If you’ve ever heard the angry buzzing of wasps near your home or spotted a growing beehive on your property, you know how quickly a peaceful day can turn stressful. Bees and wasps are common in Nairobi and across Kenya, especially during the warmer months. While these insects play important roles in our ecosystem, they can become dangerous when they build nests too close to our homes, businesses, or schools.
At Kitutoafrica Hygiene Solutions Company, we understand the fear and frustration that comes with bee and wasp infestations. We’ve helped countless families and businesses in Nairobi safely remove these stinging insects and prevent them from coming back. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about dealing with bees and wasps in 2026, including safe removal methods, prevention strategies, and when it’s time to call the professionals.
Understanding Bees and Wasps in Nairobi
Before we talk about removal and prevention, it’s helpful to understand what we’re dealing with. Many people use the terms “bee” and “wasp” interchangeably, but they’re actually quite different creatures with different behaviors.
The Difference Between Bees and Wasps
Bees are generally rounder and fuzzier, with hairy bodies that help them collect pollen. Honey bees are the most common type you’ll see in Nairobi. They’re usually brown and orange in color, and they’re vital pollinators for our gardens and farms. Bees are typically less aggressive than wasps and will only sting when they feel threatened. The downside is that when a bee stings you, it dies, but its stinger releases pheromones that can alert other bees to attack.
Wasps have smooth, shiny bodies with a distinct narrow waist between their thorax and abdomen. Common wasps in Kenya include yellow jackets and paper wasps. They’re usually bright yellow and black. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times, and they tend to be more aggressive, especially when protecting their nests. Wasps are predators that feed on other insects, which can actually be beneficial for pest control, but they also love sugary foods and drinks, which is why they often crash outdoor gatherings.
Why Are Bees and Wasps Attracted to Your Property?
Understanding what attracts these insects to your home is the first step in prevention. Here are the main factors:
Food Sources: Bees are attracted to flowering plants, sweet fruits, and anything sugary. Wasps are drawn to protein sources like leftover food, open garbage bins, and sweet substances. If you have fruit trees, uncovered food, or poorly sealed trash bins, you’re essentially rolling out the welcome mat for these insects.
Water: Like all living creatures, bees and wasps need water. Birdbaths, leaky taps, pet water bowls, and even puddles can attract them to your property.
Shelter: Bees and wasps need safe places to build their nests. They love protected spaces like roof eaves, wall cavities, tree branches, old sheds, and even underground burrows. In Nairobi’s urban areas, buildings provide countless perfect nesting spots.
Weather Patterns: Kenya’s climate is favorable for bees and wasps year-round, but you’ll notice increased activity during the dry seasons (January to March and July to October) when they’re more actively building nests and foraging for food.
Signs of a Bee or Wasp Infestation
Catching an infestation early makes removal easier and safer. Here are the warning signs to watch for:
Increased Insect Activity
If you notice more bees or wasps than usual flying around your property, especially in the same area repeatedly, this is a clear sign. A few bees visiting your flowers is normal, but dozens of wasps hovering around your roof or wall is not.
Visible Nests
Bee nests (hives) can vary in appearance. Honey bees often build wax combs in protected cavities. You might see bees entering and exiting a small hole in your wall, roof, or tree. Wasp nests are easier to spot. Paper wasps build umbrella-shaped nests with visible hexagonal cells, usually hanging from eaves or branches. Yellow jackets often build larger, enclosed paper nests that look like gray or brown footballs, sometimes underground or in wall voids.
Buzzing Sounds in Walls
If you hear buzzing or humming sounds coming from inside your walls, ceiling, or floor, you likely have a colony living there. This is particularly common with honey bees, which can establish large colonies of thousands of bees inside wall cavities.
Chewed Wood or Mud Tubes
Some wasps chew wood to create paper for their nests. If you notice areas where wood appears to have been scraped or shredded, wasps might be the culprits. Certain bee species also create small holes or tunnels in wood.
Stings Without Obvious Cause
If you or your family members are getting stung on your property without provocation, there’s definitely a nest nearby. Wasps and bees become defensive when their nests are threatened, even if you’re just walking past unknowingly.
The Dangers of Bee and Wasp Infestations
While we respect these insects and their role in nature, we must also acknowledge the real dangers they pose when they nest too close to human activity.
