Size of Gaps: Honey bees and wasps can enter through openings as small as 2mm. In some cases even smaller and may even manipulate themselves through certain materials like plasterboard with smaller holes or cracks. Whereas Asian bumble bees tend to need slightly larger gaps. This highlights the need for property owners to monitor potential entry points such as cracks and gaps, vents, windows, doors, chimneys, fireplaces etc that might allow entry. 

Be vigilant. This includes limiting indoor and outdoor lighting, sealing entry points, controlling attractants, and staying vigilant.

To effectively prevent bee and wasps from entering, it’s advisable to seal any gaps that are 2 mm or larger however, occasionally they can get through smaller gasps. Use suitable materials such as: 

• Caulk: Fill small gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and utilities.

• Towels and Masking Tape: Use e.g. towels to block gaps temporarily if bees have entered the property and secure them with dark masking tape, do not use clear tape as that won't stop the light attraction. 

• Foam Sealant: Useful for larger openings, especially around utility entry points. It is not recommended to seal wasps or bees into cavities.

• Screens: Effective for covering vents and larger openings.

• Netting / Meshing of a suitable size and airflow rating to conform with building, fire and gas regulations

• Seal Off Areas: Seal off areas around the loft hatch to limit access using dark tape.

• Inspect for ALL potential Cracks and Gaps: Check your property for gaps, cracks, and openings, particularly around windows, doors, vents, and building foundations. Sealing these entry points can help prevent bees from entering the building. While we know this can be looking for a needle in a haystack - unfortunately, if there is space, bees and wasps can fly or crawl around cavities and under floor boards. This can sometimes allow for scouts to find small gaps and appear in the property. Typically attracted by chinks of light.
  
  

• Close Doors and Windows: if a swarm has recently landed Ensure all doors and windows are closed or screened properly to keep bees from gaining access indoors.
  
  

• Window and Door Seals: Check for worn or damaged seals around windows and doors. Gaps in floor boards, under doors, open windows etc.
  
  

• Utility Openings: Look at spaces where utilities enter the home, such as electrical conduits, plumbing pipes, and any holes for wires etc leading into walls, floors and ceilings. Such as behind the kitchen, bathroom units, airing cupboards, boilers etc
  
  

• Fascias and Soffits: Ensure there are no gaps in fascias and soffits, checking that joiners and corners are in place and soffit has been sealed where it meets the wall
  
  

• Foundation and Structural Cracks: Inspect for cracks in the foundation, walls, and other structural elements.
  
  

• Loft Areas: Pay special attention to gaps around the loft hatch and areas where pipes and wires penetrate floors or ceilings.

• Light fixtures: check for gaps around cabling and fixtures

Minimise Light Exposure: If feasible, reduce light shining through gaps into cavities, as it can attract wasps and bees. Cover gaps with towels or temporary light blocking barriers as needed.Reduce indoor and outdoor lighting near the nest or areas where their is wasp or bee active. They can be attracted to lights, especially at night. This includes down chimney shaft and gaps around the fire place.

Loft Lighting: If there is no fire risk, leaving a light on in the loft area may help attract wasps and bees upwards rather than into living spaces. However, this should be done with caution to ensure safety.

During Daytime

When wasps or bees are in a room they will generally go towards the brightest light source. 

So, reduce / switch off lights in the room - endeavour to have the window open or open the room's door that leads outside so that it is the brightest light attractant. In many cases they should find their way out. Although, that might not be the case for all of them.
If the window or the room's door leading outside is closed it's not uncommon to see wasps or bees gathering near the window. After a while many / if not all will become lethargic however, if the window is then opened and fresh air comes in you may see them begin to take flight.

Day to Night

Wasps and bees generally go towards the brightest light source, as the sky becomes darker and lights go on, there is an increased risk of attracting wasps or bees to the light source. This also applies if they are in the loft space. 

Inform people at the property: Ensure that everyone, especially children and  vulnerable people are aware of the situation and understand the risks associated with wasp and bees, emphasising the importance of avoiding areas where they are active.

Keep pets away. Cats, dogs, rabbits etc often try to catch wasps and bees that come to the ground - a sting in the tongue can cause allergic reactions and the animals tongue can  swell. This can need immediate vet attention and can be life threatening. 

• You MUST only monitor for activity from a safe distance - if you have any concerns - do not do it.

• Observe Signs: Keep an eye out for increased bee activity around your property, particularly near potential entry points. Early detection of issues can allow for prompt action.

• Under roof tiles

• Fascias and soffits

• Chimney stacks

• Air vents

• Bushes / trees

• Rockeries/ garden walls etc