Phoenix Bee & Hive Removal

Almost all wild honey bee colonies in Arizona are Africanized. Commonly referred to as “killer bees,” they are visually indistinguishable from standard European honey bees but possess a much lower threshold for aggression. They interpret rapid motions and loud vibrations, such as the hum of a lawnmower, as immediate threats, triggering a massive and highly defensive swarm response.

No, we recommend that you avoid doing this. Using retail bug sprays, attempting to smoke the colony out, or blocking their exit will backfire. These actions terrify the bees, provoking aggressive swarming behavior and driving them deep inside your walls. Your safest option is always to contact a bee removal professional.

The best removal method depends strictly on where the colony has nested. While live extraction and safe relocation to apiaries are the gold standards for local professionals, severe structural infestations in walls or chimneys sometimes require extermination to prevent costly damage to your home’s framework.

Costs depend heavily on accessibility and complexity. Simple, visible swarm removals at ground level usually range from $150 to $350. However, extensive structural extractions (e.g., removing drywall or roof tiles to extract deep honeycomb) can  range from $500 to $1,500+ depending on the extent of the repair and sanitation needed.

Leaving a bee hive inside your walls means leaving behind wax and honey. If you only exterminate the bees, the abandoned honey will ferment and rot, seeping through drywall to create foul odors, severe structural damage, and mold. It also acts as a magnet for rodents, ants, and new bee swarms. The only permanent fix is professional extraction to remove both the insects and the entire honeycomb.

You can generally expect outdoor bee relocation to wrap up in one to four hours. A larger hive or a tricky, hard-to-reach location might extend that timeline.

Stay indoors, keep pets away, and leave the swarm alone. Swarms are often transient, resting temporarily before moving on. If the swarm stays in a high-traffic area for more than 3-4 days, call a professional to assess or remove it.

Generally, no. Homeowner’s insurance policies typically view bee removal as property maintenance. Unless the bees have caused sudden, covered structural damage, you will be financially responsible.

If bees are actively attacking, call 911. For non-emergency infestations on your property, and you live in the Phoenix metro area, call our bee removal experts at 602-526-1887.