Health Risks
The most obvious danger is stings. For most people, bee and wasp stings cause pain, swelling, and redness. However, some individuals are allergic to bee or wasp venom. An allergic reaction can range from severe swelling to anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, rapid pulse, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
Even if you’re not allergic, multiple stings can be dangerous. A large swarm can deliver dozens or even hundreds of stings, which can overwhelm your body’s immune system and cause serious medical complications.
Property Damage
Bees and wasps can damage your property in several ways. Large bee colonies can create extensive honeycombs in wall cavities, which can attract other pests like ants and rodents. The honey can seep through walls, creating stains and attracting more insects. The weight of a large hive can even cause structural damage over time.
Wasps that nest in wall voids can chew through insulation, wood, and even drywall. Some species damage wooden structures to collect material for nest building.
Impact on Daily Life
A bee or wasp infestation can make it impossible to enjoy your outdoor spaces. Children can’t play safely in the garden, outdoor meals become stressful, and even simple tasks like hanging laundry or tending to plants become risky.
For businesses, especially restaurants, hotels, and schools, bee and wasp problems can drive away customers, lead to health complaints, and damage your reputation.
Safe Bee and Wasp Removal Methods in Nairobi
Now let’s talk about how to safely deal with these infestations. It’s crucial to approach this carefully because improper removal can lead to aggressive attacks.
When to Remove It Yourself (Small Infestations Only)
For very small wasp nests (smaller than a tennis ball) that are in easily accessible outdoor locations, you might be able to handle removal yourself. However, we only recommend this if:
- The nest is small and newly built
- It’s in an open, easily accessible location
- You’re not allergic to stings
- You have proper protective equipment
- There are only a few wasps present
DIY Removal Steps for Small Wasp Nests:
- Choose the Right Time: Remove nests at night or very early morning when wasps are less active and all inside the nest.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, gloves, closed shoes, and ideally a face covering or beekeeping veil.
- Use Wasp Spray: Commercial wasp sprays available in Nairobi supermarkets can kill wasps on contact. Stand at a safe distance (the spray usually shoots several meters) and spray directly into the nest opening.
- Wait and Observe: After spraying, wait several hours or until the next day to ensure all wasps are dead.
- Remove the Nest: Using a long stick or tool, knock the nest into a sealed plastic bag. Dispose of it in a sealed trash bin.
- Clean the Area: Wasps leave chemical markers that can attract other wasps to build in the same spot. Wash the area with soap and water.
Important Warning: Never attempt to remove bee hives yourself. Bees are more defensive of their colonies and can swarm in large numbers. Even small bee colonies should be handled by professionals.
When to Call Professional Bee and Wasp Removal Services
At Kitutoafrica Hygiene Solutions Company, we strongly recommend professional removal in these situations:
- Large nests: Any nest larger than a tennis ball
- Bee hives: All bee colonies, regardless of size
- Difficult locations: Nests in walls, roofs, underground, or high locations
- Aggressive insects: If the wasps or bees are already acting aggressively
- Multiple nests: If you’ve discovered more than one nest on your property
- Allergies: If anyone in your household is allergic to stings
- Schools and businesses: Commercial properties should always use professional services
What Professional Removal Involves
When you contact Kitutoafrica Hygiene Solutions Company for bee or wasp removal in Nairobi, here’s what you can expect:
1. Inspection and Assessment
Our trained technicians will visit your property to identify the type of insect, locate all nests, assess the infestation level, and determine the safest removal method. We’ll also check for conditions that might attract more insects in the future.
2. Customized Removal Plan
Based on our assessment, we create a removal plan tailored to your specific situation. For bees, we prioritize humane removal methods whenever possible, including live removal and relocation by licensed beekeepers when feasible. For wasps, we use targeted treatments that eliminate the colony while minimizing environmental impact.
3. Safe Removal Process
Our technicians wear full protective gear and use professional-grade equipment. For bee removal, we may use specialized vacuums to collect bees alive, remove honeycombs, and seal entry points. For wasp removal, we apply treatments during optimal times when all wasps are in the nest, ensure complete elimination, and remove the nest structure.
4. Nest Disposal and Cleanup
We properly dispose of nests and dead insects, clean the affected area to remove pheromones and residues, and repair or seal entry points to prevent re-infestation.
5. Prevention Recommendations
We provide specific advice for your property on how to prevent future infestations, including structural repairs needed, landscaping changes to consider, and maintenance tips.
6. Follow-Up Service
We offer follow-up visits to ensure the problem is completely resolved and to check for any new activity. Our service comes with a guarantee, so if bees or wasps return to the same spot within the guarantee period, we’ll come back at no extra cost.
