Renegade Renovation #5 – Wild Things

Here is one question which will definitely go on my renovation FAQ’s now that I have an answer. The question: Have you come across any surprises during your renovation? You know, things you didn’t expect?

Well, I hadn’t. Until recently. And believe me, they were two I didn’t expect. At all.

Surprise number one. I’d been noticing a couple little honey bees flying around front, but hadn’t really paid much attention to them since all the work has been going on inside. They kept to themselves and didn’t really seem to bother anyone. Except the guys who showed up last week to repair the soffits. And they were kind enough to share their surprise with me. I guess it belongs to me anyway, eh? Surely you can see where this is going, right?

Now mind you, I’m the crazy woman who will jump out of her car in traffic if a bee flies in. You can imagine how concerned I was to discover my little tenants. While it may seem like I live under a rock most of the time, or a race car, I really don’t. I have environmental concerns like everyone else.

Honey bees are a protected species here in Kentucky, and they are extremely important to our environment. So, I contacted a beekeeper. Here is what is left after the first part of the removal.


I couldn’t bring myself to take a photo when they first opened the soffit. Way too many bees. Apparently this hive is several years old. It filled the entire area. The nice beekeeper, who will forever remain on my Christmas list, removed the rest of the bees after I took the photo. The bees have gone on to their new forever home with the bee man. And we are all very happy.

Tomorrow, surprise number two!