Free Bee Removal Estimate: What’s Included
When people call asking for a free bee removal estimate, they usually want two things at once: to get the bees handled safely and to understand, in plain numbers, what that will cost. A good estimate from a professional bee removal service does both. It explains what the technician found, how the removal will be performed, where the hidden risks are, and exactly which line items you are paying for. It should also separate the required work, like removing the bee colony and honeycomb, from the optional work, like cosmetic repairs after the hive extraction.
I have walked homeowners through jobs at every stage, from a fresh swarm the size of a football hanging on a maple branch to a 60 pound honeycomb tucked behind siding for two seasons. The estimate is where the work plan takes shape. Below is what a thorough free bee removal estimate includes, what it does not, and how to read between the lines so you hire the right bee removal company for your situation.
The first look: what a proper on site inspection covers
Most reputable bee removal experts start with a site inspection. This is not a quick glance from the driveway. The technician should ask you when and where you first noticed activity, then walk the property to trace the flight path and find the entry point. Expect them to check soffits, roof lines, chimneys, vents, siding laps, utility penetrations, and vegetation near the structure. If the bees are inside a wall, ceiling, or attic, a trained eye will look for telltale signs like stained drywall, warm spots, or a cluster of workers bearding near a single gap.
Thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, and stethoscopes come out on complex jobs. Thermal can pick up the heat signature of brood and honey in a cavity. Moisture meters help confirm honey-laden areas in a ceiling after a prolonged leak from melting comb. None of this should cost you during the estimate phase if the company advertises a free inspection. Caveat, if you live far outside their service radius, they may convert the visit into a paid trip. Ask when you schedule.
The outcome of this walkthrough becomes the backbone of the estimate. You will see notes such as inside wall bee removal at north gable, hive volume estimated at 5 to 8 comb sheets, entry at soffit return behind gutter, removal via cut out.
Species and behavior: why identification changes the plan
Not every buzzing insect is a honey bee. I have had more than one call for honey bee removal that turned out to be yellow jackets in a ground nest by the back fence, or carpenter bees drilling fascia boards. A professional bee removal service should identify the species on site and fold that into the estimate, because species dictates method, time on site, and safety measures.
Honey bees colonize cavities, build wax comb, store honey, and rear brood. Their removal often involves live bee removal with a vacuum designed for bees, careful cut out of honeycomb, and relocation of the bee colony to a beekeeper. That is what most people picture when they search beehive removal service or honeybee removal.
Bumble bees and carpenter bees are different stories. Bumble bees live in smaller colonies, often in unused insulation or ground voids. Carpenter bees are solitary and do not build wax comb. Bee exterminator style pesticide treatments are sometimes offered for non honey bees, but many bee control service providers prioritize humane bee removal and relocation when possible. If a company proposes blanket spraying without even checking for honeycomb, that is a red flag.
Swarm removal is a distinct category. A swarm is a temporary cluster of honey bees resting on a tree limb, fence post, porch column, or even a mailbox while scouts look for a permanent home. Swarm removal, or bee swarm removal, can be quick and affordable because there is no hive attached yet, no honeycomb to extract, and minimal repair work after. This often qualifies as same day bee removal when you catch it early.
Access and structure: the hidden half of any estimate
Bee removal cost has as much to do with access as it does with the bees themselves. Removing bees from a tree at head height in the yard is one job. Removing bees from wall voids behind brick, or inside the chimney chase, or in a vaulted ceiling at the peak of a two story roof, is another.
During the inspection, the technician should document how they will reach the colony. Do they need to remove sections of siding or soffit? Is the hive behind stucco, tongue and groove cedar, or asphalt shingles? Will they have to open interior drywall or plaster to reach a nest between studs? The estimate should also note specialized equipment like long ladders, a roof harness, or even a small lift if there is no safe ladder footing. These line items matter if you are comparing an affordable bee removal quote against a cheap bee removal number that conveniently ignores reality.
I recall a ranch home where the bees entered at the fascia near the porch light. Easy enough, or so it seemed. Thermal showed heat in the rafter bay but also in the adjoining ceiling. The colony had expanded across two bays, and the only safe way to remove everything was to work from the interior. That pivot increased the beehive removal from wall scope, added drywall patching, and saved the homeowner from a sticky mess later when honey warmed in summer.

