Arizona's Bee Removal and Extermination Experts
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Finding a bee colony on your property is stressful. You're worried about stings. You're not sure if they're dangerous. And you don't know whether to call a beekeeper or a pest control company.
Our technicians handle bee problems across the Phoenix metro area, from Peoria to Apache Junction. We offer both bee removal and bee extermination depending on your situation. Some colonies can be safely relocated. Others need to be eliminated for safety reasons. We assess each situation and recommend the right approach.
Arizona has Africanized honey bees throughout the Valley. These bees are more defensive than European honey bees and can be genuinely dangerous. If you have a bee problem, don't try to handle it yourself.
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Bee Species in Arizona
Arizona has several bee species that cause problems for homeowners. Knowing which type you're dealing with helps determine the right response.
The USDA Carl Hayden Bee Research Center in Tucson reports that most feral bee colonies in southern Arizona are now Africanized. These bees look identical to European honey bees but behave very differently. Africanized bees are highly defensive of their colony. They respond to disturbances quickly, in greater numbers, and pursue threats farther than European bees.
European honey bees are the gentler variety kept by beekeepers. They can sting when threatened but are far less aggressive than Africanized bees. Some managed colonies that swarm and establish new nests around homes are European.
Carpenter bees are large, shiny bees that drill perfectly round holes into wood. They don't eat the wood but create tunnels for nesting. Carpenter bees cause structural damage to eaves, fascia boards, decks, and outdoor furniture. They're solitary bees, so you won't find hives, just individual holes.
Bumblebees occasionally nest in Arizona, usually in ground cavities or dense vegetation. They're generally docile unless their nest is disturbed. Bumblebee colonies are small and rarely cause problems.
Bee Removal vs. Bee Extermination
We offer both options because different situations call for different approaches.
Bee Removal (Live Relocation). When safe and practical, we remove bee colonies alive and relocate them. This works best for colonies in accessible locations, swarms that haven't yet established a permanent nest, situations where Africanized genetics are unlikely, and property owners who prefer non-lethal solutions. Our technicians carefully extract the colony, including the queen and honeycomb. The bees are relocated to a beekeeper or appropriate location away from populated areas.
Bee Extermination. When removal isn't safe or practical, we eliminate the colony. This is often necessary for confirmed or suspected Africanized colonies, colonies in inaccessible wall voids, situations where people or pets are at immediate risk, and repeat infestations in the same location. We apply products that eliminate the colony quickly. After the bees are dead, we remove accessible honeycomb and seal entry points to prevent reinfestation.
Why honeycomb removal matters: Left behind, honeycomb melts in Arizona heat, attracts other pests, and signals to new swarms that this is a good nesting spot. Proper cleanup is part of the job.
Why Africanized Bees Are Dangerous
Africanized honey bees have been in Arizona since the 1990s. They've become the dominant feral bee population in our area. Understanding their behavior helps you stay safe.
They defend aggressively. European bees might send a few guards to investigate a disturbance. Africanized bees can mobilize the entire colony within seconds. Hundreds of bees may attack at once.
They respond to smaller triggers. Vibrations from lawn mowers, loud noises, and movement near the hive can trigger defensive behavior. Activities that wouldn't bother European bees may provoke Africanized colonies.
They pursue farther. European bees typically give up pursuit within 50 to 100 feet. Africanized bees may chase a perceived threat for a quarter mile or more.
They stay agitated longer. Once disturbed, Africanized colonies remain defensive for hours. This makes returning to the area dangerous even after the initial encounter.
Arizona fatalities occur. Africanized bee attacks have killed people and pets in Arizona. Elderly individuals, children, and those with bee allergies are at highest risk. If you encounter aggressive bees, run away in a straight line. Cover your face. Get indoors or into a vehicle. Don't jump in water. Call 911 if someone is stung multiple times.
