Stacey Solomon discovers an INFESTATION in her home – here’s what to check before the first cold snap

We’ve been obsessed with Stacey’s home renovation reels on Instagram lately, as she shows us round her incredible new mansion.

We’ve marvelled at her unusual en-suite, debated her controversial bathroom makeover and admired the Home Alone-style staircase she’s described as being from her ‘childhood dreams’.

But Stacey’s latest discovery, shared on her Instagram stories, is a little less glamorous. Before lighting the fire in her impressive new living room for the first time, she called in a chimney sweep to make sure everything was safe to use. During the sweep, they discovered two bees’ nests inside the flue – one active and one inactive.

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What should you check before lighting your first fire of the year?

Don't light your fire until a professional has checked the chimney and confirmed that it is safe to use

Oliver Edgar, technical development manager at HETAS, the non-profit organisation that approves and certifies solid-fuel heating appliances and professionals, says homeowners should have their chimney checked before lighting their first fire after a period of disuse.

He says: ‘Before lighting your first fire, arrange for the chimney to be swept and the fireplace and flue assessed by a competent person, including a camera survey where appropriate to inspect the flue’s internal condition and help identify hidden obstructions or defects.

‘Chimneys can contain nesting material, debris and deposits of soot or tar, particularly if they have been unused for some time.

‘There may also be defects that require further investigation or repairs. A professional can advise on any additional work needed before use, including whether specialist help is required to deal with an obstruction.’

As well as arranging a professional sweep once a year, make sure any concerns about the condition of your chimney or fireplace are looked at before lighting a fire. Just because it worked last winter doesn’t mean it’s still safe this year.

What is Stacey Solomon doing with the bees in her chimney?

If you spot bees entering or leaving your chimney, avoid disturbing the nest or attempting to remove it yourself

Stacey is no stranger to bees, having kept hives at her former home, Pickle Cottage, since early 2025. Stacey famously contacted David Beckham via voice note to ask for advice on the hobby. Reportedly, she didn’t receive a reply from the footballer and beekeeper of six years.

In her Instagram stories, Stacey revealed that the bees had been carefully removed from the chimney and rehoused in a spare hive in the garden.

A keen beekeeper, she brought the hive with her from Pickle Cottage and is now waiting to see whether the bees settle into their new surroundings.

However, relocating bees isn't always straightforward. According to the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA), the right approach depends on the type of bee and where it has made its nest. Established honeybee colonies inside buildings can require specialist removal, while bumblebee nests must be left undisturbed until the colony's natural life cycle ends.

What should you do if you find bees in your chimney?

Find out what type of insect you have – honeybees, bumblebees and wasps have different nesting habits and need different methods of removal or care

If you spot bees entering or leaving your chimney, avoid disturbing the nest or attempting to remove it yourself.

First, try to establish what type of insect you have – honeybees, bumblebees and wasps have different nesting habits and all need slightly different methods of removal or care.

The BBKA advises contacting a specialist removal company experienced in dealing with established honeybee colonies inside buildings, as the work needs to be assessed and carried out properly.

Bumblebee nests are different as they generally have a shorter life cycle and must be left alone if they aren't causing a problem. But you can contact a local pest control professional if a nest is in an unsuitable or potentially dangerous location.

Most importantly, don't light your fire until a professional has checked the chimney and confirmed that it is safe to use.

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