How much does it cost to remove a bee nest?

Reviewed by Irene Pomares remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Bees are an important part of most environments. They help pollinate flowers and produce the honey so many people enjoy. Unfortunately, there are times, however, when a swarm of bees may move into an area of your property that isn’t welcome. Maybe you or a loved one are allergic to their stings and would feel more comfortable with them gone. Or maybe they’ve invaded your deck, balcony, attic, or other area where they have become a nuisance, making people nervous as they pass by the nest. Honey production can actually be a messy process as well, so if bees take up residence inside your walls or attic, you could end up with a large mess on your hands to clean up if not taken care of in a timely way. There are four different types of bees that may take up residence on your property. The type of bee as well as the size and location of the nest can all play a hand in the cost necessary to remove them.

The national average cost for bee removal ranges from $200 to $750. Most people spend around $550 to inspect the issue and remove a medium-sized killer bee nest from an underground location. On the low end, you may only spend about $80 to remove a simple bumblebee nest. On the high end, some people spend as much as $1,500 to remove a large honey bee nest inside the walls or ceiling of their home.

Average Cost of Bee Removal

Bee Nest Removal Cost by Type of Bee

The cost to remove a bee nest depends on the type of bees present, ranging from $80 to $2,500 for full removal, which may include one or several visits. This depends on the severity of the infestation and if any damage needs to be repaired once the infestation has been removed. There are several types of bees in the world. The most common to be found on your property will likely fall into one of four categories. In the table and subsections below, you will see the average removal costs for each type, along with other factors.

Bumble Bee Removal

If a bumble bee infestation has become troublesome, it should only cost between $80 and $200 to treat the nest. Bumble bees are larger, yet live in much smaller nests. A bumblebee nest will only have up to 50 bees in it at one time. They live in areas in or near the ground, such as in your yard or under your deck. Bumble bees generally have a mellow temperament and are unlikely to sting, unless they feel threatened. However, they can sting multiple times. As with other types of bees, the sting should only be dangerous if allergic to bee stings. Since bumble bees are not normally aggressive and their nests rarely cause damage to homes, it is unlikely that they will need to be removed.

Carpenter Bee Removal

Carpenter bee extermination costs range from as low as $100 to as high as $2,500 if carpentry repairs are needed. Carpenter bees are solid black, and only the females are able to sting. Their sting should not be dangerous, unless allergic to bee stings. They make their homes by burrowing deep inside wood, particularly on decks and in attics. They can do serious structural damage to your home if not removed in a timely manner. Carpenter bees are more solitary creatures, so it is unlikely to have a large infestation. However, there could be several small burrows located around your home. The damage may become severe if carpenter bee treatment is not performed as soon as possible.

Honey Bee Removal

The cost range for removing honeybees is vast, ranging from as low as $100 for exterior removal to as high as $1,000 for removal from walls or ceilings. Honeybees are social, living in large swarms of up to 50,000 in one nest. Even a new nest may have up to 9000 bees living in it at one time. A honey bee can sting, but usually only does so when feeling threatened, and it can only sting one time. The sting can be life threatening to anyone who is allergic to bee stings, but to most people, it will just hurt for a small amount of time. Honey bee nest removal by a company that offers these services can be one of the most costly because of the large nature of their nests and the fact that dealing with the honey can leave things quite sticky. Honey bee removal cost will depend on the size and location of the nest.

Killer Bee Removal

Removal/extermination of killer bees should cost between $150 and $800 since their colonies are fairly small. The killer bee, also known as “Africanized honey bees,” can be frightening because of their aggressive nature. They are slowly spreading throughout the United States and are generally more likely to swarm and attack in larger groups. When one bee stings, a pheromone released causes other nearby bees to become agitated and attack. Even though a killer bee dies after one sting, multiple stings from a number of bees can make an attack fatal, especially if allergic to bee stings. Killer bees can live underground, in rocks, or around buildings. They are quick to leave a nest if it is disturbed and take up residence elsewhere.​

Average Cost of Bee Removal by Location

The location plays an important role in the overall cost of your bee removal, with prices ranging between $100 and $1,500 for the full removal, which may take one or more visits. The cost goes up for locations that are more difficult to reach, such as in the soffits, behind walls, in high trees, or beneath siding. The main reason the cost to remove bees from a wall and other locations increases is it requires more labor to complete. Below you will see the average costs for removing bees from some of the most common locations.

Bee Removal Prices by Size of Infestation

You will pay between $80 and $2,500 depending on the size of infestation as different levels of infestation require differing amounts of labor and resources. While the location and type of bee being removed can play a role in the removal cost, so can the size of the infestation. In cases of severe infestation, extermination may be required if all the bees cannot safely be relocated without causing significant damage to your home.

A small infestation may involve a nest or two in the home or along the overhangs of the exterior of the house, where a severe infestation will likely involve the presence of bees throughout the walls in your home. These prices are for eradicating the infestation, which may require one or more visits depending on the exact circumstances. Below, you will see the average cost you can expect to pay based on the level of infestation.

