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Bee Removal FAQ
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions people have about bee removal and our services.
From safety and pricing to what happens after the bees are gone, we cover everything below.
This FAQ will provide you with an understanding of our live bee removal process and policies.
We hope you will choose Vegas Bees to remove and care for your bees today.
General Questions & Safety
Is bee removal safe for me and my family?
Yes – your safety is our top priority. We are professional beekeepers who use proper protective gear and eco-friendly, non-toxic methods to ensure the well-being of you, your property, and the bees.
We do not use harsh chemicals, so our process is family- and pet-friendly. By using the right equipment and techniques, we make sure the bee removal is done safely for everyone involved.
Should I try to remove the bees myself?
No, we strongly advise against DIY bee removal. Handling a bee colony without training and protective equipment can be very dangerous.
Professional removal requires experience with bee behavior. Attempting it yourself could result in painful stings or provoke aggressive behavior, especially with more defensive bee species.
In fact, officials warn that bee hives should always be removed by a licensed professional, never a civilian.
Past attempts by untrained individuals have led to serious injuries. For your safety, please leave bee removal to experts.
Do you exterminate the bees or relocate them alive?
We never exterminate honey bees. Our service is 100% live removal and relocation.
Vegas Bees practices a strictly no-kill approach: we carefully collect and remove the bees and then relocate the entire colony to a safe location (like one of our bee farms or apiaries) where they can continue to thrive.
In other words, we rescue the bees rather than kill them. This humane approach protects these beneficial pollinators instead of eliminating them.
More Questions
Why not just exterminate the bees?
Exterminating bees is harmful both to the environment and potentially to your property.
Honeybees are important pollinators, and their populations are already in decline; killing a colony contributes to that problem.
Removing and relocating bees is a more sustainable, ethical solution that preserves their role in our ecosystem. Additionally, extermination often leaves behind dead bees and honeycombs in your walls, which can rot and attract pests.
Live removal avoids those issues. We believe bee removal is always better than extermination for both ecological and practical reasons.
Are honey bees protected by law in Nevada?
Not yet. We want to see legislation pass on this issue sooner rather than later.
Are your bee removal services licensed and insured?
Absolutely. We are a fully licensed and insured bee removal service. This protects you and your property and ensures we meet all regulatory requirements.
Hiring a licensed and insured professional is very important for you, the homeowner. We have the proper credentials and coverage to do the job safely and responsibly. Vegas Bees meets all standards, so you can trust that you’re in good hands.
Who will be performing the removal, and how experienced are they?
Your bee removal will be handled by our expert team, primarily Betsy and Pete, the founders of Vegas Bees.
We are passionate Las Vegas beekeepers with extensive experience (trained by a master beekeeper). In fact, we’ve completed hundreds of successful bee and swarm removals here in Southern Nevada.
We’re not hobbyists or general pest control techs; we specialize in bees. Our track record means we’ve encountered all kinds of bee situations, and we’ll bring that expertise to safely solve your bee problem.
Services & Coverage
What areas do you serve?
We provide bee removal services throughout the Las Vegas Valley. This includes the city of Las Vegas as well as surrounding communities like Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, and even Boulder City.
Essentially, if you’re in Southern Nevada and have a bee problem, we can likely help. Just give us a call as we operate across the region to rescue bees and assist homeowners.
How quickly can you respond to a bee problem? Do you handle emergencies after hours?
We understand that having a beehive or swarm on your property can be urgent. In most cases, we strive to respond within 24 hours to a removal request.
If you have an emergency (for example, an aggressive hive posing immediate danger), we do offer emergency removal services.
We’re available 24/7 as bees don’t keep business hours, and neither do we. Just contact us anytime, and we’ll prioritize getting a beekeeper out to you as soon as possible to restore your peace of mind.
Do you remove wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets as well, or only honeybees?
Yes, we handle those too. Our expertise isn’t limited to honeybees. We can safely remove wasp nests, hornet nests, yellow jacket colonies, and even bumblebee nests.
Just like with bees, we prefer to relocate these insects when possible. In fact, even wasps play a role in pollination and pest control, so we often rehome wasp colonies to natural areas away from homes. That said, wasps and hornets tend to be far more aggressive than honeybees and can sting multiple times.
We approach those removals with extreme care and the proper protective gear. Whether it’s a paper wasp nest under your eaves or a yellowjacket nest in a tree, you can count on us to remove it safely and humanely.
Bee Services
Do you remove bumblebees or other types of bees?
Absolutely. Bumblebees are generally gentle pollinators, but if a bumblebee nest (often in the ground or a shed) is causing an issue, we can relocate it for you.
We handle all types of stinging bees and similar insects. This includes honeybees (the most common), bumblebees, carpenter bees, and even wild bee swarms.