Prevention Tips: Keeping Bees and Wasps Away in 2026
Prevention is always better than removal. Here are proven strategies to make your Nairobi property less attractive to bees and wasps:
Eliminate Food Sources
Manage Garbage Properly: Use trash bins with tight-fitting lids. Rinse food containers before throwing them away. Keep outdoor bins away from doors and windows. Clean bins regularly to remove food residue and odors.
Control Outdoor Dining: When eating outside, keep food covered until you’re ready to eat. Clean up spills immediately. Don’t leave pet food bowls outside for long periods. Cover drinks, especially sweet ones.
Fruit Trees and Gardens: Harvest ripe fruit promptly. Pick up fallen fruit from the ground daily. Consider netting fruit trees during peak fruiting season. Plant flowering plants away from main building entrances.
Remove Water Sources
Fix leaky outdoor taps and pipes immediately. Empty and refill birdbaths daily. Don’t let water accumulate in plant saucers. Cover swimming pools when not in use. Ensure gutters drain properly and don’t create standing water.
Seal Entry Points
Building Maintenance: Seal cracks and gaps in walls, especially around windows and doors. Cover vents with fine mesh screens. Repair damaged roof tiles and eaves. Fill holes in the ground around your property. Seal gaps around utility pipes and cables entering your home.
Regular Inspections: Walk around your property monthly during warm months. Check common nesting spots like under eaves, in attics, in sheds, around chimneys, and in trees close to buildings. Early detection means easier removal.
Landscaping Strategies
Plant Selection: While you don’t need to eliminate all flowers (they’re beautiful and important for the environment), avoid planting bee-attracting flowers right next to doors and windows. Consider less attractive options near high-traffic areas.
Tree and Shrub Maintenance: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your house. Remove dead branches that could provide nesting sites. Clear dense vegetation where wasps might build ground nests.
Mulch and Ground Cover: Avoid thick mulch layers that can hide ground-nesting wasps. Keep ground cover plants well-maintained and check them regularly.
Use Natural Deterrents
Essential Oils: Wasps dislike certain scents. Peppermint oil, eucalyptus, and citronella can help deter them. Mix several drops with water in a spray bottle and apply around potential nesting sites. Reapply after rain.
Fake Nests: Paper wasps are territorial and often won’t build near existing nests. Hang fake wasp nests (available commercially or make your own with paper bags) in areas where wasps commonly nest.
Decoy Food Sources: Some people have success placing decoy food sources away from main activity areas to distract wasps, though this can sometimes attract more, so use with caution.
Seasonal Prevention
Before Peak Season (December to January): Inspect your property thoroughly. Seal potential entry points. Remove old nests (if completely abandoned). Set up preventive measures.
During Peak Season (Dry months): Stay vigilant. Check potential nesting sites weekly. Address any new nests immediately while they’re small. Maintain all prevention measures consistently.
After Peak Season: Don’t become complacent. Some species remain active year-round in Kenya’s climate. Remove abandoned nests and maintain preventive measures.
Special Considerations for Different Property Types
Residential Homes
Homes with gardens are more likely to attract bees. Focus on managing flowering plants and fruit trees. Check children’s play areas regularly, as nests here pose the greatest danger. Educate family members, especially children, about staying calm around bees and wasps and not disturbing nests.
Apartments and Flats
Check balconies and external walls regularly. Inform building management immediately if you spot nests in common areas. Coordinate with neighbors, as infestations can affect multiple units. Ensure garbage chutes and communal bins are properly maintained.
Restaurants and Food Businesses
These properties are particularly attractive to wasps. Implement strict waste management protocols with sealed bins emptied multiple times daily. Keep all food prep areas clean and free of spills. Install mesh screens on windows and doors. Consider professional quarterly inspections during peak season. Train staff to handle customer concerns professionally if wasps appear.
Schools and Childcare Centers
Children are at higher risk because they’re more likely to panic or accidentally disturb nests. Conduct weekly inspections of playgrounds and outdoor areas. Educate staff about signs of infestations. Have clear emergency protocols for sting incidents. Maintain a contract with professional pest control for rapid response.
Farms and Agricultural Settings
Farms will naturally have more bees due to crops. Locate beehives (if you keep them intentionally) away from worker areas. Provide covered break areas for farm workers. Be especially cautious around machinery sheds and storage buildings where wasps often nest.
