Natural Bee Deterrent Solutions: What Do Exterminators Charge & Can Pest Control Help?
Worried about bees around your home? Learn how pest control services remove them safely and discover effective natural bee deterrent options.
The Buzz Around Bees: A Growing Concern for NYC Homeowners
Imagine stepping out into your backyard in Brooklyn only to find a buzzing swarm of bees circling your porch light. For many New Yorkers, that scene isnt just a fearits a growing reality. While bees are vital to our ecosystem, their nests near homes or schools can pose serious safety concerns. When hives are built inside walls, under sheds, or close to play areas, the threat of stings and structural damage quickly outweighs their ecological value.
Homeowners naturally ask: Can pest control get rid of bees? and What do exterminators charge to remove them? The answers arent always straightforwardbut understanding your options is the first step to reclaiming your space.
When Bees Become a Problem: More Than Just a Nuisance
Most people recognize bees as beneficial pollinators. However, when colonies take up residence too close to humans, their presence shifts from helpful to hazardous.
Heres what makes bee infestations dangerous:
- Aggressive behavior: Bees will defend their hives, often stinging repeatedly if they feel threatened.
- Structural damage: Hives inside walls can drip honey and wax, attracting other pests and weakening materials.
- Allergic reactions: For those allergic to bee stings, even a single sting can lead to severe medical emergencies.
And heres the part that frustrates many New Yorkers: removing bees isnt as simple as calling any pest control service. Unlike wasps or roaches, bees are often protected by local regulationsespecially honeybees. That means many exterminators focus on humane removal or team up with beekeepers.
Why DIY Isnt the Best Answer (Even with Natural Methods)
If youre thinking about tackling the problem on your own using some homemade sprays or tricks you found online, take a breath. While the internet is full of advice on how to get rid of bees naturally, most of it misses the mark when hives are large or hidden in hard-to-reach places.
Using smoke, vinegar, or peppermint oil might discourage a few scout bees, but they wont remove a well-established hive. Worse yet, disturbing a nest without the proper tools or gear could lead to multiple stingsor even an attack.
That said, some options can help prevent bees from nesting near your home, and theyre a great supplement to professional solutions.
What Exterminators Really Do to Remove Bees
When you call a pest control service, the first thing theyll ask is: What type of bee are you dealing with? Honeybees, bumblebees, and carpenter bees each require a different approach.
Heres how professionals handle it:
- Inspection: Theyll locate the hive and assess its size, species, and accessibility.
- Determination: If honeybees are involved, many companies will refer you to a beekeeper for safe relocation.
- Removal or deterrence: For carpenter bees or aggressive bumblebees, technicians may apply dusts, foams, or use exclusion methods to force them out and prevent return.
- Cleanup & repair: Once the bees are gone, damaged areas may need sealing or repair to keep pests from returning.
So, how much does it cost?
In NYC, prices range widely. For simple hive removals in accessible outdoor areas, you might pay $150$300. If the hive is inside your walls, expect $500$1,000+, especially if repair work or beekeeper collaboration is required.
Case Study: Bee Removal from a Brooklyn Brownstone
Last spring, a homeowner in Park Slope, Brooklyn, noticed bees flying in and out of a small hole near a second-floor window. At first, she tried a homemade natural bee deterrent (a mix of peppermint oil and water), but the buzzing only grew louder. After a week, she found honey dripping down the interior walla sure sign that a hive had been built inside.
She contacted a local pest control service specializing in how to get rid of bees naturally. The technician confirmed it was a honeybee colony. Due to local guidelines protecting honeybees, the company worked with a licensed beekeeper who safely vacuumed the bees into a container for relocation. Afterward, the pest control team sealed up the access point and cleaned the honeycomb remains to prevent further pest problems.
Final cost? Around $850, which included the beekeepers fee, cleanup, and sealing.
The homeowner later said, Im glad I didnt wait any longer. It could have ruined my walland someone couldve gotten hurt.
How to Get Rid of Bees Naturally: Prevention That Works
While removal often requires professionals, keeping bees away in the first place is something you can do. Here are simple ways to use natural bee deterrent strategies around your home:
- Peppermint oil spray: Bees dislike the strong scent. Mix with water and spray around eaves, decks, and fences.
- Citrus peels: Placing orange or lemon peels near frequent bee areas can help deter scouts.
- Cucumber peels: The acid in cucumber skin has been known to repel bees in certain conditions.
- Keep outdoor areas clean: Sugary drinks, fruits, and garbage attract foraging bees fast.
- Seal potential entry points: Check for cracks or holes in walls, soffits, and rooflines where bees could enter.
Just remember, these methods are best used before bees have nested. Once a hive is active, professional help is the safest and most effective route.
SoCan Pest Control Really Get Rid of Bees?
Yesbut it depends on the situation. For aggressive species or hard-to-reach nests, pest control companies are often your best bet. However, they typically dont exterminate bees outright, especially if honeybees are involved. Instead, they partner with beekeepers or use natural bee deterrent techniques alongside humane removal.
If youve noticed more buzzing than usual or think youve spotted a hive, dont wait for it to become a full-blown infestation. Knowing how to get rid of bees naturally and when to call in the pros can save you money, stress, and a potential trip to the ER.
Need Bees Gone Fast? Call the NYC Experts
Whether youre in Queens, Staten Island, or deep in Brooklyn, bee infestations shouldnt be ignored. Our team of licensed professionals knows how to get rid of bees naturally, safely, and quicklywithout putting your family or property at risk.
? +1 718-427-6200
Call now for expert inspection and safe bee removal.