Honeybee Rescue

Last week I had a crew trimming trees and removing canyon brush when one of the workers got 4 bee stings. I called Honeybee Rescue and Pete Holtzen came out within an hour to assess the situation. Because honeybees follow a rather strict timeline of behavior, he returned the next day at 9am to determine the exact location of the hive, and scheduled removal of the hive at sundown when most of the bees would have returned to the hive for the night. The hive was located in the canyon under a large bush, in a discarded car tire which was wedged into rocks. Pete donned his protective gear, lit up his smoker box (which apparently calms the bees and reduces their tendency to attack), dug out the tire, and removed the tire with the hive intact. He wrapped it up in sheets for relocation and took it away. Pete returned the next day to inspect the site, and with the bees gone I rescheduled the other workers to finish the brush removal for the following week. Unfortunately, on that day (yesterday) there was a new hive that bees had created under the step to my shed. I called Pete and he came out within 30 minutes. He opened up the wooden step, and because it was still morning used different tactics to lure the bees into a temporary box "home". He removed the hive and the bees, again for relocation. The other workers were able to finish their job without incident. Today there are just a few stragglers left, but with the step dismantled and the hive gone they should no longer find this location attractive. Pete at all times was careful and concerned for my safety. He made sure that I stayed a safe distance away, and that I knew what to do if the bees got angry. He is full of information about bees and their behavior, and made the whole experience fun and enlightening. He also knows birds and native plants, pointing out a desirable Bladderpod in the canyon that I made sure was not removed. Although this was an expense I hadn't planned for, it was actually an interesting experience thanks to Pete. Both times he had taken pictures and videos, which he sent to me by email, so I could see what he saw during the removal. I hope I never need his services again, but I would not hesitate to call him if I do. He is not an exterminator, he is a beekeeper who is dedicated to keeping bee populations alive in locations that are safe for humans.

The honesty and knowledge of this company saved us money and concern. We would call them first if we ever had bee problems again.

The bee removal went great! No more bees!

Great service. If I ever have a problem again, I will call Pete first.