After cutout, how to keep bees from returning?

[Grid]

I may have a cutout this weekend.  Other than filling the cavity with foam insulation, how can you keep bees from returning?  Is there anything you can place in the cavity (moth balls?) to keep the bees from returning?

Thanks.
Grid.

[riverrat]

i dont do repairs when i do removals I will recommend things to the home owner. I dont have them fill the cavity with spray foam. The best gaurd against them returning is to make sure the cavity is sealed bee tight where they cant get back in

[Scadsobees]

Are you talking short term as you are cutting it out, or long term for swarms that may want to make another home there?

Just close it up good.  You can try the repellent stuff...  bee go, honey robber, bee quick...I think moth balls would work too. Close it up good, cover the holes with wire mesh, stuff cracks with steel wool.  Yup, and foam insulation all over the place....

Mostly though get the wax and honey smell out as best as possible.

I don't have a ton of experience, but if you can get the bees out with a bee vac they can't get back.  Or if you don't, leave the hive that you cut out behind and nearby, and the bees will find their way back to that, pick it up later at night.

Have fun! :)

[iddee]

Have the homeowner or the repairman to fill the void with fiberglass insulation, packed tightly.

[Grid]

Thanks all.  Going out to take a look tomorrow.  Should be interesting!

[JP]

I may have a cutout this weekend.  Other than filling the cavity with foam insulation, how can you keep bees from returning?  Is there anything you can place in the cavity (moth balls?) to keep the bees from returning?

Thanks.
Grid.

There is nothing you can put in a cavity previously occupied by bees to deter swarms from returning that will have any long term effect.

Honey Bee's sense of smell is beyond our comprehension.

The only sure way is to bee proof (seal) the area.


...JP

[iddee]

Or fill the void, or both. They have to have a place to hang comb. That's why i recommend tightly packed fiberglass.

[Grid]

They are bees, not wasps.  They're going into a gap between the bricks and garage door frame in the top right corner.  The garage sits under a second story bedroom, built in to the house.  The ceiling and wall of the garage inside are enclosed with plywood.  I'm hoping the bees are in there, and not up in the walls of the bedroom.  The owners are going to clear the corner in the garage - couldn't get to it - and start removing plywood.  I will hear from them in the next day or two.  Be nice to get them. 

This couple bought the house 8 years ago, noticed there were bees, and just left them alone.  They were thinking of putting a provision on the sale of the house that the bees had to be left alone!  Nice people.  :)