Methods on the table: how removal options shape price
Professional bee removal is not one technique. It is a set of options selected to match the species, location, and your goals.
Live bee removal and relocation. For many honey bee jobs, the plan is to remove bees safely using a gentle vacuum, then cut out and bag the honeycomb, and finally relocate the bees to a beekeeper’s apiary. You will see this described as humane bee removal, eco friendly bee removal, organic bee removal, or honey bee relocation. The estimate should say where the bees will go and whether the company partners with local beekeepers.
Cut out bee removal. When bees are inside a wall, ceiling, or roof, the only way to completely remove the colony is to open the cavity. That is structural bee removal, sometimes called inside wall bee removal, beehive removal from attic, or beehive removal from roof. The labor and repair hours drive the bee removal price here because everything you open needs to be closed and sealed again.
Trap out. In some historic or sensitive structures, you may not want to cut. A trap out installs a one way exit over the entry so bees can leave but not return, while a bait hive nearby collects the queenless workers. This method takes several weeks, carries a risk that comb and honey remain inside, and is not ideal if there is a chance of honey leaking. A good bee removal company will present trap out as a measured choice with trade offs, not a universal fix.
Swarm collection. A cluster hanging in the yard or on a fence is usually the fastest, least expensive job. The estimate will note the location, height, and likelihood the swarm will depart on its own. If you can wait an hour, a careful beekeeper can almost always provide fast bee removal for swarms.
Ground nests and voids. Removing bees from yard features like retaining walls, shed floors, or irrigation meter boxes varies. Some ground bee species can be relocated. Others require treatment followed by exclusion. If the company provides bee pest control, they should be clear about what they treat versus relocate.
Carpenter bees. Carpenter bee removal focuses on stopping drilling and repairing holes in fascia or rafters. There is no hive to extract. The estimate will pair treatment with sealing and sometimes painting to deter reinfestation.
Honeycomb removal and cleanup: the part that saves you later
If honeycomb is inside the structure, the estimate should include honeycomb removal. This is not optional. Leaving comb and honey behind creates a slow leak that can stain ceilings and walls, attract ants and roaches, and draw another swarm next season. It can also ferment, especially in summer, and the smell is unmistakable.
Expect to see labor for cutting, scraping, and bagging comb, plus cleanup and deodorizing inside the cavity. Some companies include honeycomb removal service as a separate line to make comparisons clearer. If a bid promises to get rid of bees but says nothing about comb, you are not getting a complete plan.
Repair and sealing: closing the door after removal
Once the bees and comb are out, the access needs to be closed and the entries sealed. The estimate should state who does what. Some bee removal specialists Click for more handle light carpentry and siding, then recommend a finish carpenter or roofer for cosmetic work. Others deliver full bee removal and repair, including matching shingles, fascia, or paint.
At a minimum, you want the estimate to include sealing all active and potential entry points in that area with appropriate materials, not just caulk. That can mean screen over vents, backer rod and sealant in larger gaps, metal flashing at suspect joints, and stain blocking primer over any interior cuts before patching. If the job is on a roof, ask about flashings, underlayment repair, and any manufacturer warranty implications.
Safety, insurance, and liability: what should be stated plainly
Bees are living creatures that defend their home. A proper estimate states the safety plan. That includes how the work zone will be cordoned off, whether neighbors need notice, and any special considerations if the removal is near a school, office, or shared walkway. If you are in a commercial bee removal setting, like a warehouse or apartment complex, you may need work performed outside business hours. The estimate should note that scheduling.
Licensing and insurance matter. You want licensed bee removal if your state requires it, plus insured bee removal so you do not carry the risk if a ladder slides or a soffit crumbles. A short line on the estimate with insurance certificate availability is a good sign. I have also seen HOAs require a certificate of additional insured status for work on shared structures.
What drives bee removal cost and typical price ranges
No two jobs are the same, but ranges help calibrate expectations before you stack quotes. Here is how the bee removal price usually shakes out, based on the scope I see most often.
