You see a bunch of bees clumping under an eave. Or hear a loud buzzing noise above you. What do you do? First, stay calm, know that honey bees as least defensive when swarming, they are just trying to find a place to build their new home. It's a natural activity that often doesn't require any interference by us humans. However, sometimes action is warranted.
Bee Removal Steps
- 1. Determine if Action is Required
You need to take action if either a) bees are stinging people or b) a bee colony has established in an undesirable location.
- We recommend a minimum distance of 30 feet between a bee colony and regular human presence. This distance may be farther depending on the genetics of the bees in your area. If you are in southern parts of the United States there is greater likelihood of more defensive bees.
- If you see hundreds of bees flying in a group, they are swarming, looking for a location to build a new hive. Honey bees are least defensive when swarming. Safely walk out of their way.
- When swarming, the bees may travel up to a mile from the hive they originated from to establish a new hive.
- Watch and see where the swarm starts to establish. A swarm may stop at multiple locations temporarily before settling down. If a swarm has been in the same location for greater than 72 hours, the bees have likely establish a nest. If this nest is in an undesirable location, then move to the next step.
- 2. Confirm the Species
- Ensure what you see are honey bees as opposed to wasps, hornets, or other insects. You can use this website to help.
- 3. Gather Information
- Bee Removal specialists will need some information from you to help. Gather as much of the following information as you can before reaching out:
- Location of the bees (address, GPS coordinates, and/or verbal descriptions)
- Size of the swarm if it is settled and clumped (eg. baseball or basketball sized)
- How long the bees have been there
- Photographs of the site, if possible
- Any other relevant information or history of bees on property
- 4. Connect with a Bee Removal Specialist
Unless you are an experienced beekeeper, do not attempt to remove or exterminate honey bees yourself. Know that honey bees have a high variance in defensive behavior between colonies. In other words, some colonies are nice and barely sting, while others will chase you for miles. There are 78 deaths every year in the United States due to bee stings.
Instead, reach out to bee removal specialists. We recommend using the free service Swarmed which notifies beekeepers near you need help:
Note currently Swarmed does not vet beekeepers that sign up, so continue with the following steps to ensure they are qualified.
Another option for finding bee removal specialists is Google "Bee Removal Specialists Near Me". Often local beekeeping clubs have lists of beekeepers willing to help.
- 5. Ask Questions
- - Ask for their experience with this type of bee removal.
- Ask if the bees are removed and relocated to a registered apiary.
- Ask if they carry general liability insurance.
- Pesticides are rarely needed for honey bee removals. However if the specialist plans to use pesticides, confirm they have an active Pest Control License. You can ask the specialist for a copy or search them up on the CDPR website or Department of Consumer Affairs website. If you think a pesticide was used improperly report it to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation at 1-877-378-5463 (1-87PestLine). - 6. Schedule Survey and Develop Work Plan
- Usually a specialist will want to survey the location to determine the nature and extent of the work before they provide a quote or commit to.
Before agreeing to anything, ensure to discuss the work plan:
- Timeline for work
- In addition to removal of bees, removal of all wax to prevent attraction of other pests
- Sealing of entrances after removal to prevent re-colonization (if applicable)
- Follow-up after work is done to ensure
FAQs
- How do I identify the bees species on my property?
- Honey bees are in the family Apidae, and are classified as Apis mellifera. There are many online resources for identifying common bee species. Check out this resource to identify the type of bee you are seeing or check with your local agriculture department or University extension office.
- How long does it take for a swarm to establish a nest?
- A swarm may stop a few times temporarily before settling down and choosing a location for their nest. If the bee colony has been in the same location for more than 72 hours, the bees likely have established a nest.
- What will a live bee removal specialist do and why should you call one?
- A live bee removal specialist is an experienced beekeeper and is knowledgeable about how to safely, humanely remove bees from yards and structures. They will relocate bees to a registered apiary at least two miles away and will ensure bees do not return to your location. Live bee removal specialists understand how to keep you and the public safe while working to remove/relocate the bees.
- How do you know you are working with a reliable, live bee removal specialist?
- There is no license required in the State of California to remove honey bees alive without the use of chemicals, so it is important to do your research to find the best person for your situation. Important questions to ask such as years of experience, number of removals/relocations per year, who takes care of the bees after, status of insurance, online reviews and personal references are important determining factors when picking a professional to hire.
- As a homeowner, am I legally responsible for the bees on my property?
- Honey bees are an important part of the environment but it is illegal to knowingly keep honey bees in any fashion other than in a managed box with moveable frames. The property owner is responsible for the proper removal of any honey bees that have established a hive on their property anywhere other than in an appropriate managed hive box.
- What are Africanized (Scutellata hybrid) or overly defensive honey bees?
- Scutellata hybrid or Africanized honey bees (AHB) are established in many southern California counties. The only way to tell if honey bees are AHB is by laboratory analysis. AHB is similar in size to European honey bees, they have the same amount of venom as European honey bees, however AHB defensive response can be in greater numbers and for a longer period of time which can present a hazard to public safety. It is uncommon for a live bee removal operation to result in euthanasia or extermination of the beehive being removed. See more AHB/Scutellata hybrid resources here.
- What to look for if someone is offering “free” services for bee removals?
- A person(s) offering free bee removal services is not necessarily an indicator they do not know what they are doing, but as a consumer be diligent in your questions before agreeing to let anyone on your property to remove honey bee colonies. A hobbyist beekeeper offering their services to remove honey bee colonies may not carry insurance, or guarantee the bees will not return to your property once they are removed.
- Why does a Bee Removal Specialist charge to remove bees, don’t they add the bees to their colonies?
- Beekeeping can be an expensive hobby and business to maintain. The bees removed from your property require the Specialist spend their time removing the bees, using specific beekeeping equipment, place them in a new hive box, feed them, and maintain them or even rehabilitate them back to a healthy state, and make repairs as needed to your property.
- Do Bee Removal Specialists require licensing in the state?
- Bee removal (without the use of pesticides) is an unregulated business. There is no state agency that directly oversees bee removals and/or complaints other than the illegal use of pesticides. It is up to the consumer to do their due diligence before selecting a Live Bee Removal company to conduct a removal.
- Can you use a regular shop vacuum to remove bees?
- Bees should be removed by hand or with a brush to minimize the amount of stress on the bees. If using a vacuum, the device should be specified for insect collection by having a removable holding container with screen for the bees, an adjustable/low suction, and a hose with a smooth (not rigid) interior. Bees should be removed from the vacuum and placed in a hive body as soon as possible.
- Are honey bees endangered or threatened?
- Honey bees are important pollinators in our ecosystem, however they are not an endangered or threatened species. Eliminating or removing wild honey bee colonies or swarms that cause public safety issues will not negatively impact the overall bee population in your area.
- What if I cannot afford a Live Bee Removal service, are there any other services that offer bee removals? What are my options?
- You can contact a local non profit bee club that may be able to help you solve your bee problem. Some counties will also assist if you contact the local vector control office.
Bee Removal Specialist Resources
Are you looking to hire a bee removal specialist? Here is a list of considerations for honey bee rescue, removal and relocation.