Although bees are vital to the local environment, they’re not something you want buzzing around your home every day. Bees play an important role in pollination and help maintain healthy gardens, farms, and ecosystems. But when they start nesting too close to your living spaces, especially in areas where children or pets play, they can become a concern for homeowners. That’s why pest control Melbourne teams focus on humane and environmentally safe treatments to gently move bees away — without harming them.
If you’ve recently noticed swarms of bees lingering in certain corners of your yard, on your fence, near the roofline, or inside wall cavities, don’t panic. Bees are not naturally aggressive unless they feel threatened. By using the right deterrents and removing attractants, you can encourage these insects to relocate on their own. For detailed guidance on handling large swarms, you can also refer to this helpful resource on how to get rid of a swarm of bees on your house.
Below, we share expert-approved tips to keep bees at bay in the simplest and safest ways possible.
Find Out Where They Nest?
Bees prefer to nest in dark, protected, enclosed spaces. They look for areas that keep them safe from predators and harsh weather, which is why you’ll often find their hives tucked away out of sight. Some of the most common places bees build nests include:
- Hollow trees or old trunks
- Garden sheds or garages
- Wall voids
- Abandoned buildings
- Under decks and patios
- Roof cavities
- Inside unused furniture or appliances left outdoors
- Caves or other natural hideouts
Roof cavities are especially popular nesting spots. If you suspect bees are active near your eaves or tiles, you can learn more about how to get rid of bees on your roof here.
To locate their nest, start by walking around your garden during warmer parts of the day when bees are most active. You may notice a “bee highway” — a trail of bees flying back and forth from one direction.
Once you have spotted the general area, take time to inspect it for cracks, crevices, and holes where bees might be entering. Even tiny openings can provide enough space for bees to build a hive.
If you find gaps, seal them immediately using:
- Exterior-grade caulking
- Expanding foam
- Mesh screens
- Timber patches
Always make sure bees are not inside the cavity when you seal it, as trapping them can cause aggressive behaviour and lead to bigger problems.
Remove Their Food Source
Bees, like all living creatures, settle where food is plenty. Their main sources of nourishment are:
- Flowering plants
- Sweet fruits
- Vegetable blossoms
- Nectar-rich shrubs
- Compost bins
- Rotting fruit under trees
If you have a large garden filled with blooms, bees will naturally visit. While this is great for pollination, it can sometimes invite them to nest nearby.
To reduce unwanted bee activity:
Avoid leaving fruit trees unmanaged
Pick up fallen fruit promptly as it can ferment and attract bees.
Trim flowering plants around entry points
Keep flowers away from windows, doors, and outdoor seating areas.
Secure compost bins
Use a lid with small ventilation holes covered by mesh to prevent bees from getting inside.
Remove overly attractive herbs
According to experts at bees control Bendigo, bees dislike the scent of certain herbs. Use strong-smelling essential oils to deter them.
Some of the most effective bee-repelling scents include:
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Thyme
- Citronella
- Lavender (for some bee species)
Make a DIY repellent spray by mixing:
- 10–15 drops of essential oil
- 1 cup of water
- A splash of vinegar
Spray this mixture on window frames, outdoor furniture, and around nest-prone areas. The goal isn’t to harm bees but to encourage them to move elsewhere.
Don’t Allow Access
Bees can enter your home or garden structures through surprisingly small openings. A tiny hole in siding, a gap under roof tiles, or a damaged vent screen is enough for a hive to grow internally — sometimes unnoticed for months.
To prevent this:
Inspect Entry Points
Check:
- Window frames
- Door edges
- Gaps in roof tiles
- Wall cracks
- Chimney openings
- Ventilation ducts
- Eaves and fascia boards
Seal Any Gaps
Use:
- Caulking
- Silicon sealant
- Exterior-grade filler
- Aluminium or steel mesh
Blocking off entry pathways makes it harder for bees to settle or rebuild hives in the same place.
Remove Abandoned Yard Equipment
Unused or abandoned equipment can become perfect nesting grounds for bees. Large hollow objects trap warm air, making them ideal homes.
Remove items like:
- Old appliances (fridges, ovens)
- Unused BBQs
- Broken outdoor cupboards
- Rusted metal drums
- Old furniture
- Discarded toys
- Wooden pallets
If you no longer need them, take the items:
- Directly to a recycling centre
- To a junkyard
- Or arrange a hard-rubbish collection
If these items are no longer needed, take them to a recycling centre, junkyard, or arrange a hard-rubbish collection. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that wasps also nest in similar spaces. Here’s a guide on how to remove a paper wasp nest in Australia in case you ever encounter one.
This simple step alone significantly reduces the chance of bees nesting on your property.
Clear Brush, Debris, and Leaf Piles
Bee activity increases when yards are cluttered. Piles of leaves, wood, or garden waste create dark, sheltered pockets where bees feel safe.
Walk around your yard and check for:
- Leaf piles
- Fallen branches
- Old mulch
- Overgrown shrubs
- Stacked woodpiles
Use a rake, gloves, and garden bags to clean up. Compost the organic material or move it far from the home.
Also ensure:
- Window screens have no holes
- Garden beds near the house are trimmed
- Rain gutters are clean to avoid moisture build-up
A tidy yard is far less attractive to bees looking for a new home. These steps also reduce the risk of wasp nests forming. For safe handling tips, visit this guide on how to get rid of a wasp nest safely.
When to Call a Professional?
While DIY measures can help with mild bee activity, some situations require expert assistance — especially when:
- A hive is already established
- Bees are entering indoor spaces
- You have allergic family members
- The nest is located at a height (roof, chimney)
- You’re unsure what type of bees they are
- The hive is very large or hard to reach
Bees are legally protected in many parts of Australia, meaning killing them is not recommended, and in some cases, illegal. Professional pest controllers specialising in bee relocation use:
- Smoke techniques
- Humane vacuum systems
- Safe hive removal procedures
- Relocation to farms or beekeepers
- Long-term prevention strategies
The experts at True Pest Control are trained to handle bees safely and ethically. They ensure bees are removed without harm and offer guidance to prevent future infestations.
Wrap-Up
Bees are incredibly important insects — they help pollinate crops, sustain ecosystems, and support plant life. While their presence is essential to nature, having them nest inside or too close to your home can be risky. Instead of resorting to harmful methods, follow the steps above to deter bees naturally.
If you find a nest inside your home or suspect bees have built a hive in a wall or roof cavity, don’t attempt to remove it yourself. Let the professionals handle it safely.
Contact True Pest Control for expert, humane, and long-lasting bee management solutions that protect both your home and the environment.
