Finding a large number of bees in a backyard tree can be unsettling, especially near human activity. While honey bees are beneficial pollinators, their presence in an inconvenient spot sometimes requires relocation. The primary goal is always a safe and humane removal that prioritizes the welfare of the bees. This process begins with careful observation to determine the exact nature of the bee presence.
Identifying the Type of Bee Presence
The crucial first step is determining if the bees form a temporary swarm or an established colony. A swarm is a reproductive event where the old queen and worker bees leave their original hive to find a new home. Swarms generally appear as a tight, static cluster of bees, often hanging from a branch, and are not actively building comb or storing resources. This clustered group is typically docile because they have no brood or honey to defend, and they are usually only resting for a few hours or days before moving on.
Conversely, an established colony, or hive, is located inside a protected cavity, such as a hollow in the tree trunk or a large limb. Visual cues include an organized, steady stream of bees flying in and out of a single opening. Sometimes, visible honeycomb, wax, or pollen is present near the entrance. The method of removal depends entirely on this distinction, as a temporary swarm is much easier to collect than an established hive.
Safety and Why Professional Removal is Essential
Attempting to remove bees on your own, especially an established colony inside a tree cavity, is highly discouraged due to significant safety risks. Disturbing a colony can trigger a defensive response, causing the bees to sting aggressively in defense of their home and queen. Even for individuals without a known allergy, a large number of simultaneous stings can be a serious medical emergency.
Common do-it-yourself attempts, such as spraying water, using fire, or applying non-approved insecticides, often fail to eliminate the problem and only agitate the colony. In many regions, honey bees are protected, and the use of pesticides for extermination can lead to legal consequences and hefty fines. Sealing the bees’ entrance without removing the colony can force them to chew through wood, potentially leading them inside a nearby structure.
The only safe and responsible approach is to contact licensed professionals, such as local beekeepers or live bee removal specialists. These experts possess the necessary protective gear and specialized equipment to handle the situation safely. Professionals are also trained to assess the bee species, which is important because certain types, such as Africanized honey bees, exhibit higher defensiveness. Hiring a professional ensures the colony is relocated, preserving these important pollinators rather than destroying them.
Humane Relocation and Post-Removal Steps
When a professional addresses an established colony, they utilize specialized techniques to avoid harming the insects.
Trap-Out Method
One common method for colonies in a tree cavity is a “trap-out,” which involves installing a one-way cone over the main entrance. This device allows the bees to leave the cavity but prevents them from returning. This forces them to adopt a new hive box placed nearby over several weeks.
Cut-Out Method
Another method is the “cut-out,” which involves carefully opening the tree to access the comb directly. The beekeeper uses a bee vacuum, operating at low suction to gently collect the bees without injury. They then physically cut the comb containing the brood and honey from the cavity. The brood comb is secured into frames in the new hive box to ensure the colony’s successful re-establishment.
Post-Removal Steps
After the bees and comb are removed, post-removal steps are important for the long-term integrity of the tree and property. All residual honeycomb, wax, and honey must be completely removed from the cavity. Leftover honey can lead to structural decay, mold growth, or attract other pests like rodents and ants. The remaining cavity should then be sealed and possibly treated to mask the hive’s pheromones, which could attract a new swarm to the same location.