What to Do If You’re Stung
Despite best efforts, stings can happen. Here’s what to do:
For Normal Reactions
- Move away from the area calmly to avoid further stings
- Remove the stinger if present (scrape it off with a fingernail or credit card, don’t squeeze it)
- Wash the area with soap and water
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
- Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion for itching
For Allergic Reactions
If someone shows signs of an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, rapid pulse, dizziness, hives spreading beyond the sting site):
- Call emergency services immediately (dial 999 or 112 in Kenya)
- If the person has an EpiPen or similar emergency epinephrine injector, help them use it
- Have them lie down with legs elevated
- Loosen tight clothing
- Monitor their breathing and consciousness
- Do not give them anything to drink
- If they stop breathing, begin CPR if you’re trained
After any severe allergic reaction, the person should see a doctor even if symptoms improve. They may need allergy testing and an emergency epinephrine prescription for future incidents.
Why Choose Kitutoafrica Hygiene Solutions Company?
When you need professional bee and wasp removal in Nairobi, choosing the right company matters. Here’s what sets Kitutoafrica Hygiene Solutions Company apart:
Experience and Expertise: Our technicians are trained specifically in identifying and safely removing different bee and wasp species common in Kenya. We stay updated on the latest safe removal techniques and follow international best practices.
Safety First Approach: We prioritize the safety of your family, pets, and property. Our methods minimize risk while ensuring complete removal. We use protective equipment and proven techniques to prevent aggressive swarm behavior.
Eco-Friendly Methods: We understand that bees are vital pollinators and important for Kenya’s ecosystem. Whenever possible, we partner with local beekeepers for live bee removal and relocation. For wasps, we use targeted treatments that minimize environmental impact.
Comprehensive Service: We don’t just remove the nest and leave. We clean the area, seal entry points, provide prevention advice, and offer follow-up services to ensure the problem doesn’t return.
Transparent Pricing: We provide clear quotes with no hidden fees. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for before we begin work.
Emergency Response: We understand that bee and wasp problems can be urgent, especially when someone has been stung or children are at risk. We offer rapid response services to address emergencies quickly.
Local Knowledge: As a Nairobi-based company, we understand the specific challenges of bee and wasp control in Kenya’s climate and urban environment. We know which species are common in different seasons and the most effective approaches for each.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does professional bee and wasp removal cost in Nairobi?
Costs vary depending on the size and location of the nest, type of insect, and difficulty of access. Small, accessible wasp nests might cost a few thousand shillings, while large bee colonies in difficult locations can cost more. We provide free quotes after inspection.
How long does the removal process take?
Simple wasp nest removals can be completed in one visit lasting an hour or two. Complex bee removals, especially those requiring structural work to access wall cavities, might take several hours or require multiple visits.
Will the bees or wasps come back?
If the nest is completely removed and the area properly cleaned and sealed, they won’t return to the same spot. However, if conditions remain favorable, new colonies might attempt to build elsewhere on your property, which is why our prevention advice is important.
Is it safe for my pets and children?
We use products and methods that are safe when applied correctly. We’ll advise you on any necessary precautions, such as keeping pets and children inside during treatment, and when it’s safe for normal activities to resume.
Do you work on weekends and holidays?
Yes, we understand that pest problems don’t follow a schedule. We offer weekend and holiday services, including emergency response when needed.
Conclusion
Bee and wasp infestations are common challenges for Nairobi homeowners and businesses, but they don’t have to be dangerous or stressful when handled properly. Understanding these insects, recognizing early warning signs, and taking preventive measures can help you avoid most problems. When infestations do occur, professional removal is the safest and most effective solution.
At Kitutoafrica Hygiene Solutions Company, we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing safe, effective, and eco-friendly bee and wasp removal services throughout Nairobi and across Kenya. We combine technical expertise with genuine care for our customers and the environment. Whether you’re dealing with an active infestation or want to implement preventive measures, we’re here to help.
Don’t let bees or wasps take over your property or put your family at risk. If you’ve noticed increased bee or wasp activity around your Nairobi home or business, contact Kitutoafrica Hygiene Solutions Company today. Our experienced team is ready to assess your situation, provide a customized solution, and restore your peace of mind.
Remember, when it comes to stinging insects, early intervention is always easier and less expensive than waiting until the problem grows. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and know that professional help is just a phone call away.
Contact Kitutoafrica Hygiene Solutions Company today for professional bee and wasp removal services in Nairobi and throughout Kenya. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.