10 Hive Spots & How to Relocate Bees Safely & Humanely

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10 Common Places Bees Build Hives & What to Do About Buzzing Guests?

You’re sitting on the couch, sipping coffee, and then you hear it—a low, persistent bzzzzzz coming from somewhere in the walls.

Uh-oh.

Bees may be wonderful for flowers and food, but not so much when they build a hive inside your home.

And here's the thing: they don’t always pick obvious spots. We've seen hives tucked in planters, squeezed behind bricks, and even nested up in second-floor gutters.

The earlier you know where to look, the faster you can act before things get out of hand.

Learn the 10 most common places bees build hives—and how Bees Evictions in Oakland, CA can help you stay safe and sting-free.

Where Are Bees Building Hives Around Your Home?

Let’s break down the most common places bees build hives. These are real examples from homes just like yours—hidden, sneaky spots where a colony can thrive before you even notice.

🏠 1. Bees in Chimney Between the Flue and Bricks

One of the sneakiest hiding places? Right between the chimney flue and the bricks.

Bees love dark, warm spaces with a small opening. That space between the flue liner and the chimney bricks is a five-star resort for a swarm.

If you notice bees buzzing around the top of your chimney—or worse, buzzing sounds inside the fireplace—it’s time to take action.

Tip: Look for wax or brown stains near your fireplace walls. That’s a major red flag.

🧱 2. Bees Love Cracks in the House Exterior

Tiny crack in the siding? Bees see that as an open invitation.

Cracks in the house, especially around soffits, vents, or behind walls, are perfect entry points for bees.

Once they’re in, they’ll build fast—especially during spring and summer.

Oakland’s mild weather means bees stay active longer than in colder states. And guess what? That gives them more time to set up shop unnoticed.

How to spot it: You may see bees flying in and out of a wall corner or siding joint over and over.

The best way to avoid bees is to fix cracks or any entryway.

🪺 3. Inside a Bird House

That cute birdhouse hanging from the tree?

Bees love it just as much as birds—maybe more.

Birdhouses provide a perfect pre-made structure: dry, secure, and elevated.

If the birds suddenly stopped visiting, you might want to peek inside. We’ve removed several hives from backyard birdhouses in East Bay homes.

Pro tip: If it’s buzzing and there’s no bird chirping, don’t get close. Call a bee removal expert.

🌧️ 4. Second Floor Gutter and Eaves

You probably don’t check your second floor gutter or eaves too often—but bees do.

Rain gutters collect moisture and debris, making them attractive real estate for bees during dry spells.

We’ve pulled massive hives out from behind gutters, especially when there's a gap between the fascia board and roofline.

What to look for: Bees hovering along the roof edge or under the gutter lip.

🌿 5. Beehive in a Planter

Yes—beehive in a planter. Not just underground or in trees.

That large ceramic pot with flowers on your porch?

It’s cozy, quiet, and bees love to dig in—especially ground-nesting bees. If the soil is undisturbed and the pot offers shade, it’s prime territory.

Warning signs: Bees circling low near planters, especially during daylight hours.

Bonus Hiding Spots We've Found in Oakland Homes:

Behind outdoor light fixtures
Under floorboards of backyard decks
Inside attic insulation
Inside BBQ grills
Behind stucco walls near warm water pipes

Why Oakland Trusts Bees Evictions—26 Years and Counting

At Bees Evictions, we don’t just remove bees—we respect them. Every hive is handled carefully and humanely.

Why homeowners in Oakland choose us:

✅ 26 years of hands-on experience

✅ Licensed and insured

✅ Humane, chemical-free removals

✅ Fast response across Alameda County

✅ Friendly, transparent service (no surprise charges!)

Our trained team understands bee behavior. We know how to locate hidden hives, safely remove the colony, and prevent future infestations. Whether it's a beehive in your planter or bees in your chimney, we’ve done it before—and we’ll do it right.

Hear Buzzing? Don’t Guess—Get Bees Evictions Help.

Here’s the truth: bees won’t leave on their own. The longer you wait, the bigger the hive gets, and the harder (and more expensive) it becomes to remove.

If you're in Oakland or nearby, call Bees Evictions the moment you suspect a problem. We’ll inspect, locate, and remove the hive—without harming the bees or damaging your property.

Got bees where they don’t belong? We’ll help them find a better home.

👉 Click to schedule your bee removal service!