Swarm or established hive?
- Swarm
- A ball of bees hanging on a branch, fence or eave. These bees are looking for a new home and are usually calm. Many swarms leave on their own within a day or two. If one is near a door, play area or walkway, call for removal before it moves into a wall.
- Established hive
- Bees flying in and out of one spot, like a gap in the siding, a roof vent, a water meter box or a hollow tree, day after day. They have built comb inside and will not leave on their own.
Why bees in a wall need full removal
Killing bees inside a wall and leaving the comb is one of the most common and costly mistakes. The honey and wax start to melt and ferment without bees to cool them. Honey soaks through drywall, and the comb draws ants, cockroaches, rodents and wax moths. Other bee swarms can also smell the old comb and move right back in.
Proper removal means opening the wall, ceiling or eave, taking out the bees and every piece of comb, cleaning the cavity and sealing the entry point.
Seeing this at your place right now? A local technician can talk it through with you on the phone.
Call (626) 555-0142Africanized bees in Southern California
Africanized honey bees have been established in Southern California for decades and look identical to regular honey bees. They defend their hive much more aggressively and in larger numbers. You cannot tell by looking. Any established colony near a house should be handled by a professional, and no one should try to knock down or spray a hive.
How we handle bee removal
Phone assessment
Call (626) 555-0142. Tell us where the bees are, how high, and how long they have been there. Swarms near people are handled fast.
On-site inspection
The technician finds the size and location of the colony, sometimes with a thermal camera on walls.
Removal
Swarms are collected. Established hives are opened up and removed, with live relocation to a beekeeper when the colony and location allow it.
Comb removal and cleanup
All comb and honey are taken out and the cavity is cleaned.
Seal and repair
The entry gap is sealed so new swarms cannot move in. Basic repair is often included. Finished drywall or stucco may need a contractor.
Bee removal FAQ
Do you save the bees?
When the colony is healthy, reachable and not defensive, live removal and relocation to a beekeeper is preferred. Defensive or unreachable colonies may have to be eliminated for safety.
Can I just spray the hole closed?
No. Sealing the entrance traps bees inside, where they find another way into the house. Leftover comb also melts and draws pests.
What should I do if I am stung?
Scrape the stinger out quickly, wash the area and apply ice. Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or many stings.