How Do Bee Keepers Get Rid of Bees?

There are multiple reasons why a beekeeper wants to get rid of some or all of their bees; it is part of natural hive management. Beekeepers keep a different number of hives depending on their needs as a honey producer, bee breeder and available space. Depending on if a beekeeper is down sizing, relocating or retiring a hive, there are several options and resources available to aid in the task of getting rid of unwanted bees.

  1. Down Sizing the Hive

    • Certain vacuum cleaners can be used to safely catch bees to be released later.

      When getting rid of a portion of a hive (downsizing) there are different preferred methods depending on how many bees are in need of removing. Beekeepers' associations across the United States are generally happy to catch and obtain a few extra bees because drones are expelled from the hive in winter and replenished each spring. Also, keepers catch incoming bees on a removable hive screen and safely place them in a sealed container for transport to a new location. Spraying bees with sugar water before transport will reduce the hive from becoming agitated or swarming during the process.

    Relocating Whole Hives

    • Moving whole hives is not a difficult task, but can incur risk. If possible, move whole hives during winter months because the hive is less populated with drones and filled with less honey. Before moving the hive, while wearing proper attire, close the drone's entrance door and latch it secure (hives look open but have limited openings just for drones). Move the hive into the back of an open-bed truck, tying it down with strong rope so it does not move or topple over. Once the hive is relocated to its new home, set the hive on a stable, raised platform to keep moisture off the bottom. Open the drone's entrance door and lock it in place. Check every few days for two weeks to make sure the queen is alive and thriving.

    Additional Options

    • Bees will reinhabit an empty comb left from a previous colony.

      Local orchard farmers are interested in obtaining whole hives because bees are organic methods of pollination that result in larger-sized fruits. Honey producers are also interested in obtaining new hive queens as well as whole hives. Because queen bees remain in a queen cage, to remove the queen simply remove the queen's chamber box and plug the opening with cork; this will hold her until she is relocated. It is ideal to include sugar food to hold her over until she is placed within a working hive as well. Beekeepers' association members are also able to assist in downsizing as well as relocating or closing down whole hives for novice beekeepers.

    Considerations

    • While beehives that form in the structures of buildings and houses do not cause structural damage, the only way to prevent bees from inhabiting the hive is to remove the hive. Professional bee removal services are familiar with how to remove hives in accordance with state, local and federal laws. While honey bees are not poisonous or aggressive, multiple stings are dangerous to anyone, especially those with bee allergies. Never attempt to remove a hive unless you have the proper equipment to do so.