How Do You Get Rid of Honey Bees?
Getting rid of honey bees requires careful consideration, as they are vital pollinators. While complete extermination is sometimes necessary, the preferred and often more effective method is live removal by a qualified beekeeper. This ensures the bee colony is relocated safely, preserving these crucial insects and minimizing the environmental impact.
Understanding the Honey Bee Dilemma
Honey bees, Apis mellifera, are essential to our ecosystem and food production. They pollinate a vast array of crops and wildflowers, contributing billions of dollars to the agricultural economy. However, their presence can become problematic when they establish colonies in undesirable locations, such as inside walls, chimneys, or sheds. This can lead to structural damage, potential stings, and general disruption. Deciding how to deal with a honey bee infestation requires weighing the benefits they provide against the risks they pose. Simply ignoring them is rarely a viable option, as colonies can grow rapidly and become increasingly difficult to manage.
Why You Shouldn’t Just Kill Them
Exterminating honey bees should be considered a last resort. Aside from the ethical considerations of destroying a vital species, there are practical reasons to avoid this approach:
- Environmental Impact: Killing bees contributes to their declining populations, which has significant consequences for our food supply and ecosystem health.
- Mess and Odor: Dead bees and honey left inside a structure can attract other pests, such as rodents, ants, and beetles, creating further problems. Decaying honey can also produce unpleasant odors.
- Honey Remains: Unattended honey stores will ferment and drip, potentially causing damage to walls and ceilings.
The Process of Live Bee Removal
The safest and most responsible way to remove honey bees is through live bee removal, a process typically performed by experienced beekeepers or pest control professionals specializing in bee relocation. The typical live bee removal process includes:
- Inspection: Assessing the colony’s location, size, and accessibility.
- Exposure: Carefully opening the wall or structure to access the beehive.
- Comb Removal: Removing the honeycombs containing brood (larvae) and honey.
- Bee Vacuuming: Gently vacuuming the bees into a specialized box.
- Relocation: Moving the colony to a new, suitable location, usually an apiary or bee farm.
- Cleanup: Removing all traces of honey, wax, and pheromones to prevent re-infestation.
Extermination: A Last Resort
While not the preferred method, extermination may be necessary in certain situations, such as when the colony is inaccessible or poses an immediate threat. If extermination is unavoidable, it should be carried out by a licensed pest control professional.
- Professional Application: Pesticides specifically designed for bees are applied directly to the colony.
- Sealing the Entrance: After extermination, the entrance to the nest is sealed to prevent other pests from entering and to contain the chemicals.
- Removal of Remains: Removing the dead bees and honey is still recommended to prevent secondary pest infestations, but this can be more difficult and expensive after extermination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the Problem: Delaying action allows the colony to grow, making removal more complex and costly.
- Attempting DIY Removal: Improper handling can lead to stings, structural damage, and ineffective removal.
- Using Inappropriate Sprays: Household insecticides are often ineffective against bees and can harm other beneficial insects.
- Failing to Remove Honey: Leaving honey behind will attract other pests and can cause structural damage.
- Not Sealing Entrances: Failure to properly seal the entrance points after removal or extermination can lead to re-infestation by another colony.
Cost Considerations
The cost of removing honey bees varies depending on the colony’s size, location, and accessibility. Live bee removal is typically more expensive than extermination due to the labor-intensive process.
| Method | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Removal | $500 – $2,000+ | Humane, environmentally friendly, prevents secondary infestation | More expensive, requires skilled professional |
| Extermination | $200 – $500 | Less expensive, quicker | Environmentally harmful, can attract other pests, potential odor |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I tell if I have honey bees or wasps/hornets?
Honey bees are generally fuzzy, brown and black, and are less aggressive than wasps or hornets. Wasps and hornets tend to be sleek, brightly colored (yellow and black), and more aggressive. Also, honey bees swarm to establish new colonies, a behavior not typically seen with wasps or hornets.
What should I do if I get stung by a honey bee?
Remove the stinger as quickly as possible by scraping it with a credit card or similar object. Wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and itching. If you experience signs of an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face or throat), seek immediate medical attention.
Are there any natural ways to deter honey bees?
While there’s no guaranteed natural repellent, bees tend to avoid strong odors such as peppermint oil, cinnamon, and vinegar. However, these are only temporary solutions and are unlikely to deter an established colony.
Can I relocate the bees myself?
Relocating a honey bee colony yourself is strongly discouraged. It requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and protective gear. Improper handling can lead to stings, structural damage, and ineffective removal. It is always best to hire a professional beekeeper or pest control specialist.
How long does live bee removal take?
The duration of live bee removal varies depending on the colony’s size and location, but it generally takes several hours to a full day. More complex removals, such as those involving hard-to-reach nests, may take longer.
Will the bees return after live removal?
Properly executed live bee removal includes removing all traces of honey, wax, and pheromones, which minimizes the risk of re-infestation. However, sealing the entrance points is crucial to prevent another colony from establishing itself in the same location.
Does my homeowner’s insurance cover bee removal?
Some homeowner’s insurance policies cover bee removal, particularly if the infestation is causing structural damage. Check your policy or contact your insurance provider to determine your coverage. Policies often differ, so it is best to clarify details specific to your situation.
What is “swarm removal” and how does it differ from nest removal?
Swarm removal involves collecting a cluster of bees that are temporarily gathered in one place while searching for a new permanent home. It’s simpler and less expensive than nest removal, which involves removing an established colony within a structure. Swarm removal is faster and easier as the bees haven’t built a hive.
How important is it to seal up the entry point after bee removal?
Sealing the entry point is absolutely critical after any bee removal, whether live or extermination. This prevents other bees from being attracted to the residual pheromones and honey, which could lead to a new colony establishing itself in the same location.
What happens to the bees after live removal?
The bees are typically relocated to a bee farm, apiary, or another suitable location where they can continue to thrive and contribute to pollination efforts. The beekeeper ensures their well-being and integration into a new colony environment.
Are there any local regulations regarding bee removal?
Many municipalities have regulations regarding bee removal, especially regarding the use of pesticides and the protection of honey bee populations. Check with your local government or pest control agency to ensure you are in compliance with all applicable laws. Compliance avoids potential fines and legal issues.
What time of year is best to remove honey bees?
The best time to remove honey bees is generally during the spring or fall when bee activity is lower and weather conditions are more favorable. Summer removals can be more challenging due to the increased heat and bee activity, while winter removals can be difficult due to the bees clustering tightly around the honey stores.