Finding an unwanted bee colony on your property is a common occurrence that prompts a search for safe and humane removal options. When a swarm or established hive takes up residence too close to human activity, professional intervention is necessary to relocate the insects without causing harm. This article clarifies the circumstances under which a fee applies and what homeowners can expect from hiring a trained beekeeper for this purpose. Understanding these aspects allows homeowners to make an informed choice that balances safety, property protection, and ecological responsibility.
The Immediate Answer: Do Beekeepers Charge?
The question of whether beekeepers charge for removal depends entirely on the nature of the bee activity. A newly arrived cluster of bees, known as a swarm, is a temporary phenomenon that has not yet built a nest. Many local beekeepers will collect a transient swarm for free or a minimal fee, as this provides them with a new, healthy colony for their apiary.
However, an established hive—one that has been present for a week or more and has begun building honeycomb within a structure—is always a paid service, often called a “cut-out.” This fee covers the specialized equipment, liability insurance, and significant labor required for live removal and relocation. Professionals must be compensated for their time, travel, and the skilled work necessary to safely extract and preserve the entire colony, comb, and brood.
Factors Determining the Removal Price
The price for a professional bee removal can vary widely, with several factors influencing the final cost. The most significant variable is the type of infestation: a simple swarm collection may be free, while a complex established hive removal, or cut-out, can range from $150 to over $2,000. The size of the colony also matters; a small, new hive might cost less than $180, but a large, well-established nest can push costs toward $1,000 or more due to the increased volume of bees and comb.
The location and accessibility of the hive dramatically affect the labor involved and, consequently, the price. Hives located in hard-to-reach areas, such as high on a chimney, deep within a wall cavity, or under a roofline, require specialized tools and safety measures, leading to higher fees. A cut-out often requires the beekeeper to open up a section of the home’s structure, like a wall or soffit, to access the colony. While many specialists are not licensed contractors, the necessary structural demolition and subsequent repair costs are often added to the total expense. Local market rates and the beekeeper’s experience and insurance coverage also contribute to the final quote.
Live Removal Versus Extermination
Homeowners generally have two options for dealing with a bee infestation: live removal by a beekeeper or extermination by a traditional pest control service. Beekeepers prioritize live removal and relocation, safely transferring the entire colony to a new, suitable habitat and preserving the bees’ lives. This method is favored for ecological reasons, as honey bees are essential pollinators for food crops.
Extermination, on the other hand, typically involves using chemical pesticides to kill the colony. While this may seem like a faster fix, it carries significant long-term risks for the homeowner. When a hive is killed within a wall, the remaining honeycomb and honey will often melt and ferment, staining drywall and attracting secondary pests like rodents, ants, and beetles. Residual pheromones left behind can also attract a new swarm to the exact same location, creating a recurring problem. Live removal is the only way to ensure the complete elimination of all hive material, which prevents these secondary issues.
What to Expect During a Bee Removal
The process begins with an initial inspection to determine the colony’s size, age, and exact location within the structure. The beekeeper uses this assessment to plan the cut-out and provide an accurate cost estimate. For an established hive, the physical removal requires the beekeeper to carefully open the structure, such as cutting into drywall or removing siding, to gain full access to the comb.
Adult bees are typically collected using a specialized, low-suction bee vacuum, which safely draws the insects into a temporary hive box without harming them. The beekeeper then systematically cuts out the honeycomb, brood (larvae and pupae), and honey stores, securing the comb into frames for relocation. Once all bees and comb are removed, the cavity must be scraped clean to eliminate residual wax and pheromones, deterring new swarms. The final step involves sealing the original entry point, often with caulk or expanding foam, to prevent future infestations and arranging necessary repairs to the opened structure.