When Not To Treat
for Honey Bee
Resist the urge to spray. Per UC IPM, even though pesticides are labeled to kill bees inside structures, that route tends to create more trouble than it solves. Source: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74159.html A large pile of dead bees holds its moisture and rots in place, giving off a foul stench, and fluid draining from the mass often soaks into the building and forces costly repairs. Source: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74159.html The abandoned comb does the same: with the colony gone, no bees remain to fan and cool the wax, so combs can soften and bleed honey and wax stains through walls. Source: https://bees.caes.uga.edu/beekeeping-resources/other-topics/honey-bee-swarms-and-bees-in-walls0.html A passing swarm that has not yet built comb is best left undisturbed; bees on the move that never settle pose no real issue. Source: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74159.html