You know what a soffit is, and you're ready to change it out, but you've heard a certain problem buzzing around. You've got bees! Whether you're worried about the bee population or getting stung by an aggressive species like Africanized bees, you need them out of your siding. But, you have no idea how to get rid of bees. Read on to learn just how to safely get these buzzing buggers out of your hair and out of your soffit siding.
Bees in Your Soffit
The most common time for bees to emerge is in the summer, and they like to make their homes where it's least convenient for you as a homeowner. You might find them in your overhanging eaves, window or door frames, and underneath siding.
This isn't the end of the world though. You can build a bee trap or you can use insecticide.
Find the Nest
You can't see it, but you can certainly hear it. Maybe there's only one hive, maybe there's more. This mostly means paying attention to where you see bees entering and exiting your soffit siding.
Do Some Homework
Now, you might not know what kind of bees you have in your siding, so you need to figure out what kind of bees you have.
If they're Africanized bees, you'll want insecticide. If they're honeybees, you'll want a bee trap.
If You Have to Use Insecticide...
Wait until dark. Bees are less aggressive then, and that will give you time to prepare the insecticide.
Do this first, using gloves (skin contact is not recommended for most insecticides). The most common bee insecticides are powders, and dish soap bottles are recommended for accuracy of aim.
Once You've Applied It
Make sure you've applied it to all points of the siding; bees nests are often widespread. Then, wait a week. The insecticide takes time to work.
If You Are Bee Trapping
If you don't have to use insecticide (hopefully you don't), then you'll have to deal with the hive you've trapped. Bee traps aren't simple, but you can buy them or make your own.
Relocating a Trapped Beehive Is Straightforward
If you've decided to trap the bees, you'll need to keep them together. The bee trap should do this pretty well, but you need to find a new place, ASAP.
Consider contacting a local beekeeping organization, using a national beekeeping group. They'll have all sorts of tips on easy and ethical relocation. They might even have someone nearby to take the bees off your hands for you.
Now That You're Bee-Free
Whether you decided to poison the hive or determined it was a type of bee worth saving, you're now free to take care of your soffit siding. The best place for you to head for helpful tips on siding and other soffit features is to our blog here at Soffit. Be sure to check out the rest of our guides for more helpful tips like these.
