Signs of Bees in Walls

Signs of Bees in Walls

While bees are crucial pollinators and a valuable part of our ecosystem, they can become a serious concern when they start nesting inside the walls of your home. A hidden bee colony can cause structural damage, pose a health risk to those allergic to stings, and become increasingly difficult to remove the longer it’s left untreated.

At Budget Brothers Termite & Pest, we’ve seen firsthand how easily a small bee problem can escalate when a hive forms behind the walls. If you’re wondering whether you have bees living inside your home, here are the most common signs of bees in walls to watch for.

1. Buzzing or Humming Sounds Inside Walls

One of the most noticeable signs of bees in your walls is a persistent buzzing sound, especially during daylight hours.

✔ The sound may vary depending on the size of the colony.
✔ It often intensifies during warmer parts of the day when bee activity increases.
✔ Buzzing is typically heard near electrical outlets, vents, or hollow wall spaces.

If you hear buzzing in the same spot regularly, it could be a strong indicator that a hive is active within your wall cavity.

2. Increased Bee Activity Around a Specific Area of Your Home

Before bees build a colony inside your wall, you’ll often notice heightened bee traffic around a certain spot—such as a small gap in siding, vents, or soffits.

Look for:

✔ Bees consistently flying in and out of a small hole on the exterior of your house.
✔ Swarming activity near eaves, chimneys, or foundation vents.
✔ Bees hovering close to windows or siding crevices.

Persistent activity around one specific area could mean there’s an entry point leading directly to a nest inside the wall.

3. Discoloration or Staining on Walls

Over time, a thriving bee colony inside a wall can cause wax, honey, or propolis (a sticky resin-like material) to seep through wall surfaces.

Common signs include:

✔ Dark stains or wet spots on drywall or ceilings.
✔ Sticky residue that may resemble sap or oily patches.
✔ Slight bulging or warping of interior walls if honeycomb buildup becomes excessive.

Honey leakage is not only messy but can attract other pests like ants or rodents—making the issue even more complicated.

4. Dripping or Sweet Odors

A sweet or musty smell can develop inside the home as the hive grows and begins to deteriorate.

• You may notice a honey-like scent in certain rooms or near vents.
• If the bees have died or abandoned the hive, decaying honeycomb or trapped bees can produce a foul odor.

Any unexplained smells in your home, especially sweet or fermenting odors, could be a sign of a hidden hive decomposing behind the walls.

5. Visual Sightings of Dead Bees Indoors

If bees are nesting within your walls, it’s not uncommon to find dead bees near windows, light fixtures, or on floors.

• Bees may become disoriented indoors while trying to escape.
• A small but consistent number of dead bees inside your home can indicate an internal hive.

It’s especially important to take note of this if you have not observed open windows or doors that would otherwise explain their entry.

6. Unusual Heat Spots on Walls

Bee colonies generate significant heat, especially large hives.

• In some cases, homeowners have reported warm spots on walls, which can sometimes be detected by touch.
• These heat spots may even be noticeable with infrared or thermal imaging tools used during home inspections.

Though less common, this can be a helpful clue if combined with other signs of infestation.

7. Structural Damage Over Time

An established hive can cause more than just noise and mess—it can compromise the structural integrity of your wall.

• Honeycomb weight can damage drywall and insulation.
• Prolonged moisture from honey or wax can lead to wood rot, mold, or mildew.
• Chewed or softened wood near hive entrances may also be visible.

If left unchecked, the hive can cause costly repairs, especially if mold or water damage develops around it.

Why Bees Nest in Walls

Bees seek out wall cavities because they offer:

✔ Shelter from predators and weather.
✔ Stable temperatures for raising their brood.
✔ Easy access points through cracks, vents, or gaps in siding or roofing materials.

In Arizona, common bee nesting seasons occur during spring and early summer, although colonies can persist throughout the year in warm climates.

If you suspect you have bees living in your walls, it’s crucial to take action. DIY methods are often ineffective—and in some cases dangerous—when dealing with aggressive bee species or well-established hives.

Identifying the early signs of bees in walls can help prevent structural damage, health risks, and larger infestations. Stay observant, and consider a professional inspection to confirm what’s going on behind your walls.

AZ Professional Bee Removal for Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, and Beyond

If you’ve noticed signs of bees in your walls, don’t wait for the problem to grow. Budget Brothers Termite & Pest offers professional bee control and hive removal services in Arizona, including Tempe, Mesa, and surrounding areas. Our team safely removes hives to prevent structural damage and protect your home from future infestations.

Call Budget Brothers today for expert bee removal and keep your Arizona home safe from hidden colonies.