I have a problem with bees around my house. They come back each year and build a nest in different locations. One year in the attic, one year under the porch, another year even in my basement. What is the best way to discourage them from returning to my house?

The bees leave behind a scent that is very powerful and attracts new bees for years to come. When a hive is removed, you need to clean the area with strong disinfectants and spend a good bit of time sealing the openings around the outside with silicone caulk. The rule of thumb is: remove the bees and seal the entire side of the building. If you can slip a piece of paper into a crack, caulk it.

On the side of our home, we noticed bees going into the corner of the upper deck under the trim piece. Bees are also getting inside our home. But we have had a hard time locating where they are coming in. We taped up the vents in the bathroom, but they still come in. We tried to seal up this section of the trim. However, I am concerned that there may be other places as well that the bees may be entering. What is our best approach? The house is located in the Pocono's where it tends to get very cold during the winter. Will that destroy them? Or do we need a professional exterminator?

You should call an exterminator to determine if they are honey-bees or yellow jackets. If they are yellow jackets, the treatment is easy. Just spray an aerosol freeze product into the nest entrance at night. If they are honey-bees, the hive needs to be removed. This should only be attempted by a professional experienced in working with honey-bees.