Each species may behave a bit differently, but our team’s beekeeping background enables us to manage them all in a safe manner. If you’re not sure what kind of insect you have, we can identify it and take the appropriate action.
What kinds of bee situations can Vegas Bees handle?
We handle everything from small swarms to large established hives.
Common scenarios include: a swarm of bees hanging on a tree branch, a beehive built inside a wall or attic, bees in a cable box or irrigation box, and bees in sheds or compost bins.
We’ve removed colonies from all sorts of tricky spots – roofs, crawl spaces, water meter boxes, you name it.
No matter the location, we have the tools and skills to access the hive and remove it properly. In short, if you have bees where they shouldn’t be, we can take care of it.
Pricing & Guarantees
How much does bee removal cost?
The cost can vary depending on the situation, but we are always upfront about pricing.
On average, live bee removal in the Las Vegas area ranges from about $175 up to $700 for more complex jobs.
The price depends on factors like the size of the hive, how difficult it is to access, and the time required. For example, a small, simple swarm that’s easy to reach might be on the lower end (usually around $175), whereas a large hive in a structure like a wall or shed requiring extra work might be $500 or more.
We will assess your specific situation and provide a clear quote before starting, so you know the cost upfront. Our goal is to keep prices fair and competitive while providing high-quality service.
Do you offer free bee removal services?
We do not offer free removals at this time. In the past, Vegas Bees did provide free bee removal as a community service, but we discontinued that program in June 2022.
Since then, we’ve shifted to an affordable paid service model to cover our costs and time. Rest assured, we strive to keep our prices reasonable for homeowners.
And remember – hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely and thoroughly. It’s an investment in protecting both your home and the bees.
Can I get a free quote or estimate for a removal?
Yes, absolutely. We are happy to provide a free, no-obligation quote for your bee removal job.
In many cases, we can estimate the cost over the phone or via text if you send us some details or a photo of the bees. For more complex situations, we might do a quick site visit to assess.
Either way, we’ll let you know the expected price before any work begins.
We pride ourselves on transparent quotes – there are no hidden fees or surprises.
Just reach out to us (you can call, text, or use the form on our website) and we’ll respond promptly with a quote.
What if the bees come back after you remove them?
Typically, the bees we remove do not come back. We relocate the entire colony far away.
We also take steps to prevent new bees from re-infesting the spot. For example, we clean out all the honeycomb and seal up the entry points so that the old hive location is less attractive.
It’s not unusual that a few scout bees from elsewhere might sniff around the old site in the days after a removal (they’re detecting the residual scent of the hive), but they usually move on once they find nothing is there.
Re-infestation in the same spot is rare. In fact, we are so thorough that we rarely ever get a call that bees have started a new hive in a spot we cleared.
If that were to happen, we stand by our work. We would come back and remove them again, for a small charge, as part of our 6-month guarantee.
Our policy is to make sure your bee problem is completely solved and stays that way.
Removal Process & Aftercare
What happens to the bees after you remove them?
All bees that we collect are safely relocated to a new home. We transport the bees to one of our managed apiaries or bee farms that is suited to their colony size and temperament.
There, the bees are placed into a hive box and given a chance to continue living and growing in a safe environment, where they can forage and pollinate far away from your property.
In short, the bees get a second chance in a more appropriate location. We love bees, so our goal is to keep the colony happy and healthy through the move.
Do you also remove the honeycomb and nest material when you take out the bees?
Yes – we always remove all of the hive material (wax comb, honey, brood, etc.) along with the bees.
This step is very important. If any honeycomb is left behind in a wall or attic, it can rot or melt, causing odors and damage, and it may attract other pests like ants or rodents. Furthermore, leftover comb and hive scent can attract new bee swarms to that spot.
That’s why we are meticulous about cleaning out everything. When we rescue a hive, we scrape away all the wax and comb we can reach. We leave the area as clean as possible.
After the bees and comb are gone, we can also apply natural bee repellents and thoroughly wipe down the area to eliminate residual scents.
Bottom line: we don’t just grab the bees and run. We address the entire hive, so your problem is truly resolved.
Will removing the bees cause damage to my property?
In most cases, we perform removals with minimal damage to your structure. If the bees are within a wall, ceiling, or some enclosed space, we may need to carefully cut a small access opening to reach the hive.
We only do this when absolutely necessary to remove all the bees and comb (leaving bees or honey in a wall can cause far worse problems later). When we do have to open a section, we make the opening as small and discrete as possible.
After removing the hive, we will help seal up the area so that other bees cannot get in again.
We typically close any entry holes (for example, caulking cracks or covering openings) as a preventive measure.
However, we are not general contractors, so any larger repairs (like patching drywall or replacing stucco) might be something you’ll need to arrange following the removal.
We can certainly advise you on the necessary repairs. Our focus is to get the bees out and ensure your home is protected from reinfestation; we keep structural impact to a minimum while doing so.
