Question 1

What happens to the bees after removal?

Accepted Answer

When bees are removed alive, they're typically relocated to apiaries, bee sanctuaries, or given to local beekeepers who maintain hives for honey production or pollination services. The queen and worker bees are transferred to a new hive box and transported to their new location. Some removal services work with beekeeping associations to ensure proper rehoming. If extermination is necessary, the dead colony is removed and disposed of according to local regulations.

Question 2

How do professionals safely remove bees?

Accepted Answer

Professionals begin by assessing the situation and determining the safest removal method for the specific species and location. They wear full protective suits and use smoke to calm the bees by masking alarm pheromones. For live removal, they use specialized vacuums with regulated suction that safely collect bees without harming them. The queen is located and removed first, as workers will follow her pheromones. All honeycomb is extracted to prevent attracting new colonies, and entry points are sealed with appropriate materials.

Question 3

What are the signs of an allergic reaction to bee stings?

Accepted Answer

Mild reactions include pain, redness, and swelling at the sting site that subsides within a few hours. Moderate reactions involve swelling extending beyond the sting area, lasting 5 to 10 days. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) include difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, dizziness, severe swelling of the face or throat, hives across the body, or loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment with epinephrine and emergency medical care. Anyone stung 10 or more times should seek medical attention regardless of allergic status.

Question 4

What happens to feral bee colonies in winter?

Accepted Answer

Feral structural colonies survive winter by clustering tightly, consuming stored honey, and benefiting from building insulation protecting them from extreme cold. Unlike managed hives, feral colonies receive no supplemental feeding or treatments. Weak colonies die from starvation, disease, or insufficient population size. Building cavities provide better protection than hollow trees, increasing feral survival rates. Dead winter colonies require spring cleanup to prevent pest problems. Some feral colonies abscond before winter if resources are insufficient. Successful overwintering depends on adequate honey stores (40 to 60 pounds), cluster size exceeding 10,000 bees, and cavity protection. Winter survivors emerge strong in spring, expanding rapidly. Understanding winter dynamics helps predict which structural colonies will persist. Even dead winter colonies need professional removal for honeycomb cleanup.

Question 5

Can bees build hives inside walls?

Accepted Answer

Bees commonly build hives inside wall voids, which provide the protected cavity they seek for nesting. They enter through small cracks, gaps around utility lines, or damaged siding, then construct honeycomb between wall studs. Wall hives can grow quite large since they have vertical space of 8 to 10 feet in standard walls. These hives are particularly problematic because they're hidden from view until honey stains appear or the colony becomes very large. Thermal imaging can detect wall hives through heat signatures before visible damage occurs.

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Bee Removal FAQs in New York, NY

What happens to the bees after removal in New York, NY?

How do professionals safely remove bees in New York, NY?

What are the signs of an allergic reaction to bee stings in New York, NY?

What happens to feral bee colonies in winter in New York, NY?

Can bees build hives inside walls in New York, NY?