You’ll typically spend between $150 and $500 for bee removal, with an average cost of $180. The price depends on the size and severity of the infestation. Bees are essential for pollination and agriculture, but their stings can be painful and even dangerous. Below, we outline typical removal costs and help you decide whether to hire a top pest control company or tackle the bee issue yourself.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, cost data is sourced from Angi.
How Much Does Bee Removal Cost on Average?
The average cost of bee removal is $180, with prices ranging from $150 to $500. Below, we break down the most common types of bee and beehive removal, from relocating honey bees to exterminating carpenter bees.
| Bee Type or Issue | Cost |
|---|---|
| Carpenter bees | $75–$500 |
| Bumble bees | $75–$500 |
| Honey bees | $75–$2,000 |
| Africanized honey bees | $100–$1,000 |
| Bee swarms | $125–$200 |
Swarm removal and beehive removal costs vary considerably. Some beekeepers will move a honey beehive or swarm for free to establish a new hive on their own property, and they may also harvest the honey as part of the process.
What Factors Affect Bee Removal Pricing?
Several factors impact the cost of bee removal, including the type of bee, the severity of the infestation, the removal method, and the hive’s location. Larger colonies, structural damage, and complex removal procedures can significantly increase prices.
Bee Type
The species of bee infesting your property significantly affects removal costs. Different bees nest in various locations and require specific removal techniques. Below are the most common types:
- Bumble bees: These large, fuzzy bees nest close to the ground, often in wood piles or abandoned rodent tunnels. Colonies typically contain a few hundred bees. While males cannot sting, females will sting if provoked. Bumble bees can sting multiple times without losing their stinger.
- Carpenter bees: Resembling bumble bees but with shiny, hairless abdomens, carpenter bees bore into wood to lay eggs. They do not form colonies, but their tunneling can weaken structures over time. Female carpenter bees may sting when threatened.
- Honey bees: Smaller than bumble bees, honey bees build large colonies with 10,000–80,000 bees in hollow logs, trees, or fence posts. Their stings are barbed, meaning they get lodged in the skin, causing the bee to die after stinging.
Infestation Severity
The size and location of the infestation play a significant role in determining removal costs. Small hives may cost as little as $180, while larger nests or multiple hives can range from $600 to $1,000. If removal requires cutting into exterior or interior walls or other structural areas, labor costs will increase. Severe carpenter bee infestations can damage decks, soffits, and fascia boards, adding repair expenses on top of pest removal. Other potential repairs from damage could include cutting into drywall and ceiling patching.
Removal Method
The pest control method you choose for bee removal directly affects the cost. Pest control companies typically relocate bumble and honey bees, partnering with local beekeepers to safely remove and transfer hives. This method is often more affordable than extermination, which costs between $100 and $800. Bee swarm removal, which captures bees before they establish a hive, is usually the least expensive option.
Carpenter bee removal requires a different approach. Bee extermination is often recommended since these bees tunnel into wood and weaken structures. Pest control specialists may also apply preventive treatments to protect your home from future infestations and further damage. Extermination costs more, typically ranging from $150 to $1,000.
Can You Remove Bees Yourself?
We recommend hiring a professional to remove bees because doing so can be dangerous for both you and the bees being removed. Below, we compare DIY bee removal with professional bee control.
DIY Bee Removal
We don’t advise removing or exterminating bees on your own. Swarms of bees can deliver dangerous stings, and the extermination process can kill harmless bees that are essential pollinators for a healthy ecosystem. There are traps and deterrents you can install to help control carpenter bees, but these solutions are often marginally effective. We do not recommend sealing the exit hole of any beehive, as the colony may establish a new exit closer to your home.
Hiring a Pest Control Professional
Hiring a pest control professional is worth it for safe and effective removal, especially when dealing with aggressive or destructive bees.
If you call a pest control company about bumble bees or honey bees, it will often refer you to local beekeepers. Using a bait trap, the beekeepers will coax the bee colony out of the hive and into a box hive. From there, the beekeepers can find a new home for the bees away from your property. They can also remove honeycombs to avoid attracting other pests and prevent the beeswax and honey from causing structural damage.
One exception to this pest control method is the Africanized honey bee, also known as the killer bee. These bees are aggressive and attack in swarms, making them especially dangerous. A bee removal specialist will likely use an extermination strategy to protect your home.
To exterminate carpenter bees, your pest control professional will typically apply insecticidal dust or sprays into the boreholes. Over time, and often through multiple treatments, this process will reduce or eradicate the carpenter bee population. Many pest control companies provide follow-up monitoring and treatment quarterly or bimonthly.
Is Bee Removal Worth It?
Yes, in most cases, removing bees is worth it to provide a safer environment for you and for the bees. We recommend scheduling bee removal services through a reputable pest control company.
Terminix and Orkin are solid options with regional offices located throughout the country. Terminix is available in 45 states, and Orkin is available in every state except Alaska. Trained specialists from either company can identify the type of bee infesting your property, implement a bee removal plan, and provide long-term monitoring and retreatment when necessary.
FAQs About Bee Removal Cost
What steps should I take to remove bees on my own?
We recommend that homeowners do not try to remove bees on their own, especially without personal protective equipment. A professional pest control company has the training, experience, and equipment to properly deal with bee removal.
How do I find a local beekeeper?
You can use a search engine or social media to find beekeepers in your area. Many websites have beekeeper directories with recommendations for your ZIP code. You can also ask your local pest control specialist for a referral.
Are there any risk factors that increase the cost of bee removal?
Due to the increased risk, some pest control companies may charge higher rates for removing more aggressive bees, such as Africanized honey bees.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our pest control recommendations with a detailed rating methodology that we use to objectively score each provider. We review pest control plans, navigate the provider website, speak with customer service representatives by phone and online chat (if available), request quotes, and analyze customer reviews for each provider. We then score the provider against our review standards for plans and services, reputation and customer responses, customer service offerings, workmanship guarantees, financing, and availability to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
