Many beekeepers, including Hansen Hives & Honey Co., will NOT remove wasps, yellow-jackets or hornets. These are smooth-bodied, aggressive insects that make a "paper" type nest.
Bumble bees
Bumble bees are valued pollinators. They are a chubby bee that is very fuzzy, ranging in color from yellow to brownish red to black or any combination. These bees create a nest of lumpy "pollen balls" and eggs in tufts of grass or a cavity near the ground.
Although the nests can be easy to remove, we do not usually remove & collect bumble bees. Contact us if you have a nest, and we'll see what we can do to help. Fees may apply.
Swarms of Honey bees
Swarming is the natural means of reporduction of honey bee colonies. New colonies are formed when queen bees leave the colony with a large group of worker bees. This process is called swarming.
While it might look scary, the bees are usually not aggressive when swarming... this is because the bees lack a hive to defend and they are more interested in finding a new home for their queen. This does not mean that the bee swarms will not attack if they percieve a threat. Most honeybees only attack in response to assualts against their hive.
Swarms will rest in a tree, house eave or another temporary spot. They cluster about the queen while scout bees are sent out to find a final location. The bees will move on and find a suitable nesting location in a day or two.
If you see a swarm of honeybees, please contact us. We'll have a local, experienced beekeeper safely export the swarm to a new home. Conditions and Fees may apply.
