Honeybees are an essential part of our ecosystem, but when they settle inside a home or building, safe and professional removal becomes necessary. This guide will help you recognize the signs of a hive and learn what to expect from the removal process.
Indications of a Beehive
Many will first notice a beehive by the sight of bee activity on the exterior of their home. This can often be seen as a specific area where bees are consistently flying in and out. Other times bees from a hive are found trapped indoors, prompting further investigation to find the source of the bee activity.
Identification: Bee or Wasp?
Bees and wasps can appear similar at a glance, so proper identification is essential. Honey bees are about ½ inch long, golden in color with brown or black stripes, and have a noticeably fuzzy appearance. Wasps and hornets, on the other hand, have smoother bodies, brighter markings, and a more narrow “waist”.
At Rockland Bee Removal, we are active beekeepers, which means honey bee identification and handling is part of our everyday work. While we specialize in honey bee removals, we also provide safe wasp and hornet control services when needed. We typically begin by asking for a clear photo of the insects so we can confirm whether they are honey bees.
Swarming: How Beehives Multiply
Swarming is the natural way honey bee colonies reproduce. In the spring, when a hive becomes overcrowded, it divides, half the colony leaves with a new queen to find a new home. The swarm will first rest temporarily nearby, on a tree branch or other surface. Once the scout bees find a suitable cavity, such as a soffit, attic, or wall void, they settle in and quickly begin building their new hive. This is how new honey bee colonies begin.
Scout Bees: Early Warning Signs
Before a swarm moves in, scout bees survey potential nesting sites. You may see a few bees hovering near soffits, vents, or cracks in siding as they inspect potential entry points. These scouts appear curious and linger in one area, unlike bees from an established hive, which enter and exit quickly with purpose. A noticeable increase in this activity can mean a swarm is nearby.
Moving Day: When A Swarm Moves In
Once a bee swarm decides to move in, it happens fast. Suddenly, thousands of bees take flight and descend directly to their chosen location. Homeowners may witness a dramatic scene: a thick cloud of bees clustering in one spot on the house. This is the swarm landing and beginning to enter the cavity located earlier by scout bees. Once inside, the colony wastes no time. They build comb, store nectar, and the queen begins laying eggs immediately.
At this point, a simple “swarm capture” is no longer possible, a full hive cutout is required.
Trying to seal the bees’ entry point often backfires and can lead to bees escaping indoors. Honey bees can chew through foam, caulk, and even soft wood.
Hive Removal: Dealing with an Established Hive
A developed hive includes thousands of bees, intricate comb structures, brood (bee larvae), and stored honey. These colonies may be tucked deep within walls, ceilings, or floors. Removal requires cutting into the structure, removing all bees and comb, and safely relocating the colony.
Assessing the Hive
Performing honey bee hive removals can be complex. Even if you see the exterior entry point, the nest can be located several feet away, deep inside the structure. At Rockland Bee Removal, we begin with a professional on-site assessment (with an agreed-upon fee). With the help of a thermal camera, we look to detect heat generated by the bees (typically 90°F) to pinpoint the hive’s exact location. Every beehive is unique, and not all hives display a clear heat signature. We also assess the structure both interior and exterior to determine the safest and least damaging removal approach.
Following the assessment and payment, *we will send you a detailed proposal and cost estimate. If approved, the initial assessment fee would be applied to the final removal cost.
Performing the Removal
Hives are often irregular in shape and size, conforming to the voids they occupy. The beekeeper begins by opening the structure and gaining access to the hive. Once opened, a specialized bee vacuum is used to relocate the bees.
The beekeeper must remove the entire hive with all the comb inside, otherwise the comb and honey will start melting and can attract other bugs. Most removals can be completed within a day, some may take longer depending on the size and complexity of the hive. While we do our best to gather the entire colony, some bees may linger outside the hive site after removal. These remaining bees typically disperse within a day or two as they realize the queen and colony are gone.
After the Removal
Once the hive has been successfully removed, it’s essential to prevent future infestations. The exposed cavity must be properly filled, ideally with insulation and sealed at the exterior entry point. Honeybee scent markers can linger and attract new swarms if not addressed.
While Rockland Bee Removal ensures a clean and safe removal process, the repairs and sealing of the structure must be completed by the homeowner’s contractor. Failure to fully fill and close off the void may lead to another colony moving into the same space.
Where Do the Bees Go?
After removal, the bees are carefully relocated to West Maple Farm in Rockland County, NY. There, our beekeepers monitor the colony to ensure it adjusts well and continues to thrive in its new environment. The bees go on to produce delicious local honey, which we proudly sell under the name Rockland Honey.
Bee tours are also offered at the farm, giving you an up-close glimpse into the inner workings of a living beehive right before your eyes.
Why Choose Rockland Bee Removal?
At Rockland Bee Removal, we are dedicated to providing efficient and safe bee removals. As local beekeepers, we ensure that the bees are relocated to a safe environment where they can thrive, rather than being harmed or exterminated.
When you choose us, you’re not just receiving a bee removal service, you’re contributing to the preservation of honey bees, which play a vital role in pollination and the environment. Saving one bee at a time! ◆
Contact Us
Got Bees? Give us a Buzz!
Rockland Bee Removal
📞 Call/Text/WhatsApp: 845.445.8273
📧 Email: RocklandBeeRemoval@gmail.com
If we don’t answer right away, we’re probably in a bee suit, we’ll call you back or respond to your message as soon as possible.
Serving Rockland County NY & surrounding areas | www.RocklandBeeRemoval.com
Licensed & Insured | Experienced Local Beekeepers | Est. 2016
*Inaccessible Hive
There are times when a hive cannot be safely or practically removed by a beekeeper. This may occur when the hive is located deep within an inaccessible void or in a location too high or hazardous for safe equipment setup. In these situations, a professional exterminator may need to be contacted. However, exterminating honey bees presents concerns. Once the colony is treated, the comb and honey are no longer maintained, which can lead to melting honey, staining, and leakage. The remaining hive material may also attract ants, beetles, wax moths, rodents, and robber bees from nearby colonies. In addition, treated bees may spread residues to other colonies. Even after extermination, comb removal is strongly recommended to prevent long-term issues.
