Bee Hive on Your Balcony or Wall: What to Do First

A hive near your home is stressful, but calm, correct steps keep everyone safe.

The short answer

Stay calm, keep everyone, including children and pets, away from the hive, and do not disturb, spray, smoke or throw things at it. Close doors and windows nearby, note the location and size, take photos from a distance and call a professional or a trained bee rescuer. Do not attempt DIY removal.

Do first

1. Move people and pets indoors and away.
2. Close nearby doors and windows.
3. Do not poke, spray, smoke or burn the hive.
4. Photograph from a safe distance.
5. Call a professional or bee rescuer.

Do not

• Try to remove it yourself.
• Use fire or water jets.
• Block the entrance.

Why caution

• Disturbed bees can attack in numbers.
• Stings can be dangerous for allergic people.

When to call a professional

Call a professional for any hive near your home. Do not attempt removal yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Are all bees dangerous?

Many are docile unless disturbed.

Can hives be relocated?

Often, by trained people.

Will bees leave on their own?

Swarms may; established hives do not.

When is it urgent?

If the hive is at an entrance or near children.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on bee and wasp control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full bee and wasp control guide for Bangalore.