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Honey Bee

Pro Required
Honey Bee

Identification

Golden-brown, fuzzy bees that live in large colonies and occasionally swarm or establish hives in wall voids and chimneys. Because they're vital pollinators, live removal/relocation is generally preferred over extermination.

Can I DIY this?

Pro Required

This is not a DIY job.

Because of the safety risk, property damage, or specialized equipment involved, this pest should be handled by a licensed professional. We'd rather tell you that straight than sell you a product that won't fix it.

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  1. Confirm it's a honey bee colony and not a wasp or hornet nest — honey bees are fuzzy, golden-brown, and build wax comb rather than paper nests.
  2. Don't treat a honey bee colony with insecticide. They're a critical pollinator, and in many areas beekeepers will remove and relocate a colony for free or a small fee.
  3. Contact a local beekeeping association or professional bee removal service for a live cutout or swarm capture.
  4. In the meantime, keep the area around the colony clear and avoid disturbing the entrance.
  5. Once removed, seal the entry point they were using so a new swarm doesn't move in.

Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes with socks, chemical-resistant gloves, and goggles. Add a respirator if the label calls for it or ventilation is poor.