How to Keep Bees
Out of Your Irrigation Box
This page may contain affiliate links. Learn more.
In Arizona, it’s not uncommon to find bees moving into unexpected places—and one of their favorites? Your irrigation box.
These underground utility boxes are surprisingly perfect from a bee’s perspective. But for humans, they can cause problems if left unchecked. Here’s why bees love them, what to do if you spot a colony, and how to prevent future infestations.
Why Bees Choose Irrigation Boxes in Arizona
Bees in the desert are on the lookout for cool, safe spaces—especially in spring and early summer when swarming season hits. Irrigation boxes are:
Cool and moist – These underground spots offer a break from the intense desert heat.
The perfect size – Believe it or not, most irrigation boxes are about the same size as a standard Langstroth hive, which makes them ideal real estate for a swarm.
What to Do if You See Bees Going In and Out of Your Box
If you notice bee traffic around your irrigation box, resist the urge to investigate yourself.
- Don’t open it. Opening the lid could aggravate the colony and put you at risk of stings. It also usually disconnects the hanging comb from the lid, causing it to collapse on the bees and possibly killing the queen.
-
Call a beekeeper—not an exterminator. A local beekeeper can safely remove and relocate the colony, allowing it to continue thriving. Beekeepers simply dismantle the hive and put it back together in a hive box. It takes knowledge and experience to select the best brood comb and attach it to frames the right way. It is also important that they find the queen and move her into the hive.
Important Note: Nearly all bees in Arizona are Africanized. Don’t let someone convince you they are not able to save them because they are Africanized. (A common justification made by exterminators.) Be sure to ask where the bees are going to go when interviewing the bee removal specialist. Exterminators don’t have a place to put bees because they are not beeKEEPERS. It is not acceptable to just dump bees in the desert or by a stream or tree. They must be placed in an apiary.
How to Keep Bees From Moving in to your Irrigation Box in the First Place
Once a colony is removed, or if your box is currently empty, you can take simple steps to prevent future bee problems:
Fill the space. Use an old pillow, crumpled plastic bags, bubble wrap, or insulation to make the space less appealing. This is the most reliable method of prevention because even if the bees do get in, there is no space for them to build their nest.
Seal the entrance. Use duct tape, caulk, or spray foam insulation to close up any gaps or holes. If you aren’t comfortable with putting something in your valve box, at lease seal any holes. Remember, bees only need a hole or crack the size of a pencil eraser to enter. Not all irrigation boxes seal well, and sometimes there are gaps in the soil around them.
Special Considerations
Be sure not to block access if your irrigation system still needs ventilation or maintenance access—but most boxes have plenty of room to protect your system and deter bees. Also let your landscaper know what you are doing so they stick with your plan and put things back each time.
Need help with bees in your irrigation box?
If you have bees in your irrigation box (or anywhere you don’t want them), send me a message and I’ll help guide you to a safe, bee-friendly solution.
Honeybees are worth saving, and I love giving them a new home.
I’m Here For You
For weekly updates on beekeeping in Arizona and what do do with your bee products, sign up for my newsletter. You’ll also receive a FREE Quick Guide to Beekeeping in Arizona. You’ll love it!
If you would like more personalized help, book a mentorship session with me. Simply send me a message and we can set it up.
Pin Me!
Related Posts
How to Keep Bees
Out of Your Irrigation Box
This page may contain affiliate links. Learn more.
In Arizona, it’s not uncommon to find bees moving into unexpected places—and one of their favorites? Your irrigation box.
These underground utility boxes are surprisingly perfect from a bee’s perspective. But for humans, they can cause problems if left unchecked. Here’s why bees love them, what to do if you spot a colony, and how to prevent future infestations.
Why Bees Choose Irrigation Boxes in Arizona
Bees in the desert are on the lookout for cool, safe spaces—especially in spring and early summer when swarming season hits. Irrigation boxes are:
Cool and moist – These underground spots offer a break from the intense desert heat.
The perfect size – Believe it or not, most irrigation boxes are about the same size as a standard Langstroth hive, which makes them ideal real estate for a swarm.
What to Do if You See Bees Going In and Out of Your Box
If you notice bee traffic around your irrigation box, resist the urge to investigate yourself.
- Don’t open it. Opening the lid could aggravate the colony and put you at risk of stings. It also usually disconnects the hanging comb from the lid, causing it to collapse on the bees and possibly killing the queen.
-
Call a beekeeper—not an exterminator. A local beekeeper can safely remove and relocate the colony, allowing it to continue thriving. Beekeepers simply dismantle the hive and put it back together in a hive box. It takes knowledge and experience to select the best brood comb and attach it to frames the right way. It is also important that they find the queen and move her into the hive.
Important Note: Nearly all bees in Arizona are Africanized. Don’t let someone convince you they are not able to save them because they are Africanized. (A common justification made by exterminators.) Be sure to ask where the bees are going to go when interviewing the bee removal specialist. Exterminators don’t have a place to put bees because they are not beeKEEPERS. It is not acceptable to just dump bees in the desert or by a stream or tree. They must be placed in an apiary.
How to Keep Bees From Moving in to your Irrigation Box in the First Place
Once a colony is removed, or if your box is currently empty, you can take simple steps to prevent future bee problems:
Fill the space. Use an old pillow, crumpled plastic bags, bubble wrap, or insulation to make the space less appealing. This is the most reliable method of prevention because even if the bees do get in, there is no space for them to build their nest.
Seal the entrance. Use duct tape, caulk, or spray foam insulation to close up any gaps or holes. If you aren’t comfortable with putting something in your valve box, at lease seal any holes. Remember, bees only need a hole or crack the size of a pencil eraser to enter. Not all irrigation boxes seal well, and sometimes there are gaps in the soil around them.
Special Considerations
Be sure not to block access if your irrigation system still needs ventilation or maintenance access—but most boxes have plenty of room to protect your system and deter bees. Also let your landscaper know what you are doing so they stick with your plan and put things back each time.
Need help with bees in your irrigation box?
If you have bees in your irrigation box (or anywhere you don’t want them), send me a message and I’ll help guide you to a safe, bee-friendly solution.
Honeybees are worth saving, and I love giving them a new home.
I’m Here For You
For weekly updates on beekeeping in Arizona and what do do with your bee products, sign up for my newsletter. You’ll also receive a FREE Quick Guide to Beekeeping in Arizona. You’ll love it!
If you would like more personalized help, book a mentorship session with me. Simply send me a message and we can set it up.
Pin Me!
