Bee removal typically costs between $150 and $500, with a national average of about $180. The total price depends largely on the size of the infestation, the type of bee, and the location of the hive. While bees play an essential role in pollination, nests near your home can pose safety risks and cause structural damage if left untreated.
In this guide, we break down typical costs, key pricing factors, and what to expect from professional pest control companies, along with safety guidance informed by This Old House Magazine and insights from bee expert Noah Wilson-Rich.
Key Takeaways
- Bee removal typically costs between $150 and $500, with an average price of $180, depending on the size and severity of the infestation.
- Honey bee removal has the widest cost range at $75–$2,000, while carpenter bees and bumble bees both cost $75–$500 to remove.
- Some beekeepers will relocate honey beehives or swarms for free to establish new hives on their property, making relocation often more affordable than extermination, which costs $100 –$800.
How Much Does Bee Removal Cost?
The average cost of bee removal is $180, with prices ranging from $150–$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 |
Note: The cost data featured in this guide is based on estimates from Angi, unless otherwise noted.
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, since different bees nest in different locations and require different treatment methods.
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.
In the Ask This Old House segment “How To Set Up a Beehive,” bee expert Noah Wilson-Rich says that hive placement isn’t always ideal. “Some things we consider are the natural habitat of honey bees. They live in holes in trees, and they don’t always have the luxury of picking where they’re going to go,” he says.
Removal Method
The pest control method you choose for bee removal directly affects the cost, as some approaches require more labor, specialized equipment, or follow-up work.
Pest control companies typically relocate bumble bees and honey bees, often working with local beekeepers to safely remove and transfer the hive. This approach is usually more affordable than extermination and helps preserve beneficial pollinators. It can also reduce the risk of leftover honeycomb attracting pests or causing structural damage.
Bee swarm removal, which involves capturing bees before they establish a permanent hive, is typically the least expensive option since it requires less labor and no structural access.
Carpenter bee removal requires a different approach. Because they tunnel into wood, bee extermination is often recommended to stop ongoing damage. Pest control professionals may apply insecticidal dust or sprays into the boreholes and follow up with treatments to prevent reinfestation. This process is more labor-intensive and can increase overall costs, especially if repairs are needed.
DIY vs. Professional Bee Removal
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 do-it-yourself (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.
We do not recommend sealing the exit hole of any beehive, as the colony may establish a new exit closer to your home. As noted in This Old House Magazine, sealing bee exits can backfire dangerously. In one case, bees sealed inside walls began swarming out of interior light fixtures, forcing the homeowners to evacuate.
Professional Bee Control
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.
Pro Tip
- This Old House Magazine recommends choosing pest control companies that are licensed, insured, and affiliated with professional organizations like the National Pest Management Association.
Is Bee Removal Worth It?
Yes, in most cases, removing bees is worth it to create a safer environment for both your household and the bees themselves. While some minor issues can be managed with preventative measures, established hives, especially those inside walls or structural elements, typically require professional removal.
A qualified pest control professional can identify the bee species, recommend the safest removal method, and help prevent future infestations. Professional removal is especially important for aggressive species or when hives are located in hard-to-reach areas.
National providers such as Terminix and Orkin offer broad service coverage, but availability and service quality can vary by location. When choosing a provider, it’s best to compare multiple estimates and confirm experience with bee-specific removal.
FAQs About Bee Removal Costs
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.
