Have you noticed more buzzing than usual around your home lately? We promise you’re not going crazy, it’s probably bees! As Kansas City starts to warm up, bees begin to make their way out of hiding—and sometimes, they decide your attic or porch looks like the perfect place to set up shop. While your first instinct might be to grab a can of bug spray, that’s not a good move and could cause a lot more harm than good.
Bees play a critical role in our environment, and in many cases, it’s actually illegal to harm them. If you think you have a hive on your hands, the safest (and smartest) move is to call in the pros. In this blog we’ll walk you through what to look for, what not to do, and how to get that hive safely and humanely removed.
Why Bees Matter (And Why You Shouldn’t Kill Them)
We get it—finding a beehive in your home can be unsettling. But before you panic or try to take matters into your own hands, let’s talk about why bees deserve a little respect (and protection).
Bees aren’t just out there buzzing around for fun—they’re hardworking pollinators that play a huge role in keeping our food supply going strong. In fact, about one-third of the food we eat depends on pollination from bees. Without them, we’d be saying goodbye to things like apples, almonds, and even coffee. (Yes, coffee!)
On top of that, bees are protected in many places, including parts of Missouri and Kansas. Certain species—like honeybees—are safeguarded by laws that prohibit killing or destroying their hives. That’s why DIY removal can quickly turn into a legal headache.
But What If Me or One of My Family Members Is Allergic?
If you or someone in your home is allergic to bee stings, we totally understand—this isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a serious safety concern. In that case, the stakes are higher, and quick action is important.
First things first: avoid the area where the hive is located, and make sure any allergic family members know to steer clear. Keep windows and doors shut near the hive, and if possible, block off indoor access to that part of the house.
Next, call a professional. Let them know there’s a bee allergy in the household so they can prioritize your situation and come prepared. We recommend Midwest Bee Removal – another local Kansas City family-owned company, because they’ve specialized in saving the bees and commercial beekeeping for over 10 years.
In the meantime, it’s a good idea to have an EpiPen or other emergency allergy medication on hand just in case, and to review your family’s emergency plan. You don’t need to panic—but you do need to act fast and let the pros take care of it.
Signs of a Beehive on Your Property
Sometimes the signs of a beehive are loud and clear—other times, they’re a little more subtle. Here’s what to watch for if you suspect some uninvited guests have moved in:
- Buzzing noises coming from walls or ceilings – If it sounds like your house is humming, and it’s not from your appliances, it could be bees nesting inside. Pay close attention to unusual sounds, especially in attics or crawlspaces.
- Bees coming and going from the same spot – Notice a steady stream of bees flying in and out of a small hole or crack near your roof, siding, or vents? That’s a red flag. Bees are creatures of habit, and they’ll keep using the same entry point(s).
- Piles of dead bees – It might seem strange, but finding dead bees around your windows, attic, or floorboards can be a sign of a hive nearby—especially if they’re showing up regularly. It often means the hive is inside your home, and the bees are getting disoriented trying to find a way out.
If you’re seeing (or hearing) any of these signs, don’t ignore them. The sooner you call in a professional, the easier and safer it’ll be to handle.
What Not to Do
We know it’s tempting to take matters into your own hands—especially when there are buzzing insects involved—but when it comes to beehives, a DIY approach can make things a lot worse (and a lot more dangerous). Here’s what not to do if you find a hive on your property:
Don’t spray them with household insecticide
Bees aren’t like ants or roaches—spraying them with bug spray can be harmful to you, your pets, and the environment. Plus, it likely won’t eliminate the hive and could cause the bees to become more aggressive.
Don’t seal the hive or try to trap them inside
It might seem like a good idea to block off the entrance, but this can backfire quickly. Trapped bees may find their way deeper into your home—or worse, die inside your walls and attract other pests.
Don’t try to remove a hive without proper protection or training
Even if the hive looks small or inactive, disturbing it without the right gear or know-how can be risky. Bees will defend their home if they feel threatened—and getting stung by one angry bee is bad enough, let alone dozens.
Bottom line? Don’t risk your safety (or theirs). Call a professional who knows how to handle the situation safely and humanely.
Beehive Prevention Tips
The best way to deal with a beehive? Stop one from forming in the first place. While there’s no foolproof method to keep bees away, there are some simple steps you can take to make your home less inviting to a swarm looking to settle down:
- Seal up small cracks and gaps – Bees can squeeze into surprisingly small spaces. Check around your roofline, siding, vents, and windows for any openings—and seal them up with caulk or mesh before bees spot them first.
- Inspect your attic and exterior each spring – Spring is prime time for bee activity. A quick seasonal checkup of your attic, eaves, and outbuildings (like sheds or detached garages) can help you catch any hive-building early, before it becomes a bigger issue.
- Install screens on vents and chimney caps – These are common entry points for bees, especially if they’re left uncovered. Make sure your home is equipped with fine mesh screens to block access without disrupting airflow.
- Keep yard waste and woodpiles tidy – Loose stacks of firewood, yard debris, or even old furniture can be attractive to swarming bees looking for a sheltered spot. Keep things clean and well-organized to avoid creating unintentional bee hotels.
- Limit sweet smells near entry points – If you love a good outdoor BBQ or have flowering plants near your home, try to keep sugary drinks, fruit, and floral scents away from doors and windows—those sweet smells are bee magnets.
- Address previous hive spots – Bees are known to return to old hive locations. If you’ve had a hive removed before, it’s a good idea to have that area cleaned and deodorized to discourage any return visits.
While bees are part of a healthy ecosystem, your home doesn’t need to be part of their long-term plan. A little prevention now can save you a lot of buzzing headaches later.
Leave It to the Pros
If you think you’ve got a beehive on your hands, don’t stress—and definitely don’t go it alone. Safe and responsible removal is a job for licensed professionals who know how to handle bees the right way.
At Gunter, we work with trusted local experts (including beekeepers) who specialize in humane hive removal. That means safely relocating the hive—not exterminating it—so the bees can continue doing their important pollinating work somewhere a little less… residential.
