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Bee removal service seeing uptick of hives in homes

Posted at 6:25 AM, Jun 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-28 09:57:17-04

RANCHO BERNARDO, Calif. (KGTV) - Bees are converting San Diego roofs and walls into their next home, and if they chose yours, thousands could be moving in.

For Rancho Bernardo resident Shari Saracino, there are currently about 40,000 bees in her wall, all from one hive.

"I love the neighborhood, but I don't need any roommates right now," said Saracino. "They've come back to vacation in my home three times."

Saracino said the bees are smart. They find vulnerable spots on the outside of homes and work their way in. For her, it was a tiny hole in her stucco wall.

"They give back to us; I have to give back to them. I just don't want them living in my wall. The whole wall could be damaged," said Saracino.

She's not the only one dealing with the problem.

Bee Man Dan owns a local bee removal service dedicated to the rescue, relocation and rehabilitation of honey bees. He believes it's not only the socially conscious choice but the most beneficial for our environment.

This summer, Bee Man Dan has seen a spike in calls for bee removal services. He said heavy rains and widespread blooming flowers have created ripe conditions for bees to thrive.

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Most often he removes hives from roofs, but colonies can make their way inside through various other cracks and holes.

Your house may be more prone to bees if you leave near a canon or if your neighbors have bee infestations. Bee Man Dan can conduct bee-proofing, sealing cracks and holes around the home.

He said if you see bees flying around certain parts of the home, like an attic or wall, it could mean there's a hive inside -- especially if that continues for three or more days.

Once removed, it's crucial to eliminate the pheromones left behind by the bees. This scent draws bees back in if not removed.

Bee Man Dan uses an essential oil-based sealant. He said some companies use expansion foam, but in his experience, that has not proved to be a viable long-term solution.