The hum of bees and the quick darting of wasps are common sounds and sights across Greater Los Angeles, especially as the weather warms up. While these insects are a natural part of our ecosystem, finding a nest too close to your home can be a cause for concern. A nest near a doorway, a play area, or inside your home's walls poses a risk of stings, which can be painful and, in some cases, dangerous. Knowing what to look for can help you address the issue early and take steps to ensure your family’s safety.
Think you might have a nest already? For immediate assistance with a potential bee or wasp nest, contact us right away through our online contact form or call us at (818) 334-6845.
The Top Warning Signs of a Bee or Wasp Nest
Spotting a single bee or wasp is normal, but observing a continuous, concentrated flow of them is a strong indication that a nest is nearby. These insects have specific flight patterns and habits when they come and go from their home base.
Instead of randomly flying around your yard, they will typically travel in a predictable flight path, moving in a steady line to and from a single point. This consistent traffic is a major clue that a colony is active and established.
Identifying a nest isn't always about seeing the nest itself. Many nests are hidden from view, tucked away in eaves, behind siding, or inside trees. Recognizing the behavioral and auditory clues is often the first step to locating the problem. The following signs should prompt you to investigate further.
- Increased Activity: A significant rise in the number of bees or wasps around a specific area of your property is often the most obvious sign. Pay attention to areas like your porch, shed, or garage. If you see dozens of insects coming and going from a single location, you may have found a nest entrance.
- Auditory Clues: Sometimes, you can hear a nest before you see it. If you hear a buzzing, humming, or scratching sound coming from inside your walls, attic, or floorboards, it could be a large bee or wasp colony. This is especially common with honeybees, which can build large, thriving hives within a home's structure.
- Visible Nest Structures: While not always the case, a nest might be visible. Wasp nests can look like gray, papery orbs hanging from trees or under eaves. Bee nests, particularly those of bumblebees, might be found in the ground, in old rodent burrows, or under thick vegetation.
Where to Look for Potential Nests
Knowing where these insects like to build their nests is half the battle. They are drawn to protected, secluded spots that offer shelter from the elements and predators. This is why nests are so often found in places homeowners don't frequent.
Eaves and Attics: The sheltered overhangs of your roof, known as eaves, are a prime location for wasp nests. Attics, with their warm, dark, and rarely disturbed spaces, are also ideal for both bees and wasps.
Wall Voids and Chimneys: The empty space between the exterior and interior walls of your home, or wall voids, can be an inviting space for a bee colony to build a hive. Similarly, unused chimneys can become a home for large wasp nests or bee swarms.
Ground-Level Hiding Spots: Some species of wasps, like yellow jackets, build their nests in the ground. They often take over existing burrows, such as those left by gophers or squirrels. If you notice a steady stream of yellow jackets entering a small hole in your lawn, it’s a strong indication of a ground nest.
Sheds, Garages, and Storage Spaces: Any infrequently used structure on your property can become a new home for a pest colony. Be cautious when opening a shed or garage door that hasn't been used in a while, as a nest may have been built near the entrance or in a corner. Speaking of unwanted guests in these spaces, it's not just insects you need to be mindful of. We also provide comprehensive solutions for larger creatures that may seek shelter, like raccoons. For more information on dealing with these critters, you can learn about our raccoon control services.
After observing these signs, it's important to keep your distance. Getting too close to a nest can be seen as a threat, which may cause the colony to become defensive and attack.
What to Do When You Suspect a Nest
If you believe there’s a bee or wasp nest on your property, the first and most important thing to do is to avoid disturbing it. Do not attempt to knock it down, spray it with a household cleaner, or seal off the entrance. These actions can agitate the insects, leading to aggressive behavior.
Additionally, if the nest is inside a wall or other hidden space, sealing the entrance can cause the insects to seek another way out, potentially into your living space.
The next step is to observe the nest from a safe distance to determine the type of insect. Bees, particularly honeybees, have a fuzzy, rounder body, while wasps, like yellow jackets and hornets, have a more slender body with a smooth, shiny appearance. Distinguishing between them can be helpful for a professional, as the removal process can vary depending on the species.
For example, honeybees are often a protected species in California, and a beekeeper may relocate their hives rather than exterminate them. Wasps, however, are typically exterminated.
Why Professional Help Is the Best Choice
Handling a bee or wasp nest yourself, especially a large one or one in a hard-to-reach spot, can be dangerous. Without the proper protective gear and experience, you risk being stung multiple times.
Professionals have the necessary training, tools, and safety equipment to handle the removal process effectively and safely, minimizing the risk to you and your family. They can accurately identify the species, locate the full extent of the nest (especially for those hidden within walls), and implement a removal strategy that addresses the problem without causing further issues.
A professional can also determine if a nest is active and what steps are needed to prevent the insects from returning to the same spot in the future. They can also guide how to avoid attracting them in the first place, such as sealing cracks and crevices in your home's exterior.
Keep Your Greater Los Angeles Home Safe
Protecting your home from unwanted stinging insects requires timely and professional help. If you suspect a bee or wasp nest near your house or notice any of the signs listed above, do not wait. At Zenith Environmental Pest, we provide thorough inspections and safe removal services tailored to your property.
Do not let a bee or wasp nest threaten your peace of mind. Connect with us today via our online contact form or call (818) 334-6845 for assistance.