How to Get Rid of Problem Bees

Despite their benefits to nature, make no mistake --- bees can be a problem.

Bees can be dangerous and even life threatening around the home, particularly to the young, the elderly or those with allergies. Bees may build a hive near your home or on your property and refuse to leave. Before you call a professional exterminator, consider a do-it-yourself strategy that can rid your house and yard from these nuisances. Before you attempt any bee removal yourself, attempt to identify the type of bee causing a problem.

Things You'll Need

• Leather gloves
• Bee suit or other protective clothing
• Newspaper (optional)

Instructions

1. Check to be sure the bees are not actively buzzing around the hive. Late evening is often an ideal time to approach a hive, as bees are typically resting at this time.

2. Identify the nest. Bumblebees often take the nest of a mouse or bird and make it their own. Leafcutter bees have nests that are long and narrow and contain small twigs and leaves. For more information on bee nest identification, check the link in the Resource section. Make sure you are dealing with bees and not wasps, as wasps require different methods of removal.

3. Purchase a pesticide from any home improvement or outdoor store. Virtually any pesticide will work, but avoid the following pesticides: Imidacloprid, Acetimacloprid, Clothianidin, Nitenpyram, Thiamethoxam, Thiacloprid, and Dinotefuran.

4. Put on a bee suit or other protective clothing. Leather is ideal, but other tightly woven fabric will work. If possible, wear a ski mask or insect net to protect your face.

5. Spray the outside of the hive thoroughly with the pesticide. Coat the entire hive for best results. Spray again within 24 hours, and check back frequently to see if the bees have been killed. Repeat spraying as needed.

6. Remove the hive from its location after all bees have died. Wear leather gloves or gardening gloves. If the hive was located in a crook in a building or tree, fill the hole with newspaper or foam insulation.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are uncomfortable tackling this task yourself, it is best to consult a professional.

References

• Orkin: Bees: Facts, Identification & Control
• BuzzAboutBees.net: Honey Bee Deaths and Pesticides

Resources

• Orkin: Bee Nest Identification