Bees perform a necessary role in the environment, supporting plant reproduction and contributing to global crop pollination. When these insects establish a home close to human activity, their presence can create safety concerns, particularly for those with allergies. This guide provides practical methods for non-lethal bee dispersal and removal, allowing for a responsible resolution when bees and people must occupy the same space.
Differentiating Bee Species and Nest Types
Effectively and humanely moving bees away first requires correctly identifying the insect and its nesting structure. Different species have distinct behaviors and require varied approaches for proper handling.
Honeybees are social, building large hives with intricate wax honeycomb, often inside hollow trees, wall voids, or attics. Their large colonies can contain tens of thousands of individuals.
Bumblebees typically build smaller, annual colonies underground, often in abandoned rodent burrows or under debris. Carpenter bees are solitary and bore perfectly round holes into wooden structures like deck railings to create tunnels for egg-laying. The key difference between a honeybee and a carpenter bee is that the carpenter bee has a smooth, shiny black abdomen, while the honeybee’s abdomen is fuzzy and striped. Correct identification is important because wasps and hornets, which are often mistaken for bees, may require different removal strategies.
Non-Lethal Repellent Strategies
For temporary deterrence or to encourage individual bees to move away from an area, several scent-based repellents can be used. Bees possess a highly developed sense of smell, making them sensitive to strong, non-floral aromas that they naturally dislike.
Essential Oil Sprays
Essential oils, such as peppermint, citronella, eucalyptus, and clove, are effective because their potent scents overwhelm the bees’ olfactory senses. These oils can be mixed with water to create a spray for external surfaces or diffused in areas where bees are unwanted, like near a patio.
Natural Pungent Repellents
Garlic powder or a garlic-infused water spray also works as a natural repellent due to its pungent odor. Similarly, the aroma of cinnamon, either powdered or as an oil, can deter bees from lingering in a specific location. Growing certain plants like mint, citronella, or marigolds around a property can establish a natural perimeter that bees tend to avoid.
Smoke
Smoke is another traditional method used to calm and temporarily disperse bees, particularly honeybees. When a colony detects smoke, they instinctively gorge themselves on honey in preparation for a possible evacuation. However, using smoke on an active hive can be dangerous for an untrained individual, and it is safest to leave this technique to professionals. For general outdoor use, lighting a citronella candle can help keep bees away from a small area like a picnic table.
Safe Hive Removal and Relocation
When an established colony or hive is present, particularly honeybees nesting inside a structure, professional removal and relocation are necessary. An established hive is complex, containing thousands of bees, wax comb, brood, and stored honey, often hidden deep within a wall or attic. Forcing bees out of a permanent location with repellents is unlikely to work and may cause the colony to become defensive.
The preferred method is live bee relocation, which involves contacting a specialized beekeeper or a humane pest removal service. These experts will first perform an assessment, sometimes using thermal cameras to pinpoint the exact location of the nest inside a wall or ceiling. They use specialized equipment, like a bee vacuum, to safely collect the bees without harming them.
The entire hive structure, including all the honeycomb and wax, must be physically removed from the cavity. Leaving the honeycomb behind creates a significant problem because the remaining honey will eventually melt, attracting other pests, causing structural damage, and potentially leading to mold or secondary infestations. After the bees and all hive material are removed, the cavity must be properly cleaned, filled with insulation, and sealed completely. The collected bees are then transported to a managed apiary or another suitable natural habitat where they can continue their pollinating work.