Who to Call for Bee Removal: Your Hiring Guide

A bee removal specialist or a local beekeeper can remove and relocate bees

beekeeper collecting bees
Photo: Frazao Studio Latino / Getty Images
beekeeper collecting bees
Photo: Frazao Studio Latino / Getty Images
Highlights
  • Who to call for bee removal depends and total costs depend on hive location, access, colony size, and how complex the removal is.

  • Bee removal is the safe relocation of a hive by trained pros to protect people and preserve bees.

  • Carpenter bee situations cost more because bees nest in wood, making access and removal harder.

  • A local beekeeper may remove honeybees at little to no cost; specialists handle risky or complex cases.

  • Never attempt DIY removal due to sting risks and the need to relocate hives intact.

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This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are deciding who to call for bee removal, start with a bee control specialist who prioritizes safe relocation and minimal harm to the hive. Many states require certifications or licenses, especially when chemicals are used, so review local laws. Use this hiring guide to choose the right pro and protect the bees.

Benefits of Hiring a Bee Removal Specialist for Bee Removal

A bee removal specialist keeps you safe while preserving the hive. These pros are pest control specialists who specialize in bee behavior, and they work using humane relocation methods and tools designed for careful removal from hard-to-reach spots. They also share ways to prevent future issues so bees do not return.

Here's how hiring a bee specialist benefits your home:

  • Relocates colonies alive to protect local bee populations

  • Applies behavioral expertise for efficient, low-disruption removal

  • Uses bee vacuums and purpose-built tools for controlled collection

  • Reaches hives in attics, walls, or other tight spaces safely

  • Limits property damage and reduces injury risk during bee removal

  • Finds entry points and suggests practical ways to prevent return

  • Works in line with any required certifications or licenses

  • Manages complex or hidden hives without harming the colony

  • Lowers sting exposure for everyone, especially if allergies are a concern

  • Avoids unnecessary chemical treatments that may harm bees or your landscape

A local beekeeper is a smart choice for honeybees and often removes them at little to no cost, focusing on relocation rather than extermination. For wasps or hard-to-access hives, call a wasp or bee removal specialist. General pest control services handle wasps effectively but are not ideal for bees unless they offer specialized bee services. Keep in mind that bees and wasps belong to different animal families, so they share traits, but their differing biology affects proper control methods.

Chemical treatments can harm bees and the environment, and general services may not remove an entire hive. If you have a large or difficult hive, you might want to consider a bee exterminator near you to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.

How Do Bee Removal Specialists Remove Bees?

Pros follow a humane, structured process to keep the colony intact:

  1. Prioritize safety for the bees and the hive.

  2. Use a bee vacuum for controlled collection.

  3. Remove comb sections and place them with the queen so the colony follows.

  4. Use smoke gently to coax out remaining bees.

  5. Contain and transport the hive for relocation with minimal harm.

How Much Does Bee Removal Cost?

The average cost of bee removal is $280. Pricing ranges between $75 and $2,000, depending on hive location, colony size, and job complexity, with harder-to-access spaces increasing costs. Carpenter bee removal is higher because bees nest within wood, making access and removal more challenging. Hiring a bee removal professional ensures safe, effective relocation with minimal harm to the bees, which adds value beyond basic removal.

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The homeowners guide to bee removals

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.