Bee Removal Cost by Company

You can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for bee removal services, depending on which company does the work. These costs are for full removal of the infestation, which may take one or more visits. While most of the companies use similar methods for removal, what they cover in the cost of their services varies. In most cases, companies like Orkin and Terminix bee removal services have a network of beekeepers they know to help them with the relocation process. Sometimes, local beekeepers are used instead of these major companies, which could change the costs. Below you will see the average cost you will pay for removal based on the company that you choose.

Bee Inspection Cost

A bee inspection costs $150 to $250 and helps the specialist determine the type of bee and the best way to get rid of it. In most cases, calling a bee removal specialist results in an inspection of the nest before any work is done. Some companies roll this cost into the removal price. However, others charge a separate fee, especially in the case of a large infestation. Be sure to ask about this so that you know what to expect.

Bee Damage Repair Cost

Homeowners could spend between $200 and $5,000 repairing the damage caused by the bee infestation. For example, if the bees nested in walls and along structural supports, those may need to be repaired or replaced after the infestation is removed. These repairs depend on the type of bees present because some cause more damage to certain materials like drywall, wood, etc. The cost to repair carpenter bee damage is often among the highest, but that varies based on multiple factors. Outdoor infestations or visible nests tend to cause less damage and require fewer repairs.

Bee Removal Process

The bee removal process starts with gaining access to the location of the bees. This can include opening up walls or ceilings, unearthing a ground nest, or clearing away brush or branches. Once the area is easily accessible, a beekeeper or bee specialist will use a humane vacuum to draw the bees in and then put them into a temporary hive.

Once as many of the bees have been removed as possible, it is time to remove the nest or hive. If there are bees still on the combs, the beekeeper may gently remove the combs and place them into the temporary hive as well. The bee removal specialist will then remove the rest of the pieces of the hive and clean the area, making sure all beeswax is removed as it is highly flammable. After removal, repairs may need to be made if there was damage.

All About Bees

Bees are flying insects that are related to wasps and ants. Some bees are known for producing honey, and all are known for their role in pollination, which makes them an important species to protect. They are good for the stability of the ecosystem and also for commercial agriculture. Certain species of bees colonize and live together, such as honey bees and bumblebees. Other species such as carpenter bees and mason bees are solitary.

Bees range in size from as small as 0.08 inches to as big as 1.54 inches. Stingless bees are the smallest, and leafcutter bees are the largest. They primarily feed on pollen and nectar. The life cycle of bees varies depending on the species, and in the case of social bees, their colonization level. On average, bees live from 30 to 90 days after the egg has hatched. Bees are known for their oval bodies, larger eyes, antenna, and wings, and black, yellow, and/or orange coloring. While some species of bees can be aggressive, most bees go about their day without bothering humans unless they feel threatened.

Where Do Bees Nest?

The location of the nest is largely dependent on the type of bee that you have living there. Carpenter bees will target outdoor wood structures such as porches, window frames, and decks. Bumblebees will likely target your yard, as well as crawl spaces beneath your home. Honeybees are looking for open areas or structures big enough for their nest. They prefer chimneys, hollow trees, and walls, as well as crawl spaces and attics.

The location of the nest plays a big role in how easy or difficult it is to remove the bees. Carpenter bees and bumblebees tend to be easier to remove, simply because their nests are smaller and more likely to be located in an easy to access area. Honeybees can be more difficult to remove because they like to be contained, which may require the opening of walls or chimneys to get them out.

Can Bees Damage Your House?

Bees will sometimes take up residence in your home or yard. This can lead to damage that needs additional repair after the nests are removed. You may need to hire a carpenter for repairs, which costs about $70 an hour. The repairs that are needed will often be linked to the location of the bees and how significant the infestation is. Common issues include deck repairs, drywall repairs, and cosmetic repairs. In severe wall infestations, it may be necessary to remove a wall, which can cost $2,500 or more.

Are Bees Dangerous?

While bees are extremely beneficial to the environment and ecosystem, they can cause problems for humans, especially those who are allergic. Complications from bee stings range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions. If you have no allergies to bees, a sting will cause pain, swelling, heat, and redness in the area leading to mild discomfort. Those who are allergic could have reactions that range from mild to severe, including serious anaphylaxis requiring medical intervention.

Even if you do not have allergies, multiple stings, a dozen or more, can cause enough venom to enter your system for you to experience nausea, headache, convulsions, fainting, and dizziness. Multiple bee stings are an emergency for older adults, children, and those with heart conditions. This can make swarms of bees particularly dangerous, which is why professional removal and remediation are required.

What Attracts Bees?

Bees may be attracted to your home for many reasons. One of the main things that attract bees is the smell of honey. If you have old hives around your home, it would be beneficial to remove them. Another thing that can attract bees is certain colors of plants. They prefer yellow, blue, and purple varieties and also fragrant flowers, such as lilacs. Flowering fruit and vegetable plants also can attract bees.

