Bees in Your Roof? Here’s What’s Really Going On
- Pete Rizzo
- Jun 11
- 5 min read
So, have you noticed a few bees zipping in and out of your roof line?
Maybe it’s just a few for now, or maybe it’s a full-on flight path buzzing with activity. Either way, it’s got your attention.
You might be wondering: Are there bees in my roof? And what should I do about it?
We’ve seen this situation hundreds of times during our live bee removals in Las Vegas. And I’ll tell you this right now, if bees are entering your roof line, they’ve almost certainly set up shop inside.
I’m going to break down exactly why bees love roof cavities, how to know what you’re dealing with, and what steps to take next. Spoiler alert: ignoring it will only make things worse.
Why Bees Love Roof lines
Bees are always looking for safe, dry, temperature-stable places to build their hives. Here in the desert, that’s not easy to come by, especially when summer temps start pushing triple digits.
So when a scout bee discovers the perfect opening under your eaves or fascia board? Jackpot.
Inside your roof cavity, bees find:
Protection from sun and rain
Stable temperature and darkness (perfect for raising brood)
Enough space to build massive comb structures
A tiny entry hole that’s easy to defend against predators
What’s more, roof lines are often overlooked by humans—until the telltale signs start showing up.
How They Get In
Honey bees only need a hole about the size of a dime to slip inside. We’ve seen them move in through:
Gaps in fascia boards
Unsealed soffits
Loose shingles
Vents or utility openings
Cracks where roofing meets stucco or siding
It starts with a few scouts. Then the swarm arrives. Before you know it, you’ve got tens of thousands of bees living between your ceiling and your roof.
The Real Problem With Bees in Your Roof
People often think, “I’ll just let them be, they’re good for the environment, right?” We understand this line of thinking. We’re beekeepers ourselves, and we love bees. But your roof is not the place for them.
Here’s why:
1. Damage to Your Structure
Honeycomb and wax may seem innocent enough, but when it starts melting (especially in our Vegas heat), it seeps into your insulation, drywall, and wood framing.
This can bring:
Rot and warping
Mold and mildew
Ants, roaches, and rodents drawn to the scent of honey
2. Fire Hazard
Wax is highly flammable. Combine that with dry wood and electrical wiring in your attic, and you’ve got a potential fire risk.
3. Defensive Behavior
Bees aren’t usually aggressive, but when they’re defending a hive in a roof cavity, especially once brood is present, they’re far more likely to sting if disturbed. If they feel the vibrations of someone inside the house or workers on the roof, they’ll react.
4. It's Only Going to Grow
Bee colonies multiply. A hive can easily reach 40,000–60,000 bees. And once the comb starts spreading across rafters, it’s no longer a simple removal.
Signs You’ve Got Bees in the Roof
It’s not always obvious right away, but here’s what to look for:
Bee traffic flying into a small gap in your roof line, especially steady movement in and out
Buzzing or humming sounds inside walls or ceilings
Dark patches on your ceiling (melting wax or honey can stain)
Increased bee activity in the yard or around vents
Drips of honey near the entrance point (rare, but possible)
If you’re seeing bees entering at the same spot over and over again, there’s a high chance they’ve moved in.
What to Do (And What NOT to Do)
Let’s start with what not to do, because it’s important:
❌ Don’t spray them with Raid or other pesticides.
This rarely kills the whole hive, and dead bees + leftover comb = a rotting mess. Plus, poisons can seep into your home’s insulation and attract other pests. And let’s not forget: it kills the bees.
❌ Don’t seal the entrance hole.
This traps the bees inside. When they die, they rot. When they try to chew their way out, they may end up inside your living space.
❌ Don’t ignore it.
We’ve removed hives that were the size of bathtubs. The longer they’re in there, the more damage they do.
Here’s What You Should Do
✅ Step 1: Observe From a Distance
Stand back and note where the bees are going. Take a short video if possible. This can help your bee removal expert locate the hive.
✅ Step 2: Call a Live Bee Removal Expert
We’re not talking about pest control companies that’ll spray and leave. You want a licensed beekeeper that can:
Open up the area with minimal damage
Remove the bees alive and relocate them to an apiary
Clean out all wax, brood, and honey
Seal the entry properly to prevent re-infestation
At Vegas Bees, this is our bread and butter. We’ve done hundreds of these removals in everything from roofs and walls to irrigation boxes and patio covers.
✅ Step 3: Repair and Prevent
Once the bees are gone, you’ll need to seal the area tight and properly this time. In some cases, roof repairs may be necessary. Prevention is key because bees love to return to old nesting sites.
One Last Thing...
If you’re reading this because you think you might have bees in your roof, don’t wait. The earlier we can intervene, the easier (and cheaper) it is to handle. And best of all, the bees get a second chance. We relocate them to a safe and happy home where they can keep pollinating and living, just not in your ceiling.
Got questions? Think you’ve spotted some roof bees? We’re here to help.
Betsy & Pete
🐝Las Vegas’s All-Natural Live Bee Removal Team
About Us: The Authors
We’re Betsy and Pete - Beekeepers on a Mission in Las Vegas
We’re not just in the bee business, we’re in the bee-saving business. Trained by a master beekeeper and backed by hundreds of successful removals, we are dedicated to rescuing and relocating honey bees with care and precision.
Every swarm we save and every hive we manage reflects our deep love for the bees.
At our Joshua Tree Preserve in Arizona, we care for dozens of thriving hives. Some wild, some honey-bearing, and all are part of our commitment to ethical, sustainable beekeeping.
Why Vegas Bees? Because We Never Stop Learning or Caring
Beekeeping is always evolving, and so are we. We stay on the cutting edge by continuing our education, connecting with fellow beekeepers, and refining our beekeeping practices and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for both bees and people.
Whether it’s advanced bee removal strategies or the latest natural methods, we’re always one step ahead.
We’re also proud to support the beekeeping community with high-quality beekeeping supplies for everyone—from curious beginners to seasoned pros. If you’re ready to suit up and start your journey, we’ve got what you need.
