Homeowner's Grandchildren Report Strange Noises: 180,000 Bees Discovered in Bedroom Ceiling

A surprising discovery was made in a house in Inverness where approximately 180,000 bees were found living inside the ceiling. The bees, believed to have been residing above the plasterboard ceiling of a spare bedroom for several years, had formed three colonies, each containing up to 60,000 bees. The homeowner’s grandchildren initially reported hearing buzzing sounds at night, which led to the uncovering of this massive hive.

Andrew Card of the Loch Ness Honey Company was called in to handle the situation. Card, a beekeeper, relocated the swarm to temporary hives and plans to monitor them for parasites over the next few weeks before using them for honey production next year. He shared a video on social media showcasing the immense size of the hive and discussing the task ahead. According to Card, the first colony might be around seven years old, with the other two forming more recently, making this the largest hive he has ever dealt with.

The homeowner noticed the bee problem while performing maintenance on the roof and saw a swarm entering the bathroom, prompting a call to Card. Card used a thermal imaging camera to locate the bees, finding a much larger hive than anticipated. "I was expecting maybe three feet worth but each one of them was between six and eight feet," Card explained. The hive’s size was beyond his expectations, containing between 150,000 and 180,000 bees, significantly larger than a typical colony this time of year, which usually has around 50,000 bees.

Why this matters: The discovery of such a large bee colony highlights the importance of bees to our ecosystem. Bees play a crucial role in pollination, which is essential for the growth of many crops and plants. The relocation of the bees to temporary hives by Card underscores a commitment to conservation, ensuring that the bees are monitored and eventually used for honey production. This action not only preserves the bees but also supports biodiversity.

The incident also sheds light on the challenges of urban beekeeping and the unexpected places where bees can establish colonies. The thermal imaging technology used by Card is an example of modern methods employed to address such challenges. It allows beekeepers to accurately locate and safely remove bee colonies, minimizing harm to the bees and disruption to the homeowners.

For the homeowner, the presence of such a large bee colony posed a significant issue, both in terms of the immediate danger from potential stings and the structural integrity of the house. The buzzing noises reported by the grandchildren, which led to the discovery, highlight the need for homeowners to be vigilant about unusual sounds or signs of pests. The removal process, while necessary, can be invasive and costly, impacting the homeowner’s peace of mind and finances.

Key Takeaways

• Approximately 180,000 bees were found living inside a house’s ceiling in Inverness, forming three large colonies.
• The bees were safely relocated to temporary hives by beekeeper Andrew Card and will be monitored for parasites before being used for honey production.
• Thermal imaging technology was crucial in accurately locating the bees, highlighting advancements in urban beekeeping methods.
• The incident underscores the essential role of bees in pollination and the importance of conservation efforts.
• The discovery and removal of such a large hive posed significant challenges for the homeowner, emphasizing the need for vigilance regarding unusual signs of pests.