Bruce from Orinda, Ca (near Sf). writes
We have a 40' long solar structure and honey bees have now made up nests between 2 X 6 structural members which has roofing on the top side and plywood underneath. The bees enter from the far side between the roofing which happens to be 20 ft. in the air and not easy to get to. I have drilled 1/4" holes thru the plywood on the underside and attached 6 ft. lengths of vinyl tubing thru which I have attempted to spray off the shelf insecticides and also a strong detergent solution. Even tried ammonia. But to no avail. Much as we love the bees we have leak repairs to be done and need new roofing and no one will go near. The bees also now sting children also. There are about 20 sections between the 2 x 6's and we must have at least 6 hives. My recent thought has been to fumigate then remove the plywood to remove the nests, but the bees have to be done-in somehow first. Your suggestions please, and thanks!
Honey bees are in steep decline and the law dictates they should only be killed after a bee keeper has been consulted and cannot help safely remove the colony. You can locate local bee keepers by contacting your local cooperative extension office. We are not sure what a solar structure is but if you can somehow get close to the exterior entrance the bees are using you can apply a product such as Termidor SC. Termidor is a non-repellent and will be transferred from bee to bee and will typically take about a week to two weeks to control a colony.
Answer last updated on: 03/26/2013