How can I prevent bees from coming back or nesting on my property in the future?
After a removal, or better yet, before bees ever move in, there are a few steps you can take to make your property less attractive to bees:
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Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home’s exterior for any gaps, cracks, or holes (especially around eaves, rooflines, vents, and chimneys). Seal up even small openings, since bees can squeeze through surprisingly tiny gaps. By blocking potential entrances, you deny bees a place to set up a hive.
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Remove Attractants: Bees scout for ideal sites that sometimes include food or water sources.
Keep outdoor trash bins tightly covered and pick up any fallen fruit from trees. If you have had a previous hive, ensure any leftover honeycomb or residue is cleaned out.
Also, consider that certain smells (like old hive pheromones or even the scent of beeswax from old beehives) can attract wandering swarms – thorough cleanup helps with this.
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Use Bee-Repellent Plants or Methods: Some homeowners have success planting things that bees tend to avoid. For example, landscaping with eucalyptus, citronella, cucumber, or marigolds might help repel bees in areas you don’t want them.
These plants have scents that bees find less appealing. You can also use natural bee deterrents (like sprays with almond extract in specific areas), though results vary.
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Regular Inspections: Keep an eye (and ear) out for bee activity. If you notice bees investigating an area or a small cluster starting to form, give us a call before it becomes a large established colony. Early intervention can prevent a bigger problem later.
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Provide Alternative Bee Sites (Optional): If you’re a gardening enthusiast, you might put out a decoy hive box on your property at a far corner.
Sometimes a swarm will choose an empty hive box if it’s attractive, which is better than your attic! This is more for beekeepers, but it’s something to consider if you want to catch swarms intentionally (we can advise on this if you’re interested).
By following these steps, you’ll greatly reduce the chances of bees moving into your home again. We’re happy to give more tailored advice after a removal based on what we observed at your property.
Bee Behavior & Other Common Questions
Will a swarm of bees go away on its own if I just leave it alone?
Sometimes, yes – a swarm of bees (those temporary clusters that hang in a tree or on a post) might move on by itself.
Swarming bees are usually resting while scout bees look for a new permanent home. In many cases, the swarm will fly off to that new location within a day or two.
If the weather is good and they find a suitable spot, they often leave on their own. However, there’s no guarantee – if the swarm sticks around more than a few days, or if they start building wax comb where they are, then they are establishing a hive and probably won’t leave.
At that point, you should definitely have them removed by a professional.
Also, consider the swarm’s location: if it’s somewhere high up and out of anyone’s way, waiting 24-48 hours to see if they depart is reasonable. But if they’re in a risky spot (a busy doorway, a playground, etc.), it’s safer to have them relocated immediately.
We can advise you based on the situation. Feel free to call us if you’re unsure. We’re always ready to remove the swarm if needed, but we’ll give honest input if it looks like they might leave on their own.
Why are there bees around my pool (or birdbath or fountain)?
Bees need water, especially in the hot Las Vegas climate. It’s not uncommon for honeybees to collect water from pools, pet water bowls, birdbaths, or any available source to help cool their hive.
If you see bees hovering around your pool or spa, they’re likely just thirsty. In fact, during very hot weather, bees will actively seek out pool water or damp soil to bring moisture back to their colony.
Your swimming pool just happens to be a convenient “bee watering hole.” We can help reduce this issue by safely relocating bees found congregating near water features.
Additionally, to discourage bees from choosing your pool, you might provide an alternative water source for them (like a shallow basin of water with stones for them to land on, placed away from your pool).
But if a large number of bees are consistently visiting your pool and becoming a nuisance, it might indicate a nearby wild hive – in that case, give us a call and we can check if there’s a colony to remove.
What’s the difference between honeybees and wasps (or hornets)?
It’s a great question, because people often confuse them. There are a few key differences:
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Appearance: Honeybees are usually golden-brown and fuzzy or hairy-looking. Wasps and hornets have smoother, shiny bodies with brighter yellow and black (or white and black) patterns. For example, yellow jackets and hornets have a very sleek appearance compared to the fuzzy honeybee.
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Behavior: Honeybees are generally gentle and not aggressive unless their hive is threatened. Wasps and hornets, on the other hand, can be more aggressive and territorial, especially around their nests.
If a wasp or hornet nest is disturbed, they are quicker to attack. Honeybees typically forage peacefully on flowers and only sting as a last resort defense.
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Stings: A honeybee can only sting once (and then dies) because its barbed stinger gets stuck. Wasps and hornets have smooth stingers, so they can sting multiple times and will do so if provoked. This makes a wasp encounter potentially more painful.
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Nest/Hive: Honeybees build wax hives (honeycomb) and often prefer enclosed cavities (like tree hollows or wall voids) or man-made hive boxes.
