Bees Take Over Fair Oaks Home

FAIR OAKS, Calif. (CBS13) -- A dilapidated home has become a serious problem for neighbors who say a huge population of bees has taken over the structure.

The Brookhill Drive home buzzes with thousands of bees during daylight hours, forcing nearby residents to use caution when walking outside.

"I'll open my door and the hum of the bees… it's amazing," said Meg Helton, who lives across the street.

Neighbors said the bee problem has existed at the home for years, with at least four colonies making their home in the structure's front rock wall.

"My kids love to be outdoors, we love to do sprinkler fun," Helton said. "We can't do any of that with bees everywhere."

The homeowner's son said his elderly mother was moved to a care home, leaving the house vacant. The family cannot afford to maintain the home or remove the bees.

Helton said she has contacted Sacramento County officials repeatedly about the problem, but caseworkers say authorities can't deal with the problem because "bees are a natural habitat of Sacramento County."

County officials were unavailable for comment Sunday.