Problem
In Australia, springtime brings with it the natural phenomenon of bee swarming. As hives become overcrowded, the queen and thousands of worker bees set off in search of a new home. While tree hollows and rock crevices are ideal, cavity brick walls in homes - especially those with unprotected weep holes - can be just as inviting. One Brisbane homeowner discovered this the hard way. Her low-set brick home became the target of a migrating swarm. She noticed bees flying in and out of a weep hole and their numbers growing rapidly. Without intervention, the bees could have established a hive inside the wall cavity, leading to structural damage, sticky honey residue and a costly removal process.
Requirement
The property featured unprotected weep holes that required both immediate attention and long-term safeguarding. The priority was the safe removal of the bee swarm to reverse and further prevent hive establishment within the wall cavity. Following this, a reliable and timely retrofit solution was needed to protect the weep holes and prevent future infestations.
Solution
Acting quickly, the homeowner contacted Nicky from Macbee Honey, Hives & Rescue. Using a thermal imaging camera, Nicky and her assistant David located the hive within the wall cavity. They carefully cut into the plasterboard to access the bees, eventually capturing the queen and placing her in a transport box outside the weep hole. The rest of the swarm followed the queen's scent, exiting the wall cavity and entering the box. Later that evening, the bees were safely relocated. To prevent future infestations, Nicky recommended installing Weepa's Protector Weep Hole Screens - a simple, effective solution to keep bees and other pests out of wall cavities.
Benefits
This case highlights how quickly a bee swarm can become a serious issue for homeowners. By acting fast and choosing the right solution, the homeowner avoided long-term damage and disruption. Installing Weepa's Protector Weep Hole Screens provides peace of mind, knowing the home is now protected against future swarms. These screens are designed to prevent pests from entering wall cavities while maintaining ventilation and compliance with Australian Standards. 
With a smart, simple design and easy installation, Protector Weep Hole Screens offer a reliable way to safeguard homes from the seasonal threat of bee swarms - before the buzzing begins.
Location: Bray Park, Brisbane, QLD
Apiarist: Nicky, Macbee Honey, Hives & Rescue
Product: Protector Weep Hole Screen