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Just within the past few days, an annoying humming/buzzing has been occurring on the bottom corner wall of our living room. I immediately thought it was electrical in nature. After trying a few things, I eventually turned the electrical breaker to the house off. To my surprise, the humming/buzzing is still happening. So now my mind is in a pretzel thinkings it’s not electrical.

Anyway, there are a few other important details: it is an outside wall. The electrical comes in from that wall to the house but it is not directly adjacent to the humming/buzzing section of the wall. The A/C unit is also on the outside of that wall.

I went to the basement as well to see if I could pinpoint the issue but directly under where the humming/buzzing would be I hear absolutely nothing.

Any thoughts from anyone on this?

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    A free smart phone app like spectroid for android phones can show if the frequency is a multiple of 60Hz. And by moving the phone around, the detection of the source is much easier. The ears' detection capability is irritated by low frequencies.
    – xeeka
    Commented May 30, 2022 at 3:04
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    IT tells you that whatever the sound source is, it is powered by utility electricity. 120Hz is the hum produced from circuits and appliances powered with 60Hz AC. Unless, of course, you happen to live in Europe, Africa and most of Asia where the mains frequancy is 50Hz.
    – fraxinus
    Commented May 30, 2022 at 12:17
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    There is power from the pole to the meter to your first/main breaker at all times. If there is a problem with that, you require help from the power company, usually. Preferably before your house burns down. AC refers to alternating current, not air conditioning, in @fraxinus comment.
    – Ecnerwal
    Commented May 30, 2022 at 12:42
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    The house/main breaker only turns off electricity pass that breaker, not electricity going to the breaker. Power pole to electric meter to main breaker to house circuits.
    – crip659
    Commented May 30, 2022 at 12:51
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    Appreciate everyone’s comments and help….I found the culprit. My son, who just turned one, has a slew of new toys to play with. The one in the corner (that everyone in the household thought was off) turned out to be on and omitting a low frequency. Feel like an idiot for not checking it sooner but I’m chalking that up to my son having teeth coming in and us not getting a ton of good sleep. Thank you again for everyone that responded. It was much appreciated.
    – Pack from PA
    Commented May 30, 2022 at 16:11

1 Answer 1

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Walk outside and look for bees or wasps going in and out of your wall.

If they are honeybees, it is far preferable to call someone to come and remove them rather than to kill them.

Once they have been removed, repair of the wall should prevent a recurrence.

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  • Not wasps or bees. Checked outside.
    – Pack from PA
    Commented May 30, 2022 at 2:10
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    For honeybees, after the bees have been removed, you should inspect for and remove any hive. Unfortunately, doing so may substantially increase what's necessary to fully remedy the issue. Leaving the remains of a hive, particularly with honeycomb containing honey, will provide a food source for other pests, which may cause more damage/issues than the original hive.
    – Makyen
    Commented May 30, 2022 at 15:05
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    Not bees or insects. Checked all around the house.
    – Pack from PA
    Commented May 30, 2022 at 15:13
  • @Makyen if you call the right folks, that will be a part of the removal process.
    – Ecnerwal
    Commented May 31, 2022 at 1:23
  • @Ecnerwal Ture. However, what happens with a "normal" removal of bees depends on the infestation and capabilities of who you call. Most people doing bee removal aren't going to be doing much beyond removing the bees and any portion of the hive which is semi-convenient. It is, however, possible for there to be a hive that's been present for a considerable amount of time, which could be in extensive areas of the building's walls, ceilings, attic, basement, etc. In the worst cases, remediation may require the level of expertise available from a general contractor, or a very proficient DIY.
    – Makyen
    Commented May 31, 2022 at 3:40

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