established, they can be very difficult to remove.
Bees are attracted to places that are warm, dry, and free from pests. They will also build their hives in areas that offer protection from the elements and predators. Some common places where bees will build their hives include attics, crawlspaces, voids in walls, and hollow trees.
To bee-proof your home, you will need to identify and seal all of the potential entry points that bees could use to get into your home. This includes cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and openings in soffits and eaves. You may also need to screen vents and chimneys to prevent bees from entering your home.
How to identify if you have a bee problem
If you see bees flying around your home or hear a buzzing noise, it’s likely that you have a bee problem. If you find a bee’s nest in your attic or see bees coming and going from a small hole in your siding, this is a sure sign that you have a colony of bees living in your home.
If you find small holes in your home that bees are using to enter and exit, you will need to repair them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use a sealant such as caulk or foam. Make sure to fill the hole completely so that the bees cannot get back in.
Benefits of bee-proofing your home or vacant property
There are several benefits of bee-proofing your home or vacant property. Some of the most important ones include:
- Preventing bees from establishing a colony in your home or on your property.
- Reducing the risk of getting stung by bees.
- Reducing the likelihood of a bee infestation.
- Promoting safer locations for bees to establish hives and thrive.
- Eliminating the need for pesticides and other chemicals to cope with bee problems that may be harmful to your animals and family.
There are several unique challenges to bee-proofing a vacant property. One of the biggest challenges is identifying all of the potential entry points that bees could use to get into the home, especially when you’re not there to check every day. You can deal with this challenge by performing a thorough inspection of the property, both inside and out.
Make sure to check for cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and openings in soffits and eaves every time you visit. You may also need to screen vents and chimneys to prevent bees from entering the home. Schedule time every week or two to perform these checks.
If you can’t, consider hiring a professional beekeeper or pest control company to do it for you. They will have the experience and knowledge necessary to identify all of the potential entry points and seal them properly. Little Giant Beekeepers are experts in bee-proofing your home or vacant property. Their experience and knowledge allow them to identify all of the potential hazards and take preventative action.
Bee-proofing your home or vacant property is essential to preventing bees from establishing a colony in your home. By taking the time to identify and seal all of the potential entry points, you can greatly reduce the risk of a bee problem. If you are not able to do it yourself, consider hiring us today.