Bees are essential insects in the ecosystem. Almost 90% of the globally produced food primarily depends on bees for pollination. Also, bees’ products, including wax and honey, contribute a lot to our health and living standards. However, despite the number of benefits bees bring to us and the ecosystem, we may often need to get rid of bees near our property.
Remove a new hive from a tree by first opening up or cutting down the tree to access the brood comb which has the queen. This way, you can move them to a new hive of your choosing. Otherwise, use cinnamon, bee repellents, mothballs, vinegar spray, or exterminators to get rid of the bees.
People allergic to bees find bees near their property a considerable threat. Also, we may consider relocating bee hives near our property when bees become too hostile.
How to remove a bee hive from a tree
There are various methods you can use to get rid of beehives from a tree including the following:
Method 1: Contacting A Beekeeper
You may have an experienced beekeeper who can help you get rid of bees within your locality. A reliable beekeeper will have all the necessary equipment and skills to remove a beehive and move it to a different area. From there you can keep them safe and even extract and use raw propolis and honey from the hive.
This idea perfectly works for anyone who wants to leave the bees alive. You can easily find an experienced beekeeper by doing local research and looking for a beekeeper or beekeeping group in your area. If you find one, contact them and make arrangements on what to do to relocate the bees.
Most individuals fail to find beekeepers to help them with bee removal. In such a situation, you may need to kill the bees yourself. Experts know how to remove beehives from homes without harming the bees. It doesn’t matter if it’s from a hive or the bees are in a tree with no hive. Bee swarms in trees are dangerous as they can be easily agitated. As such, always look out for honey bee nests in trees before they grow too big.
Method 2: Sprinkling Cinnamon Around the Beehive
If you can see and locate a beehive, this method works well for you. This method is perfectly natural and does not kill bees. All you need is to sprinkle cinnamon around the hive for around a week. Bees highly dislike the cinnamon odor and will relocate from the scent. The concentrated cinnamon solution should be sprayed around the beehive daily for enhanced results.
This method is among the most successful methods many people use. Whether it is convenient for you or not, bees will hopefully give up and find a new place after sprinkling cinnamon around the beehive for a week.
Method 3: Using Bee Repellent Plants
If bees and wasps are always swarming your outdoor barbecues, you should take a look at your landscaping. Planting sweet-scented flowers and plants may attract bees, so think twice about where and what you put in your garden.
Growing bee-repelling plants around your home is an effective method to keep bees away from your property without having to harm or remove them.
The most common and efficient bee repellents include neem, mint, citronella, eucalyptus, and cloves. They’re simple to cultivate in your garden and don’t require much maintenance. Marigold and germanium repellents can also be quite good in keeping bees at bay.
Method 4: Use Mothballs
Mothballs work almost similar to cinnamon. You will need to place mothballs near the beehive to chase bees away. Bees dislike mothballs since their smell is disgusting enough to make them relocate. If this method works well for you, you will happily relocate bees without necessarily killing them.
If possible, try to hang mothballs close to the beehive. The closeness of the mothballs to the beehives makes them more effective. Eventually, you will notice that bees moved away. This method has ideally worked for many homeowners with bee problems.
Method 5: Use A Bee Spray
Bee sprays work by attacking the neurological system of the bees. This results in paralysis and death. These sprays contain potent chemicals that damage insects and negatively affect humans and pets.
The most popular bee spray is PT Wasp Freeze II, which kills bees on contact. You can get it from a local insecticide seller or an online store. Is you obtain any products from the hive after using this product, you may need honey pasteurization to make it safe.
The method involves mixing the prescribed chemical with water in a spray bottle. Later, spray directly on the bees at a close angle for effectiveness. Be careful as the bees may attack you. Use protective gear.
This method works perfectly at night when bees are in the hive. This enables you to spray directly on one area. You should ensure proper ventilation to prevent inhalation of the aerosol. Also, follow all precautions and keep the chemical away from children and pets.
Method 6: Use Vinegar Spray
With the high prices of bee sprays, vinegar provides you with a suitable alternative. Although bee spray isn’t costly, it can be a more expensive method than vinegar.
You probably have white vinegar in your house. If not, you can affordably buy some at your next grocery store. The vinegar spray kills bees. You only need to mix vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:1 in a spray bottle. Later, you can directly spray on the tree where bees are coming from.
If you can spot the beehive, you can directly spray it with the vinegar solution. The vinegar kills bees, allowing you to get rid of them. This method works best at night when bees are sleeping and inactive. Also, it would help if you did not take much time spraying since the solution doesn’t kill bees instantly. The bees may attack you before they die.
Method 7: Call Exterminators
Calling exterminators is a perfect approach for anyone allergic to bees. There is no need to risk being stung by bees and developing severe complications.
Calling exterminators is a convenient and easy method. Exterminators have all skills and equipment to resolve the infestation issues safely. You can find a reliable exterminator within your location according to customers’ reviews.
Though this option might be cost-intensive, it is your personal decision whether hiring exterminators can resolve the bee problem in your financial position.
Precautions When Removing a Bee Hive from A Tree
Here are necessary precautions to always consider when removing a beehive from a tree:
- Always seek assistance if you are allergic to bees.
- Secure appropriate attire and equipment to protect yourself when handling bees.
- Approach the beehive when bees have settled.
- Avoid nuisance such as noises when approaching a beehive.
Keep in mind that, even when you’re not allergic to bee and their stings, they can easily kill you if they attack you. After removing the bees from the tree, you can relocate them into a painted hive where they can be taken care of for honey and other products.
Bottom Line
There are various methods of removing a beehive from a tree. Each process works differently and can either kill or relocate bees. Choosing the suitable method depends on your preference and convenience. Therefore, consider choosing the method of relocating a beehive from a tree that works best for you.
References
University of California. Removing Honey Bee Swarms and Established Hives.
Mid-Atlantic Apiculture Research and Extension Consortium. Taking bees out of trees and building walls.
Clemson University. Honey Bee Colony Removal From Structures.