Bee Removal: Safely Getting Rid of Bee Nests on Your Property

Finding a bee nest on your property can be alarming, but it doesn’t necessarily require panicked bee removal. Some species like honeybees are beneficial pollinators, while others like bumblebees rarely sting. However, large bee populations, aggressive species, and allergy concerns may make bee nest removal a priority.

This guide covers the following topics on safely removing bee nests

• Identifying different types of bees
• Determining when bee removal is needed
• DIY bee removal versus professional pest control
• Bee removal techniques and tips
• Preventing bees after removal

Identifying Bee Species on Your Property

The first step is identifying what type of bee you are dealing with. Some of the most common bee species that build nests on properties include:

• Honeybees – Honeybee hives contain up to 60,000 bees led by a queen. They produce honey and wax comb. A new queen leaves the hive with swarming bees to start a nest elsewhere

• Bumblebees – Large, fuzzy bees that nest in holes and cavities. Colonies contain 50-500 bees with an annual queen. Bumblebees rarely sting unless provoked.

• Carpenter bees – Solitary bees that bore into wood to make nest galleries. They can severely damage structures but don’t sting aggressively

• Mason bees – Small, non-aggressive bees that build nests in holes utilizing mud and leaves. Common in artificial bee houses.

• Yellowjackets – These wasps can be mistaken for bees with black and yellow bands. They have paper nests and aggressively defend them if disturbed.

Identifying nesting locations and activity patterns will help pinpoint the species. For example, carpenter bees frequently fly in and out of one hole during daylight hours.

When is Bee Removal Necessary?

In some cases, bees that choose to nest on a property can be safely left alone if they do not pose a hazard. But there are times when bee removal is recommended:

• If you or family members have bee allergies, proximity to bee nests raises the risk of getting stung.

• Aggressive species like yellowjackets that frequently sting unprovoked should always be removed.

• Bees nesting inside structures can damage walls, wood, furniture, etc. as they build hives and tunnels.

• Large exterior nests located near entryways pose a stinging risk and obstruct use of the space.

• Dead bees or hives attract other pests and can cause unsanitary conditions.

Generally, if a bee colony poses a health risk or interferes with your ability to safely use your property, it’s time to consider bee removal.

Can I Remove Bee Nests Myself?

For bee hives built out in the open, DIY removal may be possible by donning protective gear and using special spray insecticides. However, this method has risks:

• Without proper training, you may misidentify an aggressive species and get attacked by stinging insects.

• It can be challenging to fully eliminate a large hive without professional-grade products and equipment. Any bees or remnants left can restart the hive.

• Climbing ladders to reach nests high up on structures raises the chance of accidents and injury.

For these reasons, bee removal is often best handled by pest control experts who have extensive training in:

• Identifying bees, wasps, and hornets
• Using the appropriate protective clothing and removal methods for each species
• Knowing where to safely locate and destroy hives and nests
• Applying targeted insecticides for complete elimination
• Legally handling and disposing of nest materials

This ensures a safe, effective removal process without putting yourself in harm’s way.

Bee Removal Techniques Used by Pest Control

Professional pest control companies have access to specialized tools and chemicals for bee removal:

• Bee vacuums – Powerful vacuums are used to safely suck up bees and hive materials without damaging structures. The bees are then relocated or exterminated.

• Chemical sprays – Non-residual sprays applied directly into nest openings quickly knock down guard bees so the hive can be removed.

• Foam treatments – Foam insecticides expand into the hive to coat bees and prevent survivors from restarting it.

• Protective bee suits – Thick hooded suits allow removal at close range from defensive species without risk of stings.

For nests inside attics, walls, and other voids, companies can strategically locate entry points to inject removal chemicals for full coverage. This eliminates the bees without opening up walls.

Tips for Preventing Bees After Removal

To help discourage bees from returning and nesting after a removal, pest control will recommend taking these steps:

• Seal up any holes and cracks in siding, roofs, window frames, etc. larger than 1/8-inch that could offer access.

• Install metal mesh covers or steel wool over unavoidable large openings like attic vents.

• Keep overgrown vegetation at least 3 feet back from the home’s exterior, as this attracts nest-building.

• Use residual spray insecticides around potential entry points as an added deterrent. Reapply every 3 months.

• Inspect the home exterior twice per year and immediately treat any newly started nests.

Taking preventative measures reduces the available shelter for bees and discourages recurrence after removal. Partnering with a pest control company provides professional guidance on exclusion methods specific to different bee species.

Getting rid of unwanted bee hives takes skill and care to avoid complications. While DIY removal is not advised, by understanding when removal is necessary and what methods pest control uses, you can make sure any bee issues on your property are resolved effectively. Leaving bee removal to the professionals protects your safety while allowing these important pollinators to nest in more suitable locations away from homes.