Honey Bee Structural Removal

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This section outlines the process of honey bee removal, particularly focusing on structural removal cases. In the Case Studies section, you'll find examples from our extensive experience, with hundreds of successful removals. If your situation falls into a different category, feel free to contact us. I’m currently working on including examples of a fireplace mantle removal and another case involving an indoor removal, both of which are ready to be emailed along with your estimate.

As a precautionary measure, Jeffrey conducts a thorough inspection to ensure that honey bee removal is necessary. An active honey bee colony resembles a bustling airport on a warm, sunny afternoon, with bees returning laden with visible pollen. Throughout the day, you can see bees circling or hovering near their entry point, orienting themselves to the sun.

The process of removing a live honey bee colony is carefully executed to pinpoint the exact location of the nest. Jeffrey closely monitors the bees moving through the cavity, effectively identifying and sealing any potential openings to prevent re-infestation. In most instances, the removal process is completed the very same day.

An effective structural removal ideally includes extracting both the bees and their brood nest, along with the honeycomb. This approach diminishes the chances of attracting unwanted pests like moths or mice and significantly reduces the risk of future infestations. Before closing the cavity, we ensure it is rendered uninhabitable. You'll often receive a written warranty guaranteeing that bees will not rebuild in the same location. Exterior gaps are sealed with high-quality latex or paint-ready caulk, tailored to the situation. Jeffrey prefers to relocate the colony to preserve the population rather than resorting to extermination.

**Accessing the Colony: Examples**

**Removal from the Outside**

When a colony is confined to an enclosed section of the structure's outer walls, we seal exterior entrances with premium, paint-ready caulk whenever feasible. Touch-up paint can be applied to blended areas of the reassembled structure. However, some outer walls cannot be sealed due to extensive gaps, like those against a stone façade. Removing bees from the outside is effective in preventing the need to open walls or ceilings inside the structure.

**Removal by Opening the Floor**

Bees can nest in the cavities between floors of a structure, and accessing these places may not always be possible from the outside. In such cases, the carpet is pulled back, and the subfloor is cut open when feasible. The floor is closed, and the carpet is reinstalled, although it may need third-party assistance for re-stretching. This method effectively avoids the need for drywall ceiling repairs.

**Removal by Opening an Inside Wall or Ceiling**

Whenever possible, walls or ceilings that need to be opened are closed after the completion of removal. Drywall screws are used to reattach the sheets, and a joint compound coating is applied to any entry points to seal them, preventing any remaining bees from entering the living area. Any subsequent finishing work on drywall joints will need a third-party contractor, and we can provide referrals.

**Removal by Opening a Roof**

In cases that require opening roofing shingles, accessing the structure is necessary. In most instances, an asphalt roof will settle back into place without visible signs of disturbance. However, some worn shingles may not return to their original shape but will remain functional with felt paper underneath. Accessing colonies beneath concrete or slate tile roofs is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and third-party help may be required depending on the complexity involved.

**Bee-Proofing Services and Sealing Gaps**

Once a honey bee colony has established itself, lingering odors can remain, potentially attracting future honey bee scouts searching for a suitable living space. Our bee-proofing services are highly recommended, involving sealing any potential entry gaps larger than 1/8 inch at an additional cost. If the structure cannot be fully secured, we suggest implementing spring pest treatments to deter future infestations.

**Preventing Bees from Rebuilding, Without Sealing**

Insecticide treatments for annual infestations in the spring minimize the chances of future infestations. During swarm season, the insecticide eliminates individual scouts that repeatedly investigate potential nesting sites. This proactive approach is also cost-effective since it protects against other insect infestations, such as carpenter bees, wasps, mud daubers, and spiders, which may coexist with the honey bees.

**Reasons to Perform a Live Honey Bee Removal**

- Efforts are made to save and relocate the colony.

- Insecticides can inadvertently harm neighboring honey bee populations as they access an empty nest.

- Relocating the entire colony along with its contents is always preferred when possible.

(Honey bees typically store around 40 pounds of honey and pollen to survive the winter, and can accumulate over 100 pounds with ample space.)

*Horror Stories:* Honeycomb leftover in a cavity often becomes a breeding ground for wax moth larvae. Jeffrey encountered a situation where a customer had a colony euthanized within a wall void behind a modular shower. The aftermath resulted in hundreds of moths emerging inside their house, which was resolved by cleaning out the decomposing nest.

A new swarm of bees usually comprises between 10,000 to 15,000 bees, weighing 3 to 5 pounds. Conversely, an average decomposing dead squirrel in a wall weighs about 1.5 pounds. As a honey bee colony grows, its nest can weigh anywhere from 25 to over 100 pounds. After one of Jeffrey's partners euthanized a colony in a roof overhang above a window box, the family experienced the familiar scent associated with decomposition. Jeffrey managed to clear out the decaying mass and used a bienzymatic cleaner to mitigate any residual odors.

A customer once reported honey cascading down their walls, pooling at the baseboards and creating a sticky mess below a south-facing window box roof overhang. Jeffrey successfully removed several pounds of honey and comb from the affected areas.

A Church Board Member also reached out about honey-stained ceilings, and Jeffrey was able to extract considerable amounts of honey from the ceiling.

Call us today for an estimate.