How To Get Rid Of Honeybees
How To Get Rid Of Honeybees: A Friendly Guide to Safe and Humane Removal
Finding a buzzing, active honeybee colony near your home can be startling, especially if you or someone in your family has allergies. While honeybees are vital pollinators we absolutely need, sometimes they choose inconvenient locations, like inside your wall or chimney, making removal necessary.
If you're searching for information on how to get rid of honeybees safely, you've come to the right place. We believe in humane solutions that protect both your home and these important insects. Let's walk through the steps to assess the situation and find the best removal method for you.
First Things First: Identifying the Bees and Assessing the Threat
Before you make any moves, you need to confirm exactly what kind of buzzing insect you are dealing with. Treating a colony of wasps or hornets like honeybees will lead to very different and likely disappointing results.
Are They Actually Honeybees? Distinguishing Pests from Pollinators
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) have distinct characteristics. They are fuzzy, often golden-brown or amber, and their bodies are robust. They usually appear calmer when foraging and are less aggressive unless their hive is directly threatened.
In contrast, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets are sleek, brightly colored (often bright yellow and black), and much more aggressive. Identifying the correct insect is crucial because while extermination is common for wasps, relocation is the goal for honeybees.
When Is Removal Absolutely Necessary?
If the bees are simply passing through or nesting temporarily outside in a tree, they usually pose little threat and might move on their own. However, removal becomes non-negotiable in specific situations.
- Structural Damage: If a colony is building a hive inside the walls, ceiling, or chimney, the weight of the honey and comb can cause significant damage to your home's structure.
- Health Risk: If a household member has a severe bee allergy, any nesting activity near high-traffic areas must be addressed immediately.
- Internal Entry: When bees start finding their way inside the living spaces of your home, it's time to call a professional.
Why You Should Never Exterminate Honeybees: Focus on Safe Removal
Honeybees are facing serious population decline worldwide. They are absolutely essential for pollinating crops, meaning their survival directly impacts our food supply. Therefore, when figuring out how to get rid of honeybees from your property, always aim for relocation rather than lethal methods.
Using pesticides on a hive built inside a wall cavity is especially dangerous. Not only does it kill the bees, but it leaves behind tons of honey and beeswax. This residue can attract other pests, like rodents or roaches, and the melted honey can seep into drywall, creating a costly mess.
Finding a Local Beekeeper: The Best Option
The single best route for dealing with unwanted honeybees is contacting a local beekeeping association or an experienced bee removal specialist. Many beekeepers will perform removals for free or for a minimal fee, as they gain a new colony for their apiary.
These professionals know how to carefully extract the queen, comb, and honey without causing unnecessary damage or stress to the colony. They also ensure the bees are relocated to a safe environment where they can continue to thrive.
Methods for Safe and Humane Honeybee Removal
The method used for removal depends heavily on whether you are dealing with a temporary swarm or a permanent, established colony.
Dealing with Swarms vs. Established Colonies
A swarm looks alarming—it's a dense, pulsating ball of thousands of bees usually clinging to a tree branch or shrub. However, swarms are generally docile because they have no hive or honey to protect. They are simply resting while scout bees search for a new permanent home.
An established colony, on the other hand, is settled, has built extensive comb, stored honey, and is highly protective of its location. These require specialized removal techniques.
Swarm Removal Steps (If you are confident and protected)
Swarm removal is often the easiest type of relocation, especially for an experienced beekeeper. If you decide to handle this yourself (with extreme caution and protective gear):
- Identify the cluster location, ensuring it is reachable.
- Place a temporary hive box or container directly underneath the swarm.
- Gently shake the branch or surface the bees are clinging to. The goal is to drop the main cluster, including the queen, into the box.
- Wait until dusk. If the queen is inside, the remaining bees will filter in by nightfall.
- Move the sealed box at least two miles away from your property.
Established Hive Removal (Professional Assistance Required)
Removing a hive from a wall or structure is complicated and usually involves carpentry work. This process is called "cut-out" removal and requires a professional who knows how to get rid of honeybees safely without harming the structure or the colony.
Key professional techniques include:
- Opening the Structure: Carefully cutting away drywall or exterior siding to access the hidden comb.
- Comb Removal: Gently cutting the comb from the structure and securing it into frames for transport.
- Bee Vacuum: Using specialized, low-suction vacuums to collect the bees without crushing them.
- Sealing and Repair: Once the bees, comb, and all residual honey are removed, the cavity must be cleaned and sealed immediately to prevent reinfestation.
Preventing Future Infestations
After a successful removal, the most important step is prevention. Bees are often attracted to cavities where previous bees have lived due to the lingering scent of beeswax and pheromones.
To discourage new tenants, you must eliminate potential entry points:
- Inspect the exterior of your home, paying close attention to gaps around utility lines, vents, and eaves.
- Seal all holes larger than 1/8 inch with caulk, mesh screening, or steel wool.
- Ensure that chimney caps are securely placed and vents are covered with fine mesh.
- If a hive was previously removed from a cavity, clean the area thoroughly and apply a light coat of paint or sealant to mask residual scents.
Conclusion
Dealing with unwanted bees can feel stressful, but remember that honeybee relocation is almost always possible and is the preferred method. When deciding how to get rid of honeybees, prioritize contacting local professionals, such as beekeepers or structural removal experts, who can handle the job humanely.
By identifying your pest correctly, understanding the difference between a swarm and a colony, and taking preventative measures afterward, you ensure the safety of your home while protecting these invaluable pollinators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I just spray the hive myself to get rid of the honeybees?
- We strongly advise against this. Pesticides often fail to kill the entire colony, leaving bees trapped and agitated. Furthermore, killing the bees leaves behind thousands of pounds of rotting honey and comb inside your walls, which causes significant structural damage and attracts other pests.
- Do honeybees usually return to the same spot after removal?
- Yes, they can! If a colony is successfully removed but the cavity is not thoroughly cleaned and sealed, residual pheromones and wax smells can attract a new swarm. Sealing the entry points is mandatory prevention.
- How much does professional honeybee removal cost?
- The cost varies widely based on the location and complexity. Swarm removal may be free if performed by a hobbyist beekeeper. Established hive removal from inside a structure (a cut-out) can cost several hundred dollars or more, as it involves time-consuming labor and structural repair.
- What time of day are honeybees least active?
- Honeybees are least active at night when temperatures drop. This is the optimal time for professionals to attempt removal, as most of the foragers will be back inside the hive.
How To Get Rid Of Honeybees
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