How to Discourage Bees From the Soffit Overhang

Bees are helpful around the garden and should not be exterminated.

The soffit is the area where a roof extends past the outside wall of a house. The soffit serves as an attractive place for bees to form a nest. Bees like to make their home under the soffit because the overhang protects their nest from the elements. If you are diligent about regularly inspecting your home, you can ward off bees before they take residence under the soffit.

Things You'll Need

• Mothballs or other object with a strong odor
• White vinegar
• Cover for outdoor pools and tubs
• 2 oz. of pine-scented cleaner (optional)
• Caulk

Instructions

1. Place mothballs or another object with a strong odor on the ground close to the house.

2. Do not stack firewood against the house as bees are attracted to old dead wood.

3. Add five drops of vinegar to any birdbath and pet water.

4. Cover outdoor pools and tubs when they are not in use. Inspect the yard every month for bees. Look for signs of several bees hanging around under the soffit.

5. Remove trash or debris that could provide shelter for bees and attract them to your area. Examples of this are tires, unused flowerpots and cardboard boxes.

6. Place 2 oz. of pine-scented cleaner in the water of your evaporative cooler.

7. Walk around the outside of the house and look for holes in the soffit area. Fill any openings or holes with caulk.

References

• Arizona University: Africanized Honey Bees: How to Bee-Proof Your Home
• University of Kentucky; Controlling Nuisance Honey Bees; Ric Bessin