How to Get Honey Bees Out of a Tree?
Successfully removing honey bees from a tree requires careful planning and execution, typically involving transferring the colony and its honey stores to a new hive; while various methods exist, the most effective and humane approach often involves calling a professional beekeeper or bee removal specialist, and avoiding the use of harmful pesticides.
Understanding the Honey Bee Situation in a Tree
Honey bees choosing a tree as their home is a natural occurrence. They are searching for a safe, enclosed space that can protect them from the elements and predators. Understanding why they choose a tree and what attracts them is crucial for effective removal and prevention of future infestations.
- Natural Cavities: Trees offer natural cavities created by decay, lightning strikes, or previous animal inhabitants. These cavities mimic the ideal nesting conditions bees seek – dark, sheltered, and relatively dry.
- Proximity to Resources: Bees require access to nectar, pollen, and water. Trees located near flowering plants and a water source are more attractive.
- Existing Bee Presence: Trees that have previously housed bee colonies may contain residual pheromones that attract new swarms.
Benefits of Removing Honey Bees from a Tree
While honey bees are beneficial pollinators, their presence in a tree, especially near homes, can pose several risks and inconveniences, making removal advantageous:
- Safety Concerns: Bee stings can be dangerous, especially for individuals with allergies. Children and pets are also more vulnerable.
- Structural Damage: Large colonies can weaken tree structures over time as they expand their nest within the tree.
- Honey Attractants: Decomposing honey or comb can attract other pests like ants, rodents, and wax moths.
- Nuisance: The constant buzzing and activity of a large bee colony can be disruptive.
Methods for Honey Bee Removal from a Tree
Several methods exist for removing honey bees from a tree. The best approach depends on factors such as the colony size, accessibility, the tree’s condition, and your comfort level. It is strongly recommended to consult with a professional beekeeper or bee removal specialist before attempting any removal method.
Cut-Out Method: This is the most common and effective method. It involves carefully cutting open the tree to expose the nest, removing the honeycomb and bees, and transferring them to a new hive.
- Steps:
- Locate the nest within the tree.
- Wear protective gear (beekeeper suit, gloves, veil).
- Carefully cut away the tree around the nest.
- Remove the honeycomb piece by piece.
- Secure the honeycomb frames into a new hive.
- Gently brush the bees into the new hive.
- Requeen the hive with a new queen to ensure colony success.
- Seal the tree cavity to prevent future infestations.
- Steps:
Trap-Out Method: This method involves placing a one-way bee escape over the entrance to the tree. Bees can leave to forage but cannot return. A new hive is placed nearby to attract the bees as they exit.
- Advantages: Less invasive than the cut-out method.
- Disadvantages: Can take several weeks or months, and doesn’t remove the existing honeycomb and potential attractants.
Chemical Removal (Avoid if Possible): This method involves using pesticides to kill the bees. This is strongly discouraged due to its harmful impact on the environment, beneficial insects, and the potential for honey contamination. It also leaves the dead bees and honeycomb within the tree, which can attract other pests.
Choosing the Right Method: Key Considerations
| Factor | Cut-Out Method | Trap-Out Method | Chemical Removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Highly effective | Moderately effective | Effective (but not recommended) |
| Time | Relatively quick (1-2 days) | Slow (several weeks to months) | Quick |
| Invasiveness | Highly invasive (requires tree cutting) | Minimally invasive | Least invasive (but most harmful) |
| Honeycomb Removal | Yes | No | No |
| Risk to Bees | Can be stressful to bees, but survivable with proper handling | Relatively low stress to bees | Lethal |
| Environmental Impact | Low, when done correctly | Low | High |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Removing honey bees from a tree can be challenging and potentially dangerous. Avoiding these common mistakes is crucial for a successful and humane removal:
- Lack of Protective Gear: Always wear a full beekeeping suit, including gloves and a veil, to protect yourself from stings.
- Improper Handling of Honeycomb: Handle honeycomb carefully to avoid damaging it and releasing honey, which can attract more bees and other pests.
- Failure to Remove All Honeycomb: Leaving honeycomb within the tree cavity can attract other pests and lead to future infestations.
- Neglecting to Seal the Cavity: Sealing the tree cavity after removal is essential to prevent future bee colonies from establishing themselves.
- Using Pesticides Unnecessarily: Avoid using pesticides unless absolutely necessary and always consult with a professional before doing so.
Preparing for Honey Bee Removal
Before any honey bee removal, taking preparations ensures a more successful outcome. This involves safety measures, tool readiness, and understanding of the bee colony’s behavior.
- Gathering Necessary Equipment: This includes a beekeeping suit, smoker, hive tool, bucket, bee brush, and a new hive.
- Understanding Bee Behavior: Knowing bee behavior allows for a more efficient and safer extraction. Smoke is crucial for calming bees.
- Protecting the Environment: Minimize damage to the surrounding environment by carefully executing the removal process.
- Scheduling the Removal: Plan the removal during daylight hours and when the weather is mild to minimize stress on the bees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the bees eventually leave on their own?
No, established honey bee colonies rarely leave on their own. Once a colony is established in a tree, it will likely remain there indefinitely unless removed. Swarms may temporarily cluster on a tree before moving into a permanent nest, but an established colony will typically stay put.
How can I tell if it’s honey bees and not another type of bee or wasp?
Honey bees are typically smaller and have a fuzzy appearance compared to wasps, which are smooth and shiny. Honey bees also move more deliberately and less aggressively. Look for the distinctive honeycomb structure if you can see inside the cavity, which is a telltale sign of honey bees.
Is it dangerous to have honey bees in a tree?
While honey bees are generally docile, they can become defensive if their hive is threatened. Stings can be dangerous, especially for those with allergies. Moreover, large colonies can cause structural damage to the tree and attract other pests.
Can I remove the honey bees myself?
While it is possible to remove honey bees yourself, it is strongly recommended to hire a professional beekeeper or bee removal specialist. They have the expertise, equipment, and knowledge to safely and humanely remove the bees and prevent future infestations.
What is the average cost of honey bee removal from a tree?
The cost of honey bee removal can vary depending on the size of the colony, accessibility of the nest, and the method used. Generally, expect to pay between $500 and $2000 for professional removal.
What happens to the honey bees after they are removed?
Reputable bee removal specialists will relocate the honey bees to a new hive or apiary, where they can continue to thrive and contribute to pollination. Many beekeepers will welcome rescued colonies.
How can I prevent honey bees from nesting in my trees in the future?
Seal any cracks or holes in your trees that could serve as potential nesting sites. Removing old, decaying trees can also help. Furthermore, avoid leaving out sugary substances that could attract bees.
Does insurance cover the cost of honey bee removal?
Homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover the cost of honey bee removal unless the bees are actively causing structural damage to the property. Contact your insurance provider to confirm your coverage.
Is it humane to remove honey bees from a tree?
Yes, if done properly. The goal of humane removal is to relocate the colony to a new hive where they can continue to thrive. Avoid methods that involve killing the bees whenever possible.
What if I don’t want to kill the bees, but I can’t afford professional removal?
Contact local beekeeping clubs or associations. Many beekeepers are willing to remove honey bee colonies for free or a reduced fee as a service to the community.
What do bee removal specialists do with the honeycomb that is removed from the tree?
The honeycomb is typically either rendered to extract the wax or destroyed to prevent the spread of diseases. Honeycomb left behind can attract pests like wax moths.
How long does it take for a honey bee colony to establish itself in a tree?
A swarm of bees can establish itself in a suitable tree cavity within a few days. The colony will then begin building honeycomb and storing honey, gradually growing in size over time. It’s best to address the issue early before the colony becomes too large.