SELF HELP GUIDE
Will a swarm on a tree branch leave on their own?
In the case of a Swarm, usually YES. A swarm of bees may stop to rest on just about anything during the migratory process and leave between 1 and 72 hours later. In Southern California, the swarming season occurs mostly during Spring and Fall, but it can occur at other times of the year as well. Established Colonies will NOT leave once they have set up housekeeping except in extenuating circumstances. Bees may choose various hollow cavities to set up colonies such as your roof, eaves, wall voids, water meter boxes, even a BBQ grill or a birdhouse. It only takes bees about 72 hours to start producing honey and combs once they move in.
Can I get rid of these unwanted visitors myself?
APA Bee Removal does not recommend self-treatment of bee infestation. An active colony of honeybees can have 10,000 to 60,000 bees in it. What you see on the outside is only a miniscule fraction of what is under the surface. Spraying an active Colony with any ‘over-the-counter’ substance bought at the local hardware store will give the bees reason to become defensive. Also, this method will only exterminate a small fraction of the problem. When dealing with a Swarm the only self-treatment that Bee Busters recommends is to have patience and let nature run its course. A swarm that has landed on something that does not provide them with a suitable nesting place will not usually stay. Swarms may land on tree branches and the like. Spraying a swarm with water or another substance can cause quite a ruckus and the bees will usually settle back down on the same spot. As with a colony, attempting to self-exterminate your visitors with any method can cause defensive behavior. If a swarm on your property makes you uncomfortable and waiting for nature is not a possibility, give us a call!
Note: Spraying a swarm with water or other substances can damage the queen bee. If she is unable to travel your visitors will stay longer than usual. They won’t leave without her!
Awareness
- Look Up
- Know common nesting places
- Teach children to be respectful of all bees
- Observe. Listen for buzzing and look for signs of bees following a constant path
- Use care. Don’t disturb a nest or a swarm
- Bees around your garden are pollinating and do not pose a threat. Be respectful, they are simply grocery shopping, and our environment needs them.
Prevention
- Remove possible nesting sites from the area around your home (empty containers such as flower pots, old tires, BBQ grills, vehicles, cavities in fences, ground and trees)
- Inspect outbuildings, eaves, chimneys and crawl spaces frequently.
- See our Photo Gallery to view some of these common nesting sites
- Seal openings larger than 1/8” in walls, around plumbing and other structural gaps
- Install screens where openings cannot be sealed
- Avoid wearing colognes and scented soaps as well as overusing citrus cleansers
Sting Response
The barbs on a bee’s stinger will lodge in the skin. A stinger can continue to pump venom even after the bee has detached for about a minute. If pursued by bees, seek shelter indoors or in vehicle. Bees will respond to the CO2 you exhale and follow it Do NOT jump into water Protect your eyes and face if being stung. Protect your hair. Don’t swat at bees – it makes them more aggressive Remove stingers quickly – if possible scrape them off rather than squeezing them Wash the sting(s) with soap Apply ice Seek medical attention if stung numerous times or if allergic to bee stings When possible, move small pets to shelter If an animal has multiple stings or appears to have a reaction to a bee sting consult your veterinarian Keep animals from eating dead bees. Be aware that dead bees’ stingers can still sting for several days until completely dehydrated.
HOW TO GET RID OF BEES
If you’ve been searching online for “how to get rid of bees,” then you’re probably already dealing with a serious bee problem. Perhaps you have a hive in your backyard, under the eaves of your house, in your attic, your garage, or near your place of business. Maybe you’ve already been stung, or you’re increasingly worried that someone will get seriously hurt any day now. Plus, if you or one of your family members is allergic to bees, then the problem is even more critical. Regardless of how severe the situation is, the only way you’re going to have peace of mind is to remove the bees and hives from your property altogether. The question is: how? Before you risk getting stung hundreds of times, follow the steps below to see how to get rid of bees the right way.
DO call a professional immediately. This is the single most important step of bee removal! If you have a bee problem, it’s imperative that you use a professional bee removal expert to fix the situation for you. Their experience, knowledge and skills enable them to effectively remove the bees, quickly and safely, ensuring that no one gets hurt. A bee expert will generally use a special vacuum to safely collect the bees into a container, or they will shake the bees into a bee box. From there, the bees will be transferred to a bee apiary or to another beekeeper. The bees’ nest will be destroyed and removed to ensure that it doesn’t become home to other bees in the future. Throughout this whole process, the professional beekeeper will use special equipment and protective gear, which is essential for proper removal of bees. As you’ll read below, this is NOT a job for amateurs, which is why you should always call a professional.