Swarm removal in yards, trees, or fences often runs 150 to 350 dollars, depending on height and travel. There is no comb to remove, so it is mostly labor and safe transport to a hive box.
Exterior honey bee removal where the colony is in a soffit, behind accessible siding, or under a shed floor with straightforward access typically lands between 300 and 800 dollars for residential bee removal. Add complexity, like beehive removal from roof valleys or under tile, and the price increases because roof work is slower and carries more risk.
Inside wall bee removal or ceiling cut outs range from 800 to 1,800 dollars for most homes. That spread reflects the time to open and close, the volume of honeycomb, and whether temporary structural shoring is needed. Plaster, lath, brick, or stone facades extend time on site and push the cost higher.
Long established colonies that span multiple bays, or beehive removal from attic spaces with limited access, can exceed 1,500 dollars and sometimes reach 3,000 dollars when combined with significant repair. I have seen multi year colonies in older homes weigh in at 70 pounds of comb, honey, and brood spread across three bays. It takes a full day and then some.
Emergency bee removal after hours, on weekends, or with immediate hazard, often adds a surcharge of 100 to 250 dollars. Same day hive removal during business hours may carry no premium if the schedule allows.
Commercial bee removal in offices, schools, or warehouses mirrors the residential ranges but often adds site compliance steps, coordination, and after hours work. Budget accordingly.
These are ballpark figures, not guarantees. Geography affects labor and material costs, and so does the caliber of the bee removal company you hire. The best bee removal service is not always the cheapest. They are the ones who handle the whole problem, not just the part you can see.
What a free estimate should include in writing
The written estimate should read like a plan you could hand to another professional and they would know how to proceed. Look for the following elements woven into plain language, not jargon.
A clear species identification and location of the colony or swarm. If there is uncertainty, the tech should say what additional signs they will confirm at the start of work.
The specific method proposed. Live bee removal and relocation, cut out, trap out, or swarm collection, plus the tools required.
Honeycomb removal and cleanup scope. How much comb is expected and how they will address residual honey and odor.
Repair and sealing plan. What openings they will make, what they will close, and what level of finish you should expect.
Safety measures. How they will keep people, pets, and property safe while they remove bees from house, roof, chimney, siding, or yard.
A firm price or a price range with not to exceed language. If unknowns remain, a cap or a tiered structure for time and materials avoids surprises.
Timeline and scheduling. When they can start, how long the work takes, and whether they offer fast bee removal, weekend bee removal, or 24 hour bee removal response.
Warranty and follow up. Whether they warrant against reinfestation at that entry for a stated period, and whether they include a post removal check.
Insurance and licensure. A simple line that proof is available upon request.
Reasonable exclusions and contingencies
A free bee removal estimate should also state what is not included. Not to hide the ball, but to be honest about variables. Common exclusions include repainting entire wall sections after patching, replacing brittle or mismatched siding, or fixing pre existing rot or water damage uncovered during the cut out. If the bees are in a chimneystack with cracked flue tiles, the repair may be a mason’s job. If a roof tile breaks due to age and brittleness during safe access, tile matching may fall under a roofer’s scope.
Contingencies appear when the full extent of the hive is unknown until the cavity is open. A responsible estimate says, for example, price includes removal up to two rafter bays. If hive extends beyond, add hourly at a stated rate, not to exceed a reasonable cap without your approval.
How fast can it happen: same day and emergency service
If you are staring at a swarm on your front yard oak, there is a good chance the technician can provide same day bee removal. If bees are actively entering a child’s bedroom from a ceiling light, that is an emergency. Reputable local bee removal experts will reshuffle to handle true hazards first. The estimate can be verbal in these cases, but you should still get it in writing by email or text immediately after the job outline is clear.
Storms, high heat, and late afternoons during a nectar flow can change bee behavior. Sometimes it is safer to return early the next morning when bees are clustered and calmer. The estimate should reflect that schedule, so you know when to keep pets inside and windows shut.
