How To Remove Bees Without Hurting Them

Many times, homeowners will attempt to remove bees on their own, rather than contact an Orkin Pro or a professional beekeeper to get rid of bees without hurting them. However, if a hive is disturbed through improper removal, it can prompt an aggressive, antagonistic, and perhaps medically hazardous stinging event.

DIY Ways to Safely Remove Bees

Beekeepers use smoke to keep bees calm during hive inspections or relocation. When bees sense danger, they release an alarm pheromone that alerts them to protect the hive. Smoking the hive masks that alarm pheromone and enables the safe removal of the colony.

Garlic, vinegar, cinnamon, and peppermint can be used to affect bees’ senses and help keep them away. However, be careful since spraying vinegar or other solutions directly on the bee hive may cause them to suffocate or affect their ability to fly.

If you have unwanted bees around your home, contact a local beekeeper or an Orkin Pro to safely remove the bees without killing them.

Proper Safety Gear to Remove Bees

If you decide to try DIY bee removal, the following materials and equipment are needed to avoid bee stings.

• Bee smoker

• Protective gloves

• Coveralls

• Hat with a bee veil

• Breathable bee suit with an attached bee veil

• Boots for protective footwear— not canvas shoes as bees can sting through them

• Helmet with attached bee shield or other face protection

• Leg straps to prevent bees from crawling inside the bee suit

• Sting treatment kit

Ways to Relocate Bees Based on Their Species

• Honey bees should be relocated by an Orkin Pro whenever possible.

• Africanized honey bees (AHBs) are extremely aggressive and should only be treated and managed by an experienced exterminator. Never attempt control of AHBs on your own.

• Bumble bees should be left alone since they are not likely to be aggressive if left alone and their nest only lasts one season.

Why are bees important?

According to the US Department of Agriculture, bees are the world’s most important group of pollinators and a crucial element of agricultural production. Bees and the pollination they provide are critical to numerous industries. The plant nursery, agricultural, and fruit production industries depend on bees for their role in pollinating crops so they can yield diverse plants and produce.

Professional Bee Relocation

Do not attempt to remove the bees yourself unless you are an experienced beekeeper or an exterminator.

The safest approach is to rely upon the experience and expertise of an Orkin Pro or a professional bee handler. Contact your local Orkin branch for advice and recommendations on professional hive removal or selecting a local beekeeper.