Safe relocation should “bee” the goal for these crucial pollinators
Honey bees aren’t an everyday pest—these important pollinators play a vital role in the ecosystem. While it’s understandable not to want these insects buzzing around your home, it’s important to learn how to get rid of honey bees through safe removal and relocation. This guide will cover how to get rid of honey bees without harming the hive.
Honey bees take up residence around homes wherever there’s a safe, dry place to build a hive and plentiful food and water sources nearby. They’re often drawn to structures with easy entry points and warm, dry environments, so they may seek out sheltered areas in your home, like walls, attics, or sheds, as safe places to build their nests. Nearby gardens filled with flowering plants are especially appealing to honey bees, as they provide ample pollen and nectar to feed on. Water sources like bird baths, ponds, or puddles sweeten the deal.
The average cost of bee removal is between $150 and $500. However, if the hive is in a hard-to-access location, or if it’s especially large, costs can approach upwards of $2,000 with all the heavy lifting or carpentry costs considered. Consult a local bee removal professional to get an accurate estimate based on the specifics of your infestation.
Honey bees are often mistaken for other insects within the bee and wasp family, so it’s important to know the differences between bumblebees and carpenter bees and honey bees before planning removal.
Honey bees: Slender, golden-brown bodies with thin black stripes and a relatively smooth appearance.
Carpenter bees: Shiny, hairless abdomens and tend to burrow into wood, so the nest’s location can be helpful in identifying which you have around your home.
Wasps: Wasps such as yellowjackets, mud daubers, hornets, and paper wasps have slender, smooth bodies and are often more aggressive. Yellowjackets have bright black and yellow patterns, while mud daubers and paper wasps build distinctive mud or papery nests.
Hornets: Hornets are larger and may have a dark coloration with white or yellow markings. Unlike honey bees, wasps are far more aggressive and can sting multiple times, so they are more dangerous to deal with.
Comparing wasps versus bees, honey bees are generally non-aggressive and crucial to the environment. With that in mind, it’s best to aim for methods that encourage relocation rather than extermination. Consider these safe, humane techniques for moving bees away from unwanted areas.
Knowing how to deter bees with scent can potentially get them to relocate the hive elsewhere. Try applying these scents near entry points or around the hive:
Neem oil
Mint
Cinnamon
Citronella
Eucalyptus
Geranium
Basil
Cucumber peels
Marigolds
Smoke is a natural bee deterrent, as bees interpret smoke as a threat of fire and will often relocate accordingly. Here’s what to do:
Light a small bee smoker or burn paper and gently wave the smoke toward the nest entrance.
Repeat this process several times daily until the bees have relocated.
Take care not to overuse smoke near flammable areas or in dry conditions.
Local beekeepers may offer lower-cost or even free relocation services, especially if the bees are accessible and can be safely moved. A local beekeeper knows how to get rid of a bee’s nest and safely relocate it to a managed colony where the bees can continue their pollination work. To find a beekeeper, contact a local beekeeping association or search online for beekeepers in your area.
A local bee and wasp removal service is your best option for getting rid of honey bees quickly and efficiently, especially for large hives or hives that are difficult to access. These pros use special tools and protective gear to safely remove or relocate the hive without harming the bees. Look for companies that specialize in eco-friendly or bee-safe removal to ensure the hive is handled responsibly.
Learning how to repel bees from your home can help prevent them from setting up camp near your space. Here are some of the best ways to discourage bees on your property:
Seal Entry Points: Check walls, attics, and crawl spaces for holes or gaps where bees might enter.
Remove Old Nests: After removing bees, clean and repair the area to eliminate any honey or wax that could attract other bees.
Plant bee-repelling plants: Strong-smelling plants and flowers such as geraniums, marigolds, basil, mint, and cucumber are natural repellants for bees, so they’re good to have around your garden.
Limit Attractants: Avoid keeping open sugary foods, flowering plants, or water sources close to your home’s entrances.
In many places, killing bees or destroying a hive is discouraged or regulated due to their crucial role as pollinators. Specific laws vary by region, and certain bee species are protected due to declining populations. Some states require permits or restrict who can remove or exterminate bee colonies. Always check local laws before attempting to manage or remove a beehive.
Yes, honey bees can sting, but they typically only do it when they feel their hive is threatened. When honey bees are away from their hive, they’re focused on foraging for pollen and nectar, making them unlikely to sting. Only female honey bees, called workers, have stingers, and they will die if they need to use them. Generally, if left undisturbed, honey bees will leave you alone.
Honey bees are most likely to swarm during spring and early summer, typically from April through June, as colonies expand and prepare for new growth. Swarming occurs when a hive becomes overcrowded, prompting the queen and a group of worker bees to leave in search of a new nesting site. During this time, you may notice a temporary increase in bee activity around your property.
If you’re dealing with a bee colony on your property, you might wonder if they’ll leave naturally over time. The answer depends on their circumstances. Bees often relocate if the hive becomes overcrowded, food is scarce, or they face a threat. With that said, if a hive’s location is safe, warm, and with plentiful food sources, they are unlikely to relocate on their own, and the hive may persist for many generations.
