Bee removal costs between $150 and $1,500, depending on the type of bee, location of the hive, and removal method. If the hive is difficult to access, such as inside walls or attic, costs can rise to $2,000 or more.
While bees are vital pollinators, a hive near your home can pose serious risks, especially for those with allergies. Live removal by a beekeeper is often the best option for honeybees, while aggressive species like yellow jackets may require pest control.
Bee Removal Costs
| Type of Bee Removal | Cost Range |
| Bumblebee removal (small nest, easy access) | $150 – $200 |
| Carpenter bee treatment (to prevent wood damage) | $150 – $550 |
| Africanized bee (killer bee) extermination | $200 – $750 |
| Honeybee relocation (by a beekeeper) | $100 – $1,500 |
| Wasp/hornet/yellow jacket removal | $170 – $150 |
| Difficult access (inside walls, attics, crawl spaces) | $1,500 – $2,000+ |
This guide breaks down bee removal costs, methods, and when to call a professional to protect both your home and the environment.
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How Are Bee Removal Costs Figured?
There are many variables that pest control companies use to decide how much they’ll charge. Here is a list of the main ones. But keep in mind, there may be others as well.
Location of the Nest or Beehive
One of the first things a company will ask you about is your location. Bee removal is a specialized service. So, it may be hard to find a bee removal specialist in your area. For that reason, be prepared to pay a trip charge for an expert to drive a few extra miles to your home.
Also, accessibility is a vital part of the cost estimates. Suppose the bee colony is located in a spot where it’s hard to get to. Figure in an extra charge for that. This is especially true for nests located in attics, crawl spaces, and open eaves.
Type of Bees
There are unique differences between honey bees, yellow jackets, and bumblebees. And there’s also a variance in pricing between each species of bee. Following is a list of each type and their estimated cost.
- Bumblebees are generally easier to remove since there are so few in a nest. Also, they are not as aggressive as other types of bees. The average cost for bumblebees is between $50 and $150.
- Carpenter bees bore into wood structures such as fences, decks, and trees to construct their nests. Dealing with carpenter bees is important to avoid significant damage to wood structures. They are large like bumblebees, but only the female stings when angry. Pest control services for this type of bee problem will usually run from $150 to $550.
- Africanized honey bees are also called “killer bees.” According to the Texas Apiary Inspection Service, Africanized bees are more aggressive and defensive than other bees. However, they can be controlled the same as other species. The cost to manage this type of bee is usually between $200 and $750.
- Honey bees can usually be removed by a local beekeeper. In most cases, they will charge you a fee, even if they keep the beehive for themselves. However, it’s well worth it to avoid getting caught in a honey bee swarm. The average price for beehive removal is $100 to $1500.
- Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are other types of stinging insects you’ll see on occasion. The technician will often notice a nest or hive during a scheduled treatment visit. In some cases, they’ll take care of it at no extra charge.
But you may sometimes have to call the company to make a special trip. If that’s the case, plan on a fee of at least $70 to $150.
Size of the Hive or Nest
Most of the time, it won’t matter how large the beehive is that you’re trying to remove. The cost of bee removal is the same. However, there are some exceptions.
For example, there may be an extra charge for unusually large hives. This is mostly true if the bee exterminator has to get help. The added workers will increase the price in some instances.
Company Type
Any pest control company can handle bee extermination as a general rule. But it takes an expert to do it right. So, in some cases, you could pay a little more for a specialist, especially for live bee removal.
Repair Costs
There are two instances where bees typically cause damage to a home:
- Damage caused by carpenter bees. When bees carve out a nest in wood structures, it’s crucial to repair the damage. However, this type of fix is usually small, consisting of some wood putty and a paint touch-up.
- Damage caused by the bee removal process. Sometimes honeybees will make their honeycomb in awkward places. These can include crawl spaces and the inside of eaves. The structural damage caused by needing access to these areas will have to be repaired.
In either case, the repair cost could be between $50 and $70 per hour. This doesn’t include the supplies. Also, figure between four to six hours to complete the required repairs.
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Signs of a Bee Infestation
Different bee species nest in different locations, but here’s how to spot an infestation:
- Honeybees: Look for honeycomb structures in sheltered areas like attics, walls, or under decks.
