There are several approaches which can be used for bee removal. It is important to verify that an infestation is indeed bees and not wasps or other insects, as the techniques used vary, depending on the species. If the identity of the pests is unclear, an exterminator may be able to identify the insects and provide appropriate removal advice. Entomologists can also provide identification and advice; university extensions are often a good resource for an entomologist who can identify insect pests.
In the case of bee removal, people have two basic options. One is humane bee removal, in which the bees are removed and relocated. The other is extermination of the bees. Extermination is generally not recommended because bees are beneficial insects, and extermination is usually not any easier than removal.
For humane bee removal, the best person to handle the removal is a beekeeper. There are also pest control companies which will perform this service. Often done in the evening, when the bees will be sluggish, the process involves moving the bees and their queen into a box and then removing the hive. Removing the hive, including all beeswax and honey, is important, because otherwise pests may be attracted to the area. Lingering bee pheromones can also attract a new set of bees.
The bees will be moved to a new location and set up with a hive. Usually they settle in well, and if they do not, the survivors can be combined with other hives. The bees will go on to act as pollinators in their communities and they will produce honey which may have commercial value for the beekeeper.
If an exterminator is hired to handle bee removal or people opt to remove bees themselves by killing them, sprays can be used to kill the insects. The bees and their hive cannot be left in place, however. The hive needs to be removed and the area needs to be thoroughly cleaned to remove pest attractants, such as honey, which might draw in ants. It is also important to dispose of the hive properly.
Each method of bee removal will require some elbow grease to clean out the area occupied by the nest so that it will be less likely to be colonized again. It is also a good idea to seal the area well after the bees and their hive have been completely removed to make it difficult for insects to return.
