What to Expect During a Bee Treatment
Bee activity around a home or business may involve bees establishing a nest in a wall cavity, roof space or another part of the property.
Before contacting Surekill for bee treatment, we recommend contacting a beekeeper first. A beekeeper may be able to advise whether the bees can be collected or relocated without the need for pest-control treatment.
If a beekeeper is unable to assist and treatment is required, Surekill Pest Control may be able to provide a targeted treatment to control the bee activity. Treatment generally involves applying an appropriate insecticidal dust at the bees' entry point so that bees entering and leaving the nest come into contact with the treatment.
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Booking Information
Contact a Beekeeper First
Before booking a bee treatment with Surekill Pest Control, we recommend contacting a beekeeper first to determine whether they can assist with collecting or relocating the bees.
If a beekeeper is unable to assist and pest-control treatment is required, contact Surekill to discuss the bee activity and whether treatment is appropriate.
Booking and Treatment Time
Bee treatments generally take approximately 30 minutes, although treatment time can vary depending on the location of the nest, accessibility and the circumstances at the property.
Your scheduled booking time is an arrival window. For example, if your arrival window is between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon, your technician may arrive at any time during that period. Please allow additional time after the arrival window for the treatment to be completed.
Before Your Appointment
When contacting Surekill, let us know where the bees are entering the building or where you have observed the most activity. Please do not block or seal the entry point before treatment, as the technician needs access to the area being used by the bees.
Weather Conditions
Bee treatments may be affected by rain or unsuitable weather conditions. If weather conditions could affect the safe or effective application of the treatment, Surekill may contact you to reschedule the service.
Licensed and Insured Technicians
Surekill Pest Control is fully insured, and our pest management technicians are appropriately licensed and follow relevant EPA requirements and product label directions when carrying out bee treatments.
Payment Options
Payment can be made by EFT/bank transfer, cash, EFTPOS or credit card. Payment is required before treatment commences.
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Preparing for Your Bee Treatment
Keep the Bee Entry Point Accessible
Do not block, seal or interfere with the area where the bees are entering the building before treatment. Your technician will need to identify and access the entry point to carry out the treatment.
Keep People Away from the Area
Keep children and other people away from the area where bees are active. Avoid standing near, disturbing or attempting to interfere with the nest or entry point.
Pets
Keep pets away from the area where the bees are active and from areas that will be treated. Remove pet food and water bowls from the treatment area.
Fish Ponds and Bird Cages
Cover fish ponds and bird cages if they are located near the treatment area to prevent exposure during treatment.
Windows and Doors
Close nearby windows and doors before treatment to help prevent bees or treatment products from entering the building.
Water Tanks
Let your technician know if there is a water tank or water collection system near the treatment area so appropriate precautions can be taken.
Chemical Sensitivities
Tell Surekill before the appointment if anyone at the property has a known chemical sensitivity. People with chemical sensitivities should remain away from treated areas for 24 hours, or until the treatment has completely dried and the area has been adequately ventilated, whichever is longer.
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Before Treatment
Discuss the Bee Activity
When your technician arrives, show them where you have been seeing the bees and identify the entry point or areas where activity has been occurring.
Let the technician know if the location or level of bee activity has changed since the service was booked.
Assess the Treatment Area
Your technician will assess the bee activity, entry point and surrounding area before treatment begins. This helps determine whether the treatment can be carried out safely and where the product should be applied.
Environmental and Safety Assessment
Before applying the treatment, your technician will consider surrounding conditions and any potential risks to people, pets, neighbouring properties, water sources and other sensitive areas.
Keep Clear During Treatment
People and pets should remain away from the treatment area while the service is being carried out. Follow any additional safety instructions provided by your technician.
Do Not Seal the Entry Point
Do not seal the bees' entry point before treatment. The entry point needs to remain accessible so the treatment can be applied to the area being used by the bees.
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Bee Treatment Process
Targeted Treatment
Where pest-control treatment is required, the technician will apply an appropriate insecticidal dust to the entry point being used by the bees.
The treatment is designed so bees entering and leaving the nest come into contact with the treated area.
Wall Cavities and Concealed Nests
Honey bees may establish nests inside wall cavities, roof spaces and other concealed areas of a building. Where the nest itself cannot be directly accessed, treatment is targeted to the accessible entry point being used by the bees.
During Treatment
Bee activity may increase or change while the treatment is being carried out. Keep people and pets away from the area and do not approach or disturb the bees.
Your technician will advise when it is safe to access the area again.
Treatment Depends on the Situation
The treatment will depend on where the bees have established their nest, the location of the entry point and whether the area can be safely accessed and treated.
Surekill does not physically remove the bee nest, honey or honeycomb from within a wall or other concealed cavity.
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After Your Bee Treatment
Keep Away from the Treated Area
Keep people and pets away from the treated area and avoid touching or disturbing the entry point. Follow any additional instructions provided by your technician.
Bee Activity After Treatment
You may continue to see bee activity around the entry point after treatment. Avoid approaching or interfering with the bees while the treatment is taking effect.
If significant activity continues, contact Surekill Pest Control so we can discuss what you are seeing and advise whether further assessment is required.
Do Not Seal the Entry Point Immediately
Do not seal the bee entry point immediately after treatment. Your technician will advise when the area can be sealed.
Honey and Honeycomb in Wall Cavities
Where honey bees have established a nest inside a wall or other concealed cavity, honey and honeycomb may remain after the bees have been controlled.
Surekill's bee treatment does not include opening the structure or removing the nest, honey or honeycomb. If these materials need to be removed, an appropriate tradesperson may be required to access the cavity.
Watch for Secondary Pest Activity
Honey or other material remaining within an established nest may attract ants or other pests. If you notice pest activity around the former nesting area after treatment, contact Surekill for advice.
Reducing Future Bee Problems
Seal Entry Points
Once the treatment has been completed and your technician advises that the entry point can be closed, seal gaps, cracks and openings that could allow bees to enter wall cavities, roof spaces or other concealed areas.
Repair Gaps Around the Building
Check areas around rooflines, eaves, wall penetrations, vents and other openings where bees may be able to gain access. Appropriate repairs can help reduce opportunities for another colony to establish in the same area.
Mortar Bee Activity
If mortar bees are nesting in deteriorated or poor-quality mortar, repeated insecticide treatment may not provide a permanent solution.
Repairing or replacing affected mortar with suitable high-quality mortar can help prevent the bees from excavating new nesting burrows.
Watch for New Bee Activity
Keep an eye on areas where bees have previously entered the building. If you notice bees repeatedly entering and leaving an opening, investigate the activity before a nest becomes well established.
Contact a Beekeeper First
If new honey bee activity develops, contact a beekeeper first to see whether they can assist with collecting or relocating the bees.
If a beekeeper is unable to assist and pest-control treatment is required, contact Surekill Pest Control to discuss whether treatment is appropriate.