DONT TRY AND DESTROY THE BEEHIVE YOURSELF
If you’re thinking about taking a long pole,stick with a baseball bat to destroy the hive, think again! Even if you have a 50-foot pole, you will not be safe once you disturb a nest full of 30,000 to 50,000 angry bees. By knocking down the hive or disturbing it in any way, you will significantly increase the risk of being stung. this is NOT the proper way to get rid of bees, and it is completely inadvisable! Don’t spray the hive with a waterhose or bug spray. We hear about this all the time. Someone spots a beehive at the back of their property. So they get out the hose and try to spray it with water. There are two main problems with this approach: 1) It’s unsafe, and 2) It will do nothing to remove the bees . Don’t waste your time ( and risk your wellbeing) by spraying ANYTHING at the bees. Let an expert show you how to get rid of the bees, so you don’t have to do it yourself. Do leave the nest alone until a professional arrives. The best thing you can do to avoid being stung (and prevent others from being stung too) is to leave the bees alone. If possible, don’t even go near them. Keep your distance from the bees and they will not bother you. Instead of worrying about the bees yourself, wait for the experts to arrive and they will solve the problem fast. Let us show you how to get rid of the bees the right way. There’s no need to stress on how to get rid of the bees. APA Bee Removal is here to help. Whether you have a small bee problem, or swarm on your property. Our professional, experienced bee removal company can help resolve the problem quickly- often the same day you call us. Using specialized equipment, we will capture the bees to transfer them to our own apiary or another local beekeeper, and we’ll remove the nest as well . We are dedicated to making every customer happy, which is why we back up all our work, and provide outstanding service at all times. Contact us today and let us solve your bee problem today!
FAQ
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T REMOVE A BEEHIVE?
If a beehive is left behind, the smell of it will attract bees back to the area for years to come. If a typical size beehive is abandoned and is located in an attic or wall, once the bees have departed, the honey will completely melt out of the comb and will destroy drywall, stucco, siding, paint, etc. The abandoned beehive will then attract other pests such as ants and rodents.
ARE THERE REALLY AFRICANIZED BEES IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY?
There are always lots of bees in urban areas. Resources here are plentiful and they love our Orange County weather. Bees choose locations based on the desirability of a particular nesting site. They love hollow cavity spaces and will check for size, temperature and humidity factors. They want to stay protected from the elements. Any property could be a potential nesting site. Swarms will also stop anywhere that is convenient for them while migrating in search of a new home.
WHEN ARE BEES DANGEROUS?
Bees are only dangerous when they are defending their colony: nest, honey and brood. They are not dangerous when foraging for pollen, collecting water, nor typically when swarming. This means that it is important to check the area around your home for wild colonies of bees, as they can be easily disturbed and will defend themselves. If you or your pets have been stung by bees and believe you are having an allergic reaction consult a health care professional immediately
HOW DO I TELL IF THESE BEES ARE AFRICANIZED (KILLER BEES)
You can’t! It requires DNA testing and elaborate measurement tests in order to distinguish the two. The Africanized bee has hybridized with the more friendly European bees that beekeepers brought here first. These hybrids exhibit characteristics of both, and the behavior of a hive can drastically change without warning. Their behavior is NOT an accurate tool to determine whether they are Africanized! You should always just give all bees you encounter the respect you’d give any wild creature.
WILL THEY LEAVE ON THEIR OWN?
In the case of a Swarm, usually YES. A swarm of bees may stop to rest on just about anything during the migratory process and leave between 1 and 72 hours later. In Orange County, the swarming season occurs mostly during Spring and Fall, but it can occur at other times of the year as well. Established Colonies will NOT leave once they have set up housekeeping except in extenuating circumstances. Bees may choose various hollow cavities to set up colonies such as your roof, eaves, wall voids, water meter boxes, even a BBQ grill or a birdhouse. It only takes bees about 72 hours to start producing honey and combs once they move in.
I HAVE BEES AT MY SWIMMING POOL, WHAT DO I DO?
Bees need water just like we do. They will gather at swimming pools, ponds, and water coolers in order to find it. Water-collecting bees are docile just as when they are foraging for pollen and nectar. Bees will also communicate to their colony where the best sources of water are so when they find a good spot they are likely to return repeatedly. The only way to rid your property of foraging bees is to take away the water or food source they are coming to. They will become discouraged and go elsewhere. This can be fairly easy with fountains and birdbaths, but not so easily done with an entire pool.
CAN I GET RID OF THESE BEES MYSELF?