Bees look for new homes that can provide them with cover. This gives them protection from both predators and the heat. They prefer to put their hives in hidden cracks and overhangs and search for pollen through ground cover that provides shade. If there are cracks in bricks or siding, that can be a suitable home for bees, so be sure to keep everything maintained and sealed off to reduce the likelihood that bees take up residence in or around your home.

Signs of a Bee Infestation

Usually, the first sign of a bee infestation that most people notice is the presence of bees around your home. If your infestation is outside, you may notice multiple bees swarming around the area and may find a nest in a tree, bush, shed, or other cracks around the exterior of your home.

If you have a bee infestation inside your home, you may notice bees and see darkened spots on your walls and ceiling. When honey bees nest, they begin producing honey which can drip out and leave marks close to their nests. If you have a carpenter bee infestation, you may notice small holes in wood in or around your home where they have burrowed to make their nest.

Emergency Bee Removal Cost

If you have bees in your home or even in your yard and are allergic, you may need emergency bee removal services. You can expect to pay $50 to $100 more for this service depending on whether the call is after hours or on a holiday. Depending on the time of the call, it may be more difficult to locate a beekeeper to take the removed bees, which may add $40 to $75 to the overall costs. While most beekeepers remove the bees for free before the exterminator removes the nest, emergency calls to the beekeeper may also incur a fee.

Some of the most common emergency calls are related to swarms of bees. Swarms on your porch may prevent you from safely entering your home, and swarms in your home may temporarily put you out. Professionals will advise you on what steps to take while you are waiting for their arrival. For example, if they are coming in a hole in your house, you will not want to seal the hole as it may prevent their only means of escape. Additionally, you may be advised to turn on your air conditioner. Bees find it difficult to fly when the temperature is cold enough and may fall to the ground.

How to Prevent Bees From Coming Back?

There are many things that a homeowner can do to make their properties less attractive to bees looking for a home. Take a look around your property and search for places that bees might like to live in, as well as small holes in the siding that could allow entry to bees. Clean up piles of leaves, branches, and weeds and repair any holes in the exterior of your home. This is especially important around the entrances to the home. Use caulking or expanding foam spray to seal up any holes or gaps.

Other places that look exciting to bees include empty pipes, garden sheds, and empty plant containers or buckets. Try not to leave these things lying around and inspect them often for signs of infestation. Bees tend to look for new homes from March to July, so this is the most important time to be alert. Another thing to try is bee repellent spray. Apply the spray yourself, or have a pest control company come to your home. A one-time visit to apply a bee repellent spray to the perimeter of your home should cost between $50 and $200.

Bee Removal vs Bee Extermination Cost

Depending on where you live and the local bee population, you may have difficulty finding a pest company that will kill the bees. Some offer removal services, while others will simply pass on the job. If it has been determined that the only way to remove the bees is to kill them, you will need to pay an exterminator. It is not necessarily illegal to kill bees anywhere in the U.S. However, strong federal guidelines push for relocation measures for bumble bees and honeybees since they are beneficial pollinators and cause little harm. This is why some local beekeepers remove nests for free or at a reduced rate.

Carpenter bees are a big candidate for extermination, but it is generally considered whether the bees can be kept and safely relocated first. This is why an inspection needs to be done first, and the right people must be contacted to assist with bee removal. There could be serious risks involved in either process. It is not something that should be done as a DIY project. In the table below, you will see the difference in bee removal and bee exterminator costs.

Wasp vs Bee Removal Cost

Many people will use the terms wasp and bee interchangeably, though they are completely different insects. The confusion is because many people find it hard to tell them apart. While they look similar, their behavior is quite different. Bees are gentle and will only show aggression when protecting their hive or defending themselves. Wasps will get aggressive at slight provocation and sting if annoyed. They tend to be brighter in color, shinier, and have a bright yellow coloring which earns them the term “yellow jacket.” You can tell a wasp’s nest from a bee’s as it will appear more brittle and paper-like. Beehives will have a more hexagonal shape and be filled with comb.

When you have a wasp infestation, they will be exterminated instead of rehomed like bees. You can expect to pay less for a wasp nest to be removed, in most cases, because of this. However, the average cost to remove a bee’s nest varies based on whether the bees are relocated and what that entails. The table below shows a breakdown of the average costs for bee versus wasp removal on a similarly-sized infestation.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Free nest removal. While not common in every area, there are times when a local beekeeper may come and remove the nest or swarm for you for no cost. If you are sure the bees are honeybees, and they are fairly accessible, try calling local beekeepers first to see if they will handle the job before moving on to other sources.
• Swarms. Bees swarm in the spring and early summer. If you see a swarm, call your local beekeeper; they may come capture it for free before it has a chance to create a nest on your property. If they charge, you likely will only be charged between $50 and $100 for the process. Never throw rocks or sticks at swarms; they are typically non-aggressive even if they do appear slightly frightening. Provoking the swarm may result in them stinging in self defense.