Bee Removal FAQs
Answers to Common Bee Removal Questions
Have questions about bee removal, structural hive removal, live bee relocation, honeycomb, repairs, costs, emergency service or our guarantee? APA Bee Removal answers the questions property owners ask most often.
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General Bee Removal FAQs
Every bee situation is different. The answers below explain the difference between swarms and established hives, when structural access may be needed, what happens to the honeycomb, and what to expect from professional bee removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a swarm or an established hive?
A swarm usually appears as a large exposed cluster of bees on a tree, bush, fence, wall or other surface. If bees repeatedly enter and leave the same opening in a roof, wall, eave, chimney or vent over multiple days, there may already be an established colony inside.
Can you remove bees alive?
Yes, when conditions allow safe and practical live removal. Exposed swarms and some accessible colonies can often be collected and relocated.
Do you remove honeycomb too?
Yes. For structural hive removals, removing accessible honeycomb and hive material is an important part of solving the problem instead of treating only the visible bee activity.
Do you have to open my wall or roof?
If an established colony has built honeycomb inside a structural cavity, controlled access may be necessary to remove the bees and hive material completely. We aim to open only what is needed to reach the colony.
Do you repair the wall or roof afterward?
Yes. APA Bee Removal can perform common roofing, stucco and drywall repairs associated with the structural access we create for hive removal.
Why can’t you just spray the entrance?
Spraying visible bees may reduce activity temporarily, but it does not necessarily remove honeycomb, wax, honey or brood hidden inside the structure. Leftover hive material can create additional problems and may attract future bees or pests.
What should I do if bees are entering my wall?
Do not seal the entrance while the colony is active. Trapped bees may search for another exit and can sometimes move toward the interior of the property.
What should I do if bees are in my chimney?
Avoid lighting a fire to try to smoke the bees out. Have the chimney inspected so the colony location can be determined and the correct removal method selected.
Why are bees coming through my fireplace?
If bees are nesting in a chimney, some may travel down the flue and enter the living space through the fireplace. Keep people and pets away and contact a professional.
Can bees come through electrical outlets or lights?
Yes. If bees are trapped inside a wall or ceiling, they may search for alternate openings and sometimes appear through electrical outlets, recessed lights or other gaps.
Will bees come back after removal?
Bees can be attracted to places that previously contained a hive. Proper removal, cleanup, sealing and bee proofing help reduce the chance of another colony using the same treated area.
What is bee proofing?
Bee proofing means addressing openings and conditions that allow bees to enter structural cavities. After hive removal, likely entry points around the treated area can be sealed or corrected.
How much does bee removal cost?
Cost depends on the type of bee problem, colony location, height, accessibility, amount of structural work required and whether repairs are needed. An exposed swarm is usually a different type of job than a mature hive hidden inside a roof or wall.
Can you give me a quote from photos?
Often, yes. Clear photos or a short video showing the bee activity, the entrance area and the surrounding structure can help us understand the situation and provide a faster quote.
Do you offer same-day service?
Yes. Same-day appointments are available depending on scheduling and location.
Do you provide 24-hour emergency bee removal?
Yes. APA Bee Removal provides 24/7 emergency service for urgent bee situations, including aggressive activity, bees entering occupied areas and problems affecting homes, businesses, schools, job sites and other properties.
Do you remove bees from roofs?
Yes. Roof and roof-tile colonies are common structural bee removal jobs. We locate the colony, create controlled access when needed, remove the bees and accessible honeycomb, and repair the access area.
Do you remove bees from stucco walls?
Yes. We remove colonies from stucco walls and can repair the access area afterward.
Do you remove bees from attics?
Yes. We handle bee colonies in attics, roof cavities and other enclosed spaces when safe access is available.
Do you remove bees from eaves and soffits?
Yes. Eaves, fascia and soffits are common nesting areas because they can provide protected cavities.
Can you remove bees from trees?
Yes, when the swarm or colony is safely accessible. Height and access conditions may affect the equipment and method required.
Can you remove bees from commercial properties?
Yes. We provide bee removal for property managers, HOAs, apartment communities, schools, warehouses, retail properties, offices, construction sites and other commercial locations.
What if the bees are high up?
We can handle many elevated bee removal situations. The height, access conditions and equipment required are evaluated before the job.
What happens after the bees are removed?
For structural hive removals, the process may include removing accessible honeycomb, cleaning and treating the cavity as appropriate, addressing entry points and repairing the access area.
How long does bee removal take?
The time depends on the type of problem, hive location, accessibility, colony size and repair work required. Simple swarm removals are often much faster than structural hive removals.
Do you guarantee your work?
Qualifying structural hive-removal work is backed by our 2-year written guarantee for the treated area, according to the written terms provided for the service.
What does the 2-year guarantee cover?
The guarantee applies to the treated area according to the written terms provided with qualifying structural hive-removal service. If you have a question about coverage, contact us as soon as you notice bee activity.
Should I seal the bee entrance myself?
Not while an active colony is still inside. Sealing the entrance too early can trap bees in the structure and create new interior problems.
Should I use store-bought bee spray?
Store-bought sprays may affect visible bees but usually do not solve an established structural hive. They can also agitate bees or leave hive material behind.
What should I do if honey is dripping from my ceiling or wall?
Honey staining or dripping can indicate hive material inside the structure. Avoid opening the area yourself and have it inspected so the hive location and extent can be evaluated.
Can you remove Africanized or aggressive bees?
We handle aggressive bee situations and evaluate the safest removal approach based on location, behavior and public safety.
Do you service residential and commercial properties?
Yes. We work with homeowners, tenants, property managers, HOAs, schools, businesses, warehouses, construction sites and other properties.
What areas do you serve?
APA Bee Removal serves the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding Los Angeles County communities, including many cities throughout the region.
How do I get started?
Call us or text photos and a short description of where the bees are located. That helps us determine whether you are dealing with a swarm, an established hive or an emergency situation.
When to Call Right Away
- Bees are entering occupied rooms
- There is aggressive bee activity
- Bees are entering a roof, wall or chimney
- Honey is leaking from a ceiling or wall
- A swarm is near children, pets or a busy walkway
- Bee activity is affecting a business, school or job site
Helpful Information to Send Us
- Photos of the bee cluster or entrance
- A short video of flight activity
- A wider photo showing height and access
- How long you have noticed the bees
- Whether bees are entering the building
- Your city or service location
Still Have a Question?
If your situation is not covered above, call or text APA Bee Removal. We can help determine whether you have a swarm, an established structural hive or an urgent bee problem.
Same-Day Service • 24/7 Emergency Response • Repairs Available • 2-Year Guarantee