APA Bee Removal does not recommend self-treatment of a bee infestation. An active colony of honeybees can have 10,000 to 60,000 bees in it. What you see on the outside is only a minuscule fraction of what is under the surface. Spraying an active Colony with any ‘over-the-counter’ substance bought at the local hardware store will give the bees reason to become defensive. Also, this method will only exterminate a small fraction of the problem. When dealing with a Swarm the only self-treatment that APA Bee Removal recommends is to have patience and let nature run its course. A swarm that has landed on something that does not provide them with a suitable nesting place will not usually stay. Swarms may land on tree branches and the like. Spraying a swarm with water or another substance can cause quite a ruckus and the bees will usually settle back down on the same spot. As with a colony, attempting to self-exterminate your visitors with any method can cause defensive behavior. If a swarm on your property makes you uncomfortable and waiting for nature is not a possibility, give us a call!
NOTE: SPRAYING A SWARM WITH WATER OR OTHER SUBSTANCE CAN DAMAGE THE QUEEN BEE. IF SHE IS UNABLE TO TRAVEL YOUR VISITORS WILL STAY LONGER THAN USUAL. THEY WON’T LEAVE WITHOUT HER!
IS IT ILLEGAL TO KILL BEES?
No absolutely not. APA Bee Removal is licensed by the State of California to perform our services. Government agencies recommend calling a pest control professional when encountering wild feral bees due to the Africanization in this area.
I HEARD ALL THE BEES ARE DYING. ARE BEES ENDANGERED? AND WHAT ABOUT COLONY COLLAPSE DISORDER?
I HEARD ALL THE BEES ARE DYING. ARE BEES ENDANGERED? AND WHAT ABOUT COLONY COLLAPSE DISORDER?
DO I HAVE A BEE SWARM OR A HIVE?
A swarm is a large group of bees congregating around their queen. Most swarms are in trees or the underside of fascia and eves. A hive, on the other hand, is an established bee colony where you will find the honeycomb and honey that have been carefully constructed. We often find these hives in attics, inside wall spaces, water boxes or trees. APA Bee Removal will remove beehives and honeybee swarms making sure to keep them alive. We will in no way use any chemical pesticide or kill any honeybees! Beehive removal fees are given on an individual basis as there are many elements to consider: is structural access needed and to what extent of repairs are necessary.
IS COMPLETE BEE AND BEEHIVE REMOVAL REALLY NECESSARY?
As soon as you spray bees with chemical pesticides it kills the honeybees but the honey and honeycomb are left behind for rodents and pests to feed on and contaminate the area with their droppings. Another reason is that more bees can often occupy the beehive and you have another live beehive on your hands. That’s why it’s critical that the entire beehive and honeycomb are removed from your property.
DOES BEEHIVE REMOVAL CAUSE STRUCTURAL DAMAGE?
Unfortunately it can. Bees are very resourceful and can find the trickiest places to build their hives. If they are in your wall space or the crawl space in your house, we will need to gain access by cutting into the structure to effectively remove all remnants of the hive.
DO YOU DO BEE REMOVAL REPAIRS?
We perform exceptional bee removal repairs. With over 20 years of construction experience, by the time we are done with any structural repairs from your bee removal, you wouldn’t even know you had a beehive.
Bee Proofing
Bees are great in our gardens, but not so great inside our homes. A large colony that has taken up residence in your roof, wall, garage, shed or air vents can cause you a lot of problems. Not to mention, the time and expense of home renovations! Now that we are approaching warmer weather around the country, honey bees are coming out in full force. They are leaving their winter homes in search of new, bigger places to settle. While honeybees can build their nests in many different locations, they love to choose areas that are protected from the elements, pests and cold temperatures. Honeybees are industrious little creatures and have a way of entering your home through the tiniest of openings. Once inside, thousands of bees buzz in and out as they embark on foraging trips and raise their young. APA Live Bee Removal, We have seen hives just about anywhere you can imagine. And take it from us, you do not want a colony to get too cozy inside your home.During any of our bee removal services, we take steps to bee-proof your home so you can avoid a future honey bee infestation. We can also show you some tips and tricks so you can take bee-proofing
1. CHECK FOR GAPS IN YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS
We’d bet that if you inspected the outside of your home with a critical eye, you would find plenty of small openings, cracks and crevices big enough for a honeybee to enter through. In fact, honeybees can enter spaces through holes the size of a pencil eraser – that’s about 1/8-inch! The first line of defense in preventing honey bees from building a hive in your home is to block all potential access points. Here are some steps you can take to cover holes and openings that bees can use as their door to your home: Install door sweeps Check all seals around your doors and windows Caulk cracks and holes in walls, around window and door frames and in your foundation
2. INSTALL SCREENS ON WINDOWS , DOORS AND OHER OPENING
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent honeybees and other bugs from entering your home is to install screens on your windows and doors. Not only do screens block pests from entering your home, they still allow for ventilation. If you have screens already installed, check to make sure that there are no holes and that the frames are not bent. Screens can also be installed on other larger openings like laundry vents and around pipes.
