The AIPM Blog

Bees Near the Pool Again? Here’s How Simi Valley HOAs Handle It

Written by Margaret Townsend | Aug 5, 2025 1:00:00 PM

If you’ve ever received a panicked email from a resident about a bee swarm near the pool or in the community garden, you already know this isn’t just a seasonal nuisance, it’s a safety and liability issue.

For HOA property managers and board members, especially in Southern California hotspots like Simi Valley, Sherman Oaks, Santa Clarita, Oxnard and Woodland Hills, bee infestations can quickly spiral from minor concern to emergency if not handled correctly. The goal isn’t just to eliminate a hive, it’s to create an environment that prevents them from coming back and keeps your residents safe year-round.

Let’s unpack why bee control should be a standing priority on your community maintenance plan and how AIPM can help you stay ahead of the swarm.

Why Bees Are More Active in SoCal and Why It Is a Problem for HOAs

Mild winters paired with mostly dry conditions across Southern California, especially in Simi Valley, Sherman Oaks, Santa Clarita, Oxnard and Woodland Hills, make your HOA community more vulnerable to bees than many might expect. Scarce rainfall often leads to drought-resistant landscaping and standing irrigation water, which ironically creates attractive breeding zones for bees even in drought years.

Now, bees aren’t bad. In fact, they’re essential to our ecosystem. But when hives show up in resident-heavy areas like mailboxes, eaves, trees near sidewalks and pool houses, that becomes your problem as a board member or property manager. Bees nesting too close to human activity increases the risk of stings, which isn’t just a medical concern, it’s a potential lawsuit waiting to happen. Allergic reactions, slip-and-falls during a swarm scare or kids getting stung on common grounds are scenarios you don’t want playing out under your watch.

The Real Liability of Ignoring Bee Activity

In an HOA setting, perception matters. A swarm near the leasing office or clubhouse sends the wrong message: that things are out of control. Let’s say a resident gets stung walking their dog and ends up in urgent care. Even if it’s just bad luck, it reflects poorly on your board’s oversight… And in today’s age of social media and neighborhood forums, stories (and complaints) travel fast.

So, What’s the Right Way to Handle It? Here’s what you shouldn’t do: call a random exterminator and spray chemicals blindly around resident walkways or plantings. Not only is that dangerous for pollinators, it could get your HOA in hot water if the pest control provider doesn’t follow regulations for bee relocation and safety. At AIPM, we take a strategic, humane and community-first approach. That means:

  • Rapid response inspections to assess where the hive is, how active it is and what risks it poses to your residents.
  • Safe hive relocation whenever possible. Our techs know how to handle bees without causing aggressive swarming.
  • Preventative treatments and recommendations that reduce the chance of re-infestation, like trimming overgrown trees, inspecting for hidden wall voids or addressing landscaping that’s drawing them in.

You’re not just managing buildings, you’re managing community trust. That means being proactive when seasonal risks like bee activity ramp up.

A Seasonal Threat That Needs a Year-Round Plan

A major mistake HOAs make is waiting for a swarm before taking action. But the truth is, bee prevention should be part of your routine maintenance calendar, just like landscaping or HVAC service. Spring and summer bring peak activity, but a mild fall can stretch the season longer than expected. Having a reliable partner like AIPM on speed dial means you’re not scrambling when you get a text with a photo of bees buzzing by the pool again.

And if you’re located in areas like Sherman Oaks, Santa Clarita or Simi Valley, where ornamental trees and flowering hedges are popular in common areas, your chances of bee activity are already elevated.

Why AIPM is the Right Partner for HOA Bee Control

We’ve worked with HOAs across the greater LA/Ventura County area for decades. We know what your job entails, and we know how to make your life easier. Here’s how we do it:

  • You’ll know exactly what’s happening, what’s next and how to communicate with your residents.
  • We document everything, from initial inspection to final relocation, you’ll have records to show residents, insurance or your board if needed.
  • Our solutions protect your residents and the environment, which means that we don't treat bees like pests, we treat them with respect. 

You’ve got enough on your plate managing common areas, budgets and resident complaints. Bee control shouldn’t be another stressor. That’s where we come in.

Let’s Make Your Community Safer Starting Today

If your HOA is located in Simi Valley, Sherman Oaks, Santa Clarita, Oxnard, Woodland Hills and the surrounding areas, we’re already servicing HOAs in your area and can respond quickly to bee-related concerns. Whether you’re dealing with an active hive or just want to make sure one never shows up near your playground, clubhouse or picnic areas, we’ve got your back.

Give AIPM a call at 888-344-6567, request an inspection or check if we service your area here. Let’s keep your community safe, proactive and sting-free.