How much does Bee removal cost?

Unless you’re a beekeeper, finding a colony of bees on your property can be a troublesome, unwanted occurrence. While not all types of bees are aggressive, many will sting if threatened. Bee stings not only hurt, they can be particularly dangerous for pets, or anyone allergic to bees or other pollinators such as hornets, yellowjackets, and wasps.

If you have a bee problem, bee removal services can deftly remove stinging insects and their nests to protect both the bees and people who live at the property.  If you’ve discovered an unwanted bee nest, read on to find out what you’ll pay for live bee removal and how to hire a bee removal specialist.

Bees often build their nests inside sheltered spaces such as sheds, garages, attics, and covered porches, as well as in trees and bushes. These nests may not be visible to the naked eye, which means that the only sign of an infestation might be seeing the bees themselves. 

Average cost of bee removal depends on location of the bee nest and type of bee removal expert you hire.

Outdoor/easy access. Easily accessible nests, such as those in the eaves of a one-story house that can be reached by ladder, will cost around $400 to remove. 

Inside/difficult-to-access. Bee infestations inside the walls of your house can be expensive to remove, since part of your drywall may need to be removed and repaired as well. Costing upwards of $1,500, this is the most expensive kind of bee removal. It may not include more in-depth repair costs if the bees caused significant structural damage to your home.

Swarms. Sometimes bees on your property haven’t even built a nest yet. Referred to as swarms, they’re typically more docile because they don’t yet have a home to defend. Honey bee swarm removal is typically less time- and labor-intensive than removing an established honey bee hive.

Exterminators or pest control companies are typically more expensive for removal services than local beekeepers. 

Pest control companies usually focus on bee extermination, as opposed to preserving the bee colony. They may cost hundreds more than calling a local beekeeper.

Beekeepers may take bees off your hands for free or a fraction of the cost (less than $200)—using methods that don’t harm the ecosystem or the bees, making them a win-win for homeowners. Afterwards, they’ll relocate bees to a new home where they won’t be disturbed. Ask these local beekeeping groups what kind of bee control they offer and if they do beehive removal or nest removal for other types of stinging insects. 

What does it cost to have bees removed?

Bee colonies in easy-to-access locations could cost $400, on average—or upwards of $1,500 for difficult-to-access locations such as behind drywall.

Can you get bees removed for free?

Yes. Local beekeeping groups may remove bees from your property for free or for a fraction of the cost of an exterminator.

What is the cheapest way to get rid of bees?

Local beekeeping groups are typically less expensive than bee removal companies (or even free). They can offer advice and a course of action that’s right for you and the bees. 

How much does it cost to relocate honey bees?

Relocating honey bees is a better option than exterminating them with pesticides since they are invaluable to the local ecosystem—pollinating flowers and crops and becoming a food source for larger animals. Beekeepers will likely relocate them for less than $200, depending on the time spent, as well as costs for equipment and fuel to get to your location. If a beekeeper has a spare hive for your bees to live in and is located near your property, they may do it for free.

Find a bee removal professional in your area.