Questions About Bee Removal
Answers From APA Bee Removal
Answers to common questions about structural bee removal, roofs, walls, swarms, honeycomb, repairs, costs and bee proofing.
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Bee Removal Questions & Answers
A swarm resting outside a home is very different from an established colony that has built honeycomb inside a roof or wall. These answers explain what may be happening and what type of service may be needed.
Common Questions About Bee Removal
Do you have to open my wall or roof to remove a beehive?
If an established colony has built honeycomb inside a structural cavity, access is often necessary to remove the bees and hive material completely. APA Bee Removal can also perform common roof, stucco and drywall repairs associated with the access we create.
Why can't you just spray the bees and leave the hive inside?
Spraying visible bees may stop activity temporarily, but it does not necessarily remove honeycomb, wax, honey or brood hidden inside the structure. For an established structural hive, removing accessible hive material is an important part of solving the problem.
How do I know if I have a swarm or an established hive?
A swarm often appears as a large exposed cluster on a tree, fence, bush or wall. If bees repeatedly enter and exit 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 live removal. Exposed swarms and some accessible colonies can often be collected and relocated. Structural location, accessibility and safety affect whether live removal is practical.
Why isn't live bee removal always possible?
Some colonies are located in dangerous or inaccessible areas, and some situations involve aggressive bee activity or an immediate safety concern. The location and condition of the colony determine the safest removal method.
What should I do if a bee swarm lands in my yard?
Keep people and pets away and avoid spraying or disturbing it. Call a bee removal professional promptly because an exposed swarm can move into a roof, wall or attic.
What should I do if bees are entering my chimney?
Avoid lighting a fire in an attempt to smoke the bees out. Have the chimney inspected so the location of the colony can be determined and the correct removal method selected.
Why are bees coming into my house through the fireplace?
If bees are nesting in a chimney, some may travel down the flue and enter the living space. Isolate the room when possible, keep people and pets away and contact a professional.
What should I do if bees are inside my wall?
Do not seal the outside entrance while the colony is active. A structural removal may involve locating the colony, creating controlled access, removing bees and accessible honeycomb, addressing the cavity and repairing the access area.
How can you tell where the hive is inside a wall or roof?
The visible entrance is not always the exact location of the honeycomb. Bee activity, flight patterns, sound, construction features and experience can help determine where the colony is likely located.
How old is the beehive inside my wall?
The exact age is not always possible to determine, but the amount and condition of honeycomb, stored honey, brood and colony development can provide clues.
What happens to the honeycomb after the bees are removed?
For structural hive removal, accessible honeycomb and hive material should be removed. The area can then be cleaned and treated as appropriate before entry points are addressed and repairs are completed.
Will bees come back after hive removal?
Bees can be attracted to locations 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 removal, likely entry points around the treated area can be sealed or corrected.
Do you repair the roof or wall after bee removal?
Yes. APA Bee Removal can perform common structural repairs associated with hive access, including roofing, stucco and drywall work.
How much does bee removal cost?
Cost depends on the type of problem, colony location, height, accessibility, structural work and repairs required. Photos or a short video can often help us understand the situation and provide a faster quote.
Do you provide 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 or businesses.
Do you guarantee structural bee removal?
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.
When You Should Call a Bee Removal Professional
Contact a professional when you see repeated bee traffic into a structure, bees entering living areas, honey leaking from a ceiling or wall, aggressive activity, a colony in a difficult-to-reach location, or a swarm that may move into the building.
Need Help With a Bee Problem?
If you are not sure whether you have a swarm, a new colony or an established hive, call or text APA Bee Removal. Photos and a short description can help us determine the next step.
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