Rescuing Thousands of Honeybees from a Pennsylvania Home

Imagine discovering thousands of honeybees making themselves at home within the walls of your house. That’s exactly the predicament one homeowner in Homestead, Pennsylvania, found herself in.

The bustling bee colony had become quite a bother in the neighborhood, causing concern among neighbors and even prompting the mail carrier to consider halting deliveries.

Not knowing what to do, the homeowner reached out to HoneyBee Blues, a local business known for their expertise in removing swarms and hives.

Joe Kellems, co-owner of HoneyBee Blues, shared that incidents like these are more common than one might think, often going unnoticed until they escalate. Joe and his partner, Dawan Johnson, regularly respond to calls for bee removal, often offering their services free of charge to those facing financial difficulties.

Upon arriving at the homeowner’s residence, Joe and Dawan embarked on the intricate task of relocating the sizable bee colony. Dressed in protective gear to avoid disturbing the bees, they carefully extracted the colony from the walls, a painstaking process that took over four hours.

Using thermal imaging technology, Joe meticulously pinpointed the bees’ location within the structure before devising a plan to remove them. With patience and precision, they gently removed the honeycomb from the wall, ensuring the bees remained calm throughout the process.

Once the bees were safely relocated, the cleanup began. Stray comb pieces and loose bees were removed, and any openings in the walls were sealed to prevent future infestations. The bees were then integrated into Joe’s own bee farm, ensuring they could continue their vital role in pollination.

Despite the challenges they faced, Joe recalls the homeowner expressing immense gratitude once the bees were safely removed. He stressed the importance of regular home maintenance to prevent similar incidents, emphasizing the need to maintain window seals and address potential entry points for bees.

In conclusion, incidents like these highlight the invaluable role of local beekeeping organizations in assisting homeowners facing bee infestations. By seeking help promptly and taking preventive measures, homeowners can reduce the risk of encountering similar situations in the future.

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