Bee Treatment Process
HOW WE WORK
1
Identification and Assessment
Our technicians locate the colony and evaluate the situation. We determine the species if possible, assess accessibility, and note any safety concerns. This determines whether removal or extermination is appropriate.
2
Treatment or Removal
Based on our assessment, we either remove the colony alive or apply treatment to eliminate it. We use protective equipment and professional-grade products designed for bee control.
3
Honeycomb Removal
For exterminated colonies, we remove as much honeycomb as accessible. Leaving honeycomb behind causes problems. It melts, attracts ants and cockroaches, and can draw new swarms.
4
Sealing and Prevention
We seal the opening that bees used to access the structure and identify conditions that attracted them. This prevents new colonies from moving into the same spot, which happens frequently if left open.
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Signs of a Bee Problem
Bees establish colonies in many locations around Arizona properties. Here's what to watch for:
Bees entering a structure. If you see bees repeatedly entering the same spot on your home, they've likely established a colony inside. Common locations include wall voids, eaves, soffits, chimneys, and irrigation valve boxes.
A visible hive or swarm. Swarms are temporary clusters of bees resting while scouts search for a new home. They may hang from trees, fences, or structures for hours or days. Established hives show visible honeycomb.
Increased bee activity. More bees than usual around your pool, yard, or flowering plants may indicate a nearby colony. Bees travel up to several miles for food and water.
Buzzing in walls. If you hear buzzing sounds inside walls or ceilings, a colony has moved in. The longer they stay, the larger the colony and honeycomb become.
Preventing Bee Problems
You can't keep bees off your property entirely, but you can make it less attractive for nesting.
Seal potential entry points. Gaps in eaves, holes in stucco, and openings around utility penetrations invite bee colonies. Seal these before bees find them.
Inspect regularly. Check irrigation boxes, sheds, and covered areas monthly. Catching a small colony early is much easier than dealing with an established one.
Manage water sources. Bees need water. Pools, fountains, and irrigation leaks attract them. You can't eliminate water, but be aware that water features increase bee traffic.
Remove old hives completely. The scent of old honeycomb attracts new swarms. If you've had a bee colony removed or exterminated, make sure all honeycomb residue is cleaned up.
Don't disturb bees yourself. If you find a colony, keep people and pets away and call professionals. Disturbing Africanized bees without proper equipment is extremely dangerous.
Carpenter Bee Control
Carpenter bees require a different approach than honey bees. They're solitary, so there's no colony to remove.
Treatment. We apply residual products into active tunnels and on wood surfaces where carpenter bees land. This kills existing bees and deters new ones.
Damage repair. After treatment, plugging or filling the holes prevents moisture damage and reuse by future bees. We can recommend repair options.
Wood protection. Painting or sealing bare wood makes it less attractive to carpenter bees. They prefer untreated, weathered wood.
Carpenter bee damage accumulates over years as new bees enlarge existing tunnels or drill new ones. Early treatment prevents structural problems.
Don't just take our word for it
Cost depends on colony location and accessibility. Simple swarm removal costs less than extracting an established colony from inside a wall. We provide quotes after assessing the situation. Emergency calls for aggressive bees may carry additional fees.
Beekeepers typically handle docile swarms and accessible colonies they can add to their hives. Many won't handle Africanized bees, colonies inside structures, or emergency situations. We handle all bee problems and can remove colonies alive when appropriate.
You can't tell by looking. Africanized and European honey bees look identical. Behavior is the indicator. Aggressive defense of the colony, especially in large numbers, suggests Africanized genetics. Our technicians assess behavior during the inspection. Treat all feral bee colonies as potentially Africanized.
Swarms sometimes leave on their own within a day or two. Established colonies won't leave. Once bees build honeycomb and the queen starts laying eggs, they're staying. The longer you wait, the larger the colony becomes and the more honeycomb accumulates.
Yes. Once treatment is complete and aggressive activity subsides, your yard is safe. We recommend staying away from the treatment area for a few hours while bees die off. We'll provide specific guidance based on your situation.
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