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The Buzz on Removing Bees from Trees
- Pete Rizzo
- Mar 28, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 28
Removing Bees from Trees: A Guide to Safe and Effective Bee Removal
If you're concerned for your safety or simply unsure how to proceed if you find bees coming and going from your tree, we will walk you through exactly how to remove bees from trees safely, ethically, and without harming the colony, or yourself.
Why Bees Choose Trees as Homes
Bees don’t choose trees at random, they’re incredibly intentional. Trees are their natural homes in nature.
Natural Protection and Prime Real Estate
Trees offer:
Height and security from predators
Shade and protection from rain
Hollow trunks or cavities are perfect for hives
This makes trees ideal nesting sites for both wild colonies and wayward swarms looking for a new home.
However, If you see a large clump of bees hanging from a branch, it may just be a swarm resting temporarily, not a fully established hive.
Tools of the Trade: What You’ll Need for a Safe Bee Removal
Removing bees from trees, especially at a height, requires care, calm, and the right tools. Here’s what professional beekeepers and removal experts (like us at Vegas Bees!) use:
Protective Gear
Bee Suit, Gloves, Veil: Your first layer of defense. Make sure it’s sealed and breathable.
Smoker: A gentle puff of smoke calms the bees by disrupting their alarm pheromones.
Bee Brush: Soft bristles help guide bees safely off surfaces. This is especially helpful if bees are clustering around tree bark or branches.
Bee Vacuum: Designed specifically for safe, live capture. No Shop-Vacs here. These vacuums allow for gentle relocation of bees without injury.
Ladder: A secure, stabilized ladder is a must when dealing with elevated hives.
Chainsaw (only if necessary) Sometimes a colony nests inside a tree cavity. Only consider cutting if removal is impossible otherwise.
Caution: Cutting into a tree should be a last resort. You risk killing bees, damaging the tree, or injuring yourself. Always consult a live bee removal professional.
Safety First: Best Practices for a Sting-Free Experience
Bee removal isn’t something you want to rush into. With the right safety measures, what might seem like a risky task can become a well-controlled and even rewarding experience.
Whether you're an experienced beekeeper or a first-time DIYer, follow these best practices to ensure both your safety and the bees’ well-being.
Suit Up Properly
Always wear full protective clothing, including a bee suit, gloves, and a veil. Don’t cut corners here, even a small opening can lead to painful stings. It’s better to be overprepared than underprotected.
Use Your Smoker Wisely
A smoker is one of your most powerful tools. When used correctly, it helps calm the hive, interrupting the bees’ alarm pheromones and allowing you to work with minimal disturbance.
Choose the Right Time of Day
Late afternoon or early morning is ideal for removals. During these times, bees are generally less active and more likely to be inside the hive. Avoid midday when they’re most defensive and numerous.
Be Ready for the Unexpected
Have a fully stocked first aid kit on hand. Keep antihistamines or epinephrine accessible in case of allergic reactions. Even experienced beekeepers can occasionally get stung, and it’s critical to be prepared.
Secure the Work Area
Before you begin, make sure the area around the hive is clear. Keep children, pets, neighbors, and delivery workers well away from the site. Remove trip hazards and ensure your ladder or platform is stable.
When Trees Become Bee Hotels: Relocating Bees with Care
A beehive in your tree might seem like an emergency, but for professionals and conservation-minded homeowners, it's an opportunity. Relocating bees safely not only protects your family, it supports pollinator populations and benefits the broader ecosystem.
Here’s how to approach relocation responsibly and effectively.
Identify the Bee Species
Not all buzzing insects are honeybees. Confirm whether you're dealing with honeybees, carpenter bees, or yellow jackets. Honeybees can be safely relocated; others may require different approaches or pest control measures.
Evaluate Hive Health
Before moving the hive, assess its condition. A strong, active colony is much more likely to survive relocation. Look for signs of disease, wax moths, or parasites like Varroa mites, and address them as needed before transport.
Choose an Appropriate New Location
Bees need access to flowering plants, clean water, and protection from excessive heat or wind. Their new home should be far from high-traffic areas but rich in forage and free of pesticide exposure. Shade, space, and privacy are key.
Relocation Techniques: From Trees to Safe Havens
Several professional methods are used to remove and relocate bees safely from trees, including:
Trap-Outs: A one-way escape route is created from the tree cavity to a new hive box. Over several days or weeks, the colony gradually moves into the box.
Cut-Outs: Used when the hive is accessible inside a tree or limb. The comb is carefully removed, and bees are transferred into a new hive.
Swarm Capture: If the bees are only temporarily resting in the tree (as a swarm), they can often be gently brushed or vacuumed into a transport hive with minimal disruption.
Each technique requires a different approach based on the hive’s location, tree structure, and bee behavior.
If you’re unsure about the type of bees or how to safely remove them, it’s best to contact a professional live bee removal service. At Vegas Bees, we specialize in safely relocating bee colonies to preserve pollinators and protect people.
The Environmental Impact: Why Bee Conservation Matters
Removing bees responsibly not only solves immediate issues, but also contributes to the health of our local ecosystem.
By choosing non-lethal methods and collaborating with local beekeepers, we ensure that bee populations remain healthy and continue to thrive.
Raising Awareness and Advocating for Bees
As bee removers, we have a role in educating our communities about the importance of bees. Engage in local workshops, social media campaigns, and community talks to share the value of our pollinators. The more people understand and appreciate bees, the better we can protect them.
The Bottom Line
Removing bees from trees isn’t just about getting rid of an inconvenience, it’s about protecting your home and preserving a vital part of our ecosystem. It takes more than courage. It takes knowledge, patience, and the right approach.
When you use proper tools, take the right safety precautions, and choose ethical relocation methods, you're doing more than solving a problem. You're becoming part of the solution to protect pollinators and promote coexistence.
At Vegas Bees, we believe every bee matters. Whether you’re handling a swarm on your own or calling in help for a full colony removal, the goal is always the same: safe outcomes for people, and safe passage for the bees.
You’re now equipped with the insights you need to handle tree-dwelling bees with care. Share this guide with neighbors, gardening groups, or local communities. The more we educate others, the more bee-friendly our world becomes. One tree at a time.
Betsy and Pete
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Us: The Authors
We're Betsy and Pete, passionate Las Vegas beekeepers trained by a master in the field. With hundreds of successful bee and bee swarm removals under our belts, we're not just experts; we're enthusiasts committed to the well-being of these incredible pollinators.
We manage dozens of beehives, both natural and honey-bearing at our Joshua Tree Preserve.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Education is an ongoing journey, especially in a dynamic field such as beekeeping. That's why we continually update our knowledge base, collaborate with other experts, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in bee control methods and beekeeping practices.
We also provide top-tier beekeeping supplies, offering everything a beekeeper needs, from beginners to experts.