Wasps and hornets build papery nests from chewed wood pulp – these can be open-comb (like the paper umbrella-shaped wasp nests under eaves) or fully enclosed, football-shaped hornet nests in trees. They do not produce honey.
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Diet: Both are actually omnivorous to a degree, but honeybees primarily collect nectar and pollen from flowers.
Wasps are hunters – many species prey on other insects or scavenge food, which is why you might see wasps around trash cans or picnics. (Some wasps do sip nectar too, contributing a bit to pollination, but nowhere near as much as honeybees do.)
If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, feel free to send us a photo. We can quickly tell the difference and decide on the appropriate removal method.
Either way, we handle both bees and wasps, but knowing which one it is helps us prepare (and it helps you understand the potential risk).
Remember: honeybees are beneficial pollinators that we always try to save, whereas wasps, while also ecologically useful, require cautious handling due to their more aggressive nature.
Killer Bees and Las Vegas
Are Africanized “killer bees” a problem in Las Vegas, and should I be worried?
Africanized honeybees (sometimes sensationally called “killer bees”) are present in Southern Nevada.
These bees are actually very similar in appearance to regular European honeybees; the difference is in their behavior.
Africanized bees are a hybrid type of honeybee that can be more defensive and may respond more defensively if their hive is threatened.
In practice, however, unless you’re a bee expert or have the bees lab-tested, you cannot easily tell if a wild colony is Africanized. As a result, all wild honeybees in our area are treated with respect and caution.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture has noted that both European and Africanized bees behave the same in most situations; the only major difference is the potential for a heightened defensive response. Even “normal” honeybees can sting in large numbers if provoked.
So the label “killer bee” is often misused, as any bee colony can be dangerous under the right circumstances. The good news is, our team is experienced with these bees.
We approach every removal assuming bees could be defensive, and we use the proper protective measures. If a colony does show defensive traits, we have the training to handle it safely.
The bottom line: Yes, Africanized bees are around in Las Vegas, but as long as you rely on professionals to remove unwanted hives (and you avoid disturbing wild hives yourself), you shouldn’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
About Vegas Bees (Why Choose Us & More)
Why should I choose Vegas Bees for my bee removal?
We truly believe we offer the best live bee removal service in the Las Vegas area. Here are a few reasons to consider us:
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Experience & Expertise: We’re not newcomers; our team has hundreds of successful bee removals under our belt in Las Vegas. As dedicated beekeepers, we understand bee behavior inside and out, which means a more efficient and safe removal for you.
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Licensed & Insured: Vegas Bees is a properly certified, licensed, and insured service. This protects you and ensures we meet all legal and safety standards. You’re dealing with trained professionals who take responsibility for the job.
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Humane, Eco-Friendly Approach: Our motto is to save bees, not exterminate them. We prioritize live relocation of the bees every time. By choosing us, you’re also doing a bit of good for the environment, since we’ll give the bees a new chance at life.
Our methods use no chemicals and are safe for your family and the ecosystem.
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Fast & Responsive: We know urgency matters. We offer quick response times (often same-day or next-day service) and even emergency removals when needed. When you contact us, you’ll get a prompt reply, and we can usually schedule you right away.
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Transparent and Trustworthy: From clear upfront pricing to keeping you informed throughout the process, we pride ourselves on honesty.
We’ll explain what we’re doing and even let you watch the removal if you’re curious. It can be a life-changing experience! Many of our customers appreciate how educational and transparent our service is.
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Local Knowledge: Being native to the area, we know Las Vegas and its unique challenges (from the desert heat to Africanized bees). We’re also members of the community, and our reputation is important to us. You may have even seen us featured on local news stories rescuing bees. We care about our neighbors and our bees.
In short, we offer the professional qualifications and the personal passion that ensure you get a safe, effective, and ethical bee removal.
Our many 5-star reviews and happy customers speak to that commitment. We’d be honored to help you with your bee situation and add you to our list of satisfied clients!
Do you sell local honey or other bee products as well?
Yes! Aside from removals, we are proud to offer local Las Vegas honey. The honey comes straight from hives around the valley that we manage (including some of the rescues).
Our raw, unfiltered honey is delicious and available for purchase. It’s a great way to enjoy the sweet side of beekeeping. We also have other bee-related products, such as bee pollen.
We occasionally host beekeeping workshops or educational experiences. If you’re interested, check out the Honey section on our website or ask us during your appointment.
Supporting local rescued bees by buying local honey is a win-win for everyone!
Have a question that wasn’t answered here?
We tried to cover everything, but if you’re wondering about something not listed in this FAQ, just reach out and ask!
We’re always happy to talk bees. You can contact Vegas Bees 24/7 by phone or email, and we’ll provide any information you need. Remember, no question is too “buzz-are”! We love sharing our knowledge about bees and bee removal. Feel free to get in touch anytime, and we’ll make sure you’re informed and comfortable every step of the way. 🐝