How to Get Rid of Bees

Samantha
at home
Bakersfield, CA

I have allergy's to bees. We have no flowers in my backyard,we have a bug guy come every mo. And spray for bees. I can't find a nest but theres too many to just be flying around. And they come right at u. My question is how do I get rid of them if I can't find a nest.

Beekeeper:  Hi Samantha, I dont know if he can spray to kill bees if there is no actual hive or nest. Id start with this Bee Identification Chart to first identify what your seeing. What time of the day does this occur, and were on your property?

Betsy Bekken
back porch
San Diego, CA

I am a senior citizen with limited income. I need to know how to get rid of bees. They are swarming around on my back porch. I know that the neighbor garden attracts them. Last year they built a hive in their garden and left me alone. This year it appears that my back porch is the desired spot. This has just started and I want to get rid of them right away.

Beekeeper:  Hi Betsy, for san diego goto - Bee Removal San Diego or find your county here - Bee Removal Goodluck!

James M
Eaves
Oxford, GA

If I leave the bees, then seal up the opening over the winter, will the honey still be in there and cause a problem?

Beekeeper:  Hello James, If the bees are alive and you seal up the hole, the bees will likely just find another way out or make a new way out. This is especially a problem if they decide to burrow through a wall that leads into the common areas of your home! I have seen rooms filled with thousands of bees because the home owner sealed off the hive's entrance.

If they are honey bees and are dead, then yes, the honey in the wall will remain and melt, often attracting rodents or insects. Additionally the smell of the existing hive typically attracts more bees in the future, encouraging the problem to persist until the hive is removed properly. More bee removal information here.

Paul Lucido
Inside trunk of tree
Mandeville, La

I have honey bees in the trunk of an oak tree in my yard. What is the best way to exterminate them myself?

Beekeeper:  Hey Paul, Bees in a tree trunk is a tough thing to take care of alone. I don't suggest trying it on your own, but you can find more information on our page called bees in a tree trunk. Feel free to get our number from the New Orleans page and give us a ring.

Helene
Inside of shed
Cheektowaga, NY

I just built a shed 2 weeks ago and found a small hive in it tonight - it's about an inch in diameter. I have knocked it down and scooped it out of the shed. Do I have to be concerned that the bees will come back (there couldn't have been more than a few of bees in the hive)? Is there a way to treat the shed so they don't come back? It's a metal shed with a plywood floor.

Beekeeper:  Hi Helene, sounds like a type of wasp. Often, if you knock down a wasp or hornets nest they will re-establish their nest close-by. If it's inside the shed as you say, perhaps it or they will move on. Wasps are generally seen as helpful to the environment. If they rebuild inside the shed and you choose to kill them, this is generally done using wasp or hornet killer early in morning or late evening while they are on the nest.

I haven't heard of any methods of spraying the shed to keep bees/ wasps away, but bee and wasp proofing is a good idea if you're concerned about the wasps returning. This is generally done with galvanized screen or caulking. Expanding foam can also be used though it is messy. :)

James Young
Backyard
Fraser, MI 48026

They are flying around wooden swing set trying to get in between supports but have not suceeded as far as I can tell. Just want to get them from flying around it any ideas Thanks Jim

Beekeeper:  Jim, Do you know what kind of bee it is? You can use this bee identification chart. It sounds like they could be carpenter bees, since it is a wooden swing-set. If you can take a photo, upload it on this same page, then you should be able to get more accurate information.