A quick homeowner prep checklist before the technician arrives
Move vehicles away from the work area and clear a path to the entry point. Keep pets and children indoors or off site until the technician says it is safe. Note any electrical, plumbing, or low voltage lines near likely cut areas. If interior access is possible, remove wall art and cover nearby furniture. Share any history you have, including prior treatments or recent roof or siding work.
These small steps save time and help the crew focus on safe bee removal rather than moving ladders around planters or discovering a hidden thermostat wire after the first cut.
Smart questions to ask during the estimate
Will you remove all bees and honeycomb, and where will the bees go after removal? What openings will you make, who handles repairs, and what level of finish should I expect? If the hive is larger than expected, how does that affect the bee removal cost? How do you prevent reinfestation, and what warranty do you provide on that entry point? Are you licensed and insured for structural bee removal, and can you share proof?
The way a pro answers these questions tells you more than the price alone. Clear, direct responses suggest experience. Evasion or buzzwords suggest the opposite.
Real world examples that shape estimates
A small office on Main Street called about “a few bees” near the front door. On site, I saw workers vanishing under a decorative brick ledge. Thermal showed heat in the cavity behind the brick, and a faint honey stain near a baseboard inside. The estimate broke down two parts. First, a day on a quiet morning to set up barriers and remove bees and comb from the interior side to avoid demolishing brick. Second, return after the wall patch was dry to seal exterior gaps with mortar and backer rod. Price landed at 1,250 dollars due to downtown access constraints and interior repair. The manager had one cheaper bid that suggested foam and a spray. She chose the full removal. Three months later, her storefront smelled like coffee again, not syrup.
At a rental, a tenant reported bees in the attic. The owner wanted cheap bee removal. In the attic, comb spanned three rafters, with brood in two. The roof pitch was steep, but the access hatch was generous. I wrote two options. Full live bee removal with comb extraction and deodorizing at 1,600 dollars, or a trap out at 600 dollars with the risk of honey leakage and a strong recommendation to open later for comb removal. The owner chose full removal after seeing photos. That decision probably saved a ceiling replacement down the road.
How to compare “bee removal near me” quotes without getting stung
Online searches surface a mix of beekeepers, pest control companies, and general handymen. Some offer professional bee removal and have the equipment and insurance to back it up. Others do not. When you compare a bee removal quote, focus on completeness. A low number that ignores honeycomb removal, excludes sealing, or downplays access realities is not a savings. It is a setup for a second call to someone else.
A solid bee removal company will tailor the plan to your property and explain the trade offs. They should be comfortable with beehive removal from wall cavities, soffit bee removal, fascia bee removal, ceiling bee removal, and beehive removal from roof sections when warranted. They should also know when a swarm removal is all that is needed. If you are evaluating the best bee removal service for a school yard, an apartment balcony, a warehouse dock, or a backyard shed, the same principles apply. The estimate must match the site and the species.
Aftercare, follow ups, and keeping bees out for good
Removal day ends with a clean cavity, sealed entries, and a bag of honeycomb headed for disposal or, if clean and uncontaminated, for rendering into wax. Ask for photos of the before, during, and after. Good documentation is part of a professional standard. If the job involved removing bees from attic spaces or from wall voids that stayed open for drying, the crew may set a follow up visit to verify no stragglers and to complete sealing once surfaces have aired.
Long term, the best bee control service is prevention. Keep soffits, fascia, and siding tight. Screen attic and roof vents. Seal conduit and hose bib penetrations. Replace rotted trim promptly. If a local beekeeper offers swarm relocation service in spring, post their number on the fridge. The moment you see a cluster in the yard, you can get rid of bees humanely and affordably long before they become a structural issue.
What not to expect from a free estimate
A free estimate is not a promise to open multiple exploratory holes without a plan. It is not a guarantee that a decades old roof tile will not crack under weight if it has already failed adhesion. It is not a blank check for cosmetic perfection on complex finishes. It is a thoughtful scope, backed by experience, that sets expectations and price so you can authorize the work with confidence.
When you read an estimate that gets these details right, you are looking at more than a number. You are looking at a roadmap to remove bees safely, protect your home, and respect the insects when possible through live removal and relocation. That is the hallmark of local bee removal experts who take pride in their craft.