Local pest control across Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & TamworthCall 0121 270 5560

Professional local help

Live Honey Bee Removal

Honey bees are valuable pollinators and are not treated like wasps. As experienced beekeepers, we aim to remove and re-home live honey bees wherever the location and condition of the colony make that possible.

What to look for

Common signs of a problem

  • A hanging cluster or swarm on a branch, fence or building
  • Steady bee traffic entering brickwork, a chimney or roof space
  • Buzzing or warmth from a concealed cavity
  • A newly arrived group of bees gathering around one point

How we help

A careful, practical approach

  1. 1

    Identify whether they are honey bees, bumblebees, solitary bees or wasps

  2. 2

    Assess the colony location and access requirements

  3. 3

    Use FLIR thermal imaging where helpful for concealed colonies

  4. 4

    Plan live removal and re-homing wherever reasonably possible

Prevention and aftercare

Helping reduce the chance of a return

Do not block an active entrance or spray the bees. Keep a safe distance, send us a clear photo or video on WhatsApp and wait for identification advice.

Thermal image showing honey bees moving across hive comb
Honey bees moving across hive comb
Thermal image showing individual honey-bee heat patterns inside a hive
Individual bee heat patterns inside a hive

Seeing beyond the surface

Locating concealed honey bees with FLIR

When bees are entering a wall, roof or chimney, the opening does not always reveal where the colony is established. Our FLIR thermal cameras help identify useful heat patterns so we can focus the investigation and plan access more carefully.

A thermal image is an investigative aid, not a diagnosis on its own. We interpret it alongside bee flight activity, the building construction and a thorough visual inspection.

Specialist honey-bee service

How live honey-bee removal works

Every colony and building is different. We identify what is present, find the colony and plan the least disruptive responsible approach.

01

Swarm or established colony?

A swarm is a temporary cluster looking for a new home and may be accessible for collection. An established colony has usually moved into a cavity and may have built comb, stored honey and raised brood. The safest removal plan depends on which situation is present.

02

Finding concealed bees

When bees are entering a wall, chimney or roof, the visible entrance may not reveal the position of the colony. Our FLIR thermal cameras can show useful heat patterns that help narrow down the location before access is considered.

03

Live removal and re-homing

Where access and the condition of the colony allow, we carefully remove the live bees, queen, comb and brood. The colony can then be transferred into suitable beekeeping equipment and given the opportunity to continue as a functioning hive.

04

Comb, honey and proofing

For an established colony, removing only the flying bees may leave comb, honey and scent behind. We explain what needs to be removed or cleaned and when the entrance can be proofed to reduce the chance of another swarm occupying the same space.

Common questions

Honey-bee removal FAQs

Should I block the hole the bees are using?

No. Blocking an active entrance can trap bees inside the building and may force them into rooms or another part of the structure.

Can every colony be removed alive?

Live removal is our aim, but it depends on safe access, the structure, the condition of the colony and whether the queen and comb can be reached.

Can you identify bees from a photo?

Often we can give useful initial advice from a clear photo or short video sent on WhatsApp, although a site inspection may still be needed.

Other pest services

More ways we can help

Not sure what the pest is? Send a clear photo or short video on WhatsApp for free initial identification advice.

Get expert advice

Tell us what is happening.

Call for the quickest help or WhatsApp a clear photo or video for free initial identification advice.

โ˜Ž Call now