3. ELIMINATE CLUTTER FROM YOUR YARD
When looking for a place to build their homes, honeybees love to choose locations that are safe, warm and protected from rain and wind. Yard clutter such as trash cans, old vehicles, machinery, boxes, woodpiles and gardening pots can be perfect shelters for honeybees. Inspect your property for secluded, protected places that would attract bees and clean them up.
4. REMOVE WATER SOURCES
Honeybees need nectar, pollen and water. They will always choose a shelter that is in close proximity to a water source. If you remove a nearby water source, you will decrease the likelihood that bees will choose your property to build a hive. Check your property for leaky faucets or lawn watering systems. Eliminate birdbaths, or add a little vinegar to the water to deter bees.
5 BE VIGILANT ABOUT CHECKING YOUR PROPERTY FOR HIVES
The best defense is a strong offense. Be on the lookout for signs of a bee infestation by regularly inspecting your property and home. The sooner you spot the bees, the sooner you can get a professional live bee removal company to the scene to take care of the problem. Remember, honeybees can do a lot of damage to your home if left to their own devices
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO PRIOR TO SERVICE?
WILL YOU BE ABLE TO REMOVE MY BEES LIVE?
1. The bees are not aggressive and in swarm or early hive formation.
2. The bees are easily accessible and are clustered out in the open and not inside a structure.
3. We are able to place them with a beekeeper in our Best Bee Network.
A SWARM JUST ENTERED MY ROOF THROUGH A AIR VENT NEAR THE EAVES. WONT THEY JUST LEAVE ON THEIR OWN?
THERE IS A CLUSTER OF BEES IN MY TREE CAN'T JUST SPRAY THEM WITH WATER?
A SWARM JUST LANDED ON A BRANCH ON MY TREE.WONT THEY JUST GO AWAY ON TREIR OWN?
We do not recommend you try to deal with this yourself. Handling bees can be tricky. In addition to he proper suits and equipment, knowledge and expertise are required in order to ensure the safety of people and animals in surrounding areas.
HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR BEE REMOVAL
The cost of bee removal varies depending upon a number of factors. There are three main factors that can affect the cost of a job.
- The first is the length of time the problem has been going on. If you have a swarm it is less expensive to resolve than if you have a hive. A swarm is a collection of bees that has just landed and is looking to build a hive. A fully established hive can be built in only a couple weeks, so fixing the problem quickly (before the swarm has built a hive) is much less expensive than if a hive has already been established.
- The second factor that influences the price of a job is where the bees or hive is located. Is it in a tree at eye level that is easy to get to? Or is it 25 feet up in a palm tree? Does it require a ladder? Is it on a hillside or up a steep slope? Do you need to crawl under a structure to get to it? Do you need a boom lift or heavy equipment to reach it? All of these factors dictate the difficulty and price of the job.
- The third main factor is what materials and tools will be needed to remove the hive? Is the hive in a 3nd story wood shingle roof or a single story Spanish tile roof? Are the bees inside an irrigation box in the ground where the lid can be lifted easily? Or are they inside a concrete wall that needs to be demolished in order to get to the hive? Are the bees in a stucco wall, a wood wall, or a type of wall that has special masonry? All of these examples can affect the cost of the hive removal.
FAQ
BEE REMOVAL FAQ
1. DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE REMOVING BEES FROM A WALL?
Removing honeybees from a wall requires carpentry experience. A novice beekeeper can cause more damage than good if they are not experts in carpentry.
2. WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF REMOVING BEES FROM A WALL?
An experienced beekeeper will identify the location of the bees and how remove the honeybees safely, extract the hive, clean the affected area, apply pesticide to deter honeybees from returning to the empty hive, fill the open area with insulation and replace the wall with the original material whenever possible.
3. DO YOU HAVE PICTURES OF HONEYBEE REMOVALS FROM WALLS?
Trustworthy honeybee removal companies will have plenty of pictures. Choose a company that has more than just a few examples.
4. DO YOU HAVE REFERENCES?
A reputable bee removal company will have good ratings online on platforms such as Google. Be wary of businesses that have too few good reviews. Its not unusual for novice companies to ask friends and family to create favorable reviews.
5. DO YOU GUARANTEE YOUR WORK?
Read the warranty or guarantee agreement carefully. A good bee removal company will warranty a removal requiring a repair for at least a year.
6. DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE?
Some companies operate with little or no insurance. Companies should have both liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This is a good precaution against accidents caused by bee smokers causing fires or beekeepers falling from roofs or trees.