- Carpenter bees: Small, round holes in wood (fences, eaves, decks) with sawdust nearby.
- Bumblebees: Nests in tree stumps, fences, or roof overhangs; often seen hovering nearby.
- Wasps, hornets, yellow jackets: Nests are usually above ground (trees, eaves, attics), but some are underground.
⚠ Warning Sign: If you see increased bee activity near your home, there may be a nest nearby. Watch where they come and go.
Health Problems Caused by Bees
Most bee stings cause pain, redness, and swelling, which can be treated at home with baking soda paste or antihistamines.
However, some people are allergic and can experience anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening. Seek emergency help immediately if someone shows these symptoms:
- Severe swelling (especially of the face or throat)
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid or weak pulse
⚠ Multiple stings are especially dangerous for those allergic to bees. Use an EpiPen if available and call 911 right away.
DIY Vs. Hiring a Professional
DIY Bee Removal: What to Know
You can try DIY removal for small, easily accessible nests, but it’s risky. Follow these steps:
- Wear protective gear (long sleeves, gloves, and a bee veil).
- Use the right treatment:
- Honeybees → Contact a beekeeper for relocation.
- Wasps & yellow jackets → Use insecticide spray at night when they are least active.
- Carpenter bees → Treat with pesticide, then seal holes to prevent return.
- Clear the area. Keep kids and pets away.
- Have an exit plan. Beens can become aggressive.
⚠ Do NOT attempt DIY removal if:
- The hive is inside walls, attics, or other hard-to-reach places.
- You’re dealing with aggressive species (killer bees, wasps, or hornets).
- You or a family member is allergic to bee stings.
Why Hire a Professional?
Professional bee removal is safer and more effective, especially for large hives. Experts use specialized tools and techniques to remove or relocate bees without unnecessary harm.
Cost: Expect to pay between $70 and $2,000, depending on the hive size, location, and bee type.
✅ Best option: If bees are inside your home or pose a serious threat, calling a pro is the smartest move.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
What’s the Standard Control or Removal Process?
Just like the cost of bee removal, the methods used depend on the type of bee. The size of the nest or hive also makes a difference. Here are the most common examples:
Honeybees
With honeybees, it’s more about relocation than it is about killing the hive. Still, the destruction of the colony is not out of the question. It mostly depends on customer preference and the methods that are available at the time.
If relocation is possible, the beekeeper will start by calming the bees with a smoker device. The bee colony will probably not be fully accessible due to the structure of the home. In these settings, the bees will have to be trapped in a dummy hive.
With this method, the beekeeper uses a screen device that allows the bees into the new hive but won’t return them to the old hive. Once captured, a new queen is introduced. After a few months, the colony will function normally, and the beekeeper will have a new hive for their collection.
Killer Bees
In most cases, Africanized bees are not usually kept by beekeepers. Their aggressive nature makes them unsuitable for harvesting. So, the beekeeper will either destroy the adult bees or refer the job to a pest control company.
Bumblebees
Bumblebees sting multiple times. Otherwise, nobody would bother trying to get rid of them. However, they are considered to be beneficial for the environment. So, some pest control companies could be reluctant to eliminate them outright.
Bumblebees nest in old trees, stumps, or other wood structures. The technician may decide to chase them away with a natural repellant. Once the bees are gone, the holes are plugged so they can’t return.
Carpenter Bees
The first item in the removal process for carpenter bees is identification. So, the tech will start off with a complete inspection of the building’s exterior. During this time, they are trying to tell the difference between the carpenter bees and other species.
Once a positive ID is made, it’s time to evict the bees from their home. Most companies will employ a dust insecticide for this purpose. Quick-acting, knockdown aerosols are also sometimes used.
Once the carpenter bees are chased away, the next step is to plug the holes. Some pest control companies offer limited, short-term fixes such as caulking and wood putty. But most will advise you on which areas need attention and leave the repairs up to you.
Hornets, Wasps, and Yellowjackets
Many pest control companies will be glad to get rid of these stinging pests for you. The primary way they do that is with an insecticide called permethrin. It’s strong enough to kill these pests on contact while holding the ones that survive in place.
After the technician disables the nest, it’s time to clean up. Another knockdown spray is used to eliminate any remaining bees. So, all that’s left to do after that is remove the nest and discard it.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
