Bee and wasp removal: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What bee and wasp removal is

Bee and wasp removal identifies the stinging insect and removes or treats a nest, sometimes relocating honeybees, then advises on sealing the nesting area. People call when a nest is on or near the house, when a swarm settles in a yard or porch, or when stinging insects are a threat to someone with allergies.

Signs you need it

  • A nest hangs under the eaves, in a wall void, under a deck or in a shrub close to a door or walkway
  • Wasps or bees are gathering at a gap in the siding, a light fixture or a gutter in large numbers
  • A swarm of bees has settled on a branch, a fence or the side of the house
  • Stinging insects are getting into the house through a vent, a crack or an open window
  • Someone in the home has a known allergy to stings, or a stinging insect nest is in a place where people walk every day

What the pro does

  • The technician identifies the insect, since honeybees, yellow jackets, paper wasps and hornets are handled differently
  • The nest location is confirmed from a safe distance, and the traffic route and the nest size are checked
  • The nest is removed or treated at night or in the cool part of the day, with the right protective gear and products
  • For honeybees, a beekeeper may relocate the colony if it can be saved, rather than killing it
  • The technician seals the entry points that let the insects return, and explains what to watch for after the removal

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Type of insect and whether a relocation is needed for honeybees
  • Nest size and location, including whether it is in a wall, under a roof or at height
  • Access to the nest, such as a ladder, a lift or a tight space
  • Number of nests and how many visits are needed
  • Whether the nest must be opened to remove it, and the repair work that follows
  • Sealing of the entry points to prevent a return
  • Time of day, if the work must be done after dark for safety

What a written quote should spell out

  • The insect identified and the nest location, with the nest size noted
  • The removal or treatment method, and whether the nest is removed or left in place
  • Whether a beekeeper is used for a honeybee relocation, and what happens to the colony
  • The sealing work and the materials used to close the entry points
  • Any repairs to siding, walls or soffits that are needed after the removal
  • The follow-up check and what happens if the insects return

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Which insect is it, and how did you confirm it?
  • If it is honeybees, can the colony be relocated instead of killed?
  • How do you protect my family and my pets during the work?
  • Will you open the wall or siding, and who repairs it?
  • Do you seal the entry points so the insects do not come back?
  • Are you working at night, and what time will you arrive?
  • What do you do if the nest is higher than a ladder can reach?

Red flags

  • They knock the nest down or spray it while people are close, without protective gear or a plan
  • They take out honeybees without checking whether a beekeeper can relocate them
  • They seal the entry points before confirming the nest is empty, which traps insects inside
  • They work near a nest without a clear escape route for the crew or the family
  • They cannot name the insect or explain the removal method

What you can do yourself

A homeowner should not try to remove a nest, particularly one that is in a wall, under a roof, in the ground or close to people; do not approach a nest, do not spray it at close range and do not seal entry points while insects are still active. If someone has a known sting allergy or is stung and has trouble breathing, call emergency services. Call a licensed pest control operator or a beekeeper for any nest that is active, large or in a high-traffic area.

Licenses and permits

Removing or treating stinging-insect nests with pesticides for pay is commonly licensed in many areas; honeybee relocation may need its own permit or beekeeping rules. Check with your state or local licensing agency before you hire, and ask whether the crew holds the license that covers the method.

Bee and wasp removal questions

Should I remove a honeybee swarm or call someone?

Call someone. A swarm that has settled is often gathering to move, and a beekeeper can collect it safely. Ask whether they can relocate the colony, since honeybees are protected in many areas.

Why do wasps keep coming back to the same spot?

Usually the entry point is still open, or the old nest was not removed. Ask the operator to seal the gap, and check the spot after the removal for new activity.

What should I do if someone is stung and has an allergy?

Get emergency medical help right away. Call emergency services if breathing is affected, and follow any emergency plan the person already has. Do not wait for a pest service to arrive.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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