Common Locations for Unwanted Honeybees
The cost/benefit of various removal options
Externally Established Hives
Externally established hives can most often be relocated safely, economically, and with high colony survival.
Established hives on tree branches
We currently relocate these as long as they are <12ft from the ground (or if there is a lot of space under the tree for large scaffolding set-ups).
Average cost: $180-400
Colony Survival: Very high
Established hives on roof eaves (external)
Easily mistaken for established hives IN roof eaves, which are much more common. Externally established hives on roof eaves are usually the result of the hive butting up against something cool, like an A/C unit.
We currently relocate these as long as they are <12ft from the ground, if an extension ladder can safely be used, or if there is a lot of space for large scaffolding.
Average cost: $180-400
Colony Survival: Very high
Established hives >15ft in elevation
You can always contact us to confirm, but these are most likely outside of our current ability to safely relocate the hive.
Internally Established Hives
Internally established hives can be hit or miss for whether relocation is reasonable or if extermination is recommended. These usually require consultation prior to scheduling, the fee of which is waived if relocation is pursued through Bob's Bee Relocation. Nevertheless, the following common situations can give you an idea if relocation is right for you.
One primary benefit we have over extermination for internally established hives is that we remove all hive matter: wax, honey, pollen, bees. If exterminated and left inside, these things can cause problems down-the-line for property owners.
Established hives in roof eaves (internal)
Very common. We currently relocate these as long as the bees are not accessing the living quarters through the HVAC or ceiling tile. This relocation requires the removal (often destruction) of the 'bird board,' which will need to be replaced by the owner.
Average cost: $350-600
Colony Survival: Very high
Established hives in irrigation/electrical/pool boxes
Very common. These colonies are the easiest internally established hives to relocate.
Average cost: $180-300
Colony Survival: Very high
Established hives inside of trees
Usually in the main trunk of a tree. We cannot currently safely relocate these hives, which would often require the destruction of a large tree anyway. These hives most likely require extermination once they start becoming defensive.
Average cost: N/A
Colony Survival: Very low
Established hives in cinder-block walls/chimneys/structures
Very common. These must be taken on a case by case basis, though most often extermination is recommended due to the low likelihood of survival in a relocation effort. The exception would be a hive established at the "top" of a cinder block structure, which has a somewhat high survival rate.
Average cost: $300-500
Colony Survival: Somewhat low
Established hives in/under sheds and outbuildings
These are truly a case by case basis that varies widely due to the differing building techniques and hive locations for these structures. Almost always requires consultation.
Average cost: $300-800
Colony Survival: Varies widely
Established hives in walls of homes/apartments/other buildings
Due to our high safety standards, we currently only relocate hives of this sort if the building will be unoccupied for at least 48 hours.
This type of relocation is still a great option for real estate companies and other types of entities that are holding unoccupied property. Though the cost is generally slightly higher than extermination, we remove all hive matter and residue while using chemical free methods.
Almost always requires consultation.
Average cost: $450-1,200
Colony Survival: Varies
