Wasp Nest Removal and Bee Removal Without the Stings
A nest by the front door, wasps pouring out of a hole in the lawn, or bees going in and out of a crack in the siding. Call Bastion Pest Pros for wasp nest removal or bee removal, and we’ll get a licensed local pro on it, someone with the gear to handle the nest safely.
Having a severe reaction to a sting right now? Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness: call 911 first.
- Calls answered 24/7
- Free to call
- Homes, schools and businesses
- What it isIdentifying the insect, treating or removing the nest, and, for honey bees, often arranging live removal by a beekeeper.
- Typical cost (U.S. guide estimate)Wasp nest removal averages about $385, with most jobs between about $212 and $875, per a 2026 cost survey.
- How fast help arrivesCall to check same-day or next-day availability; tell us if the nest is by a door or play area.
Wasp Nest Removal and Bee Removal at a Glance
The quick version before the details. The pro confirms everything after seeing the nest.
- What it isIdentifying the insect, treating or removing the nest, and, for honey bees, often arranging live removal by a beekeeper.
- Typical cost (U.S. guide estimate)Wasp nest removal averages about $385, with most jobs between about $212 and $875, per a 2026 cost survey.
- How fast help arrivesCall to check same-day or next-day availability; tell us if the nest is by a door or play area.
- How many visitsUsually one. Nests in walls and honey bee colonies can take more.
Signs You Have a Nest
Wasps and bees rarely hang around without a nest close by. These are the signs that one is on your property.
| Sign | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Wasps flying in and out of one spot | An active nest entrance, often in eaves, a wall or the ground |
| A gray papery ball in a tree or under eaves | A hornet nest, often bald-faced hornets |
| An open, umbrella-shaped comb under an overhang | Paper wasps |
| Insects streaming from a hole in the lawn | A ground nest, usually yellowjackets |
| A buzzing sound or warm spot on an inside wall | A colony inside the wall void |
| Perfectly round holes in deck boards or fascia, with sawdust below | Carpenter bees |
| A big cluster of bees hanging on a branch | A honey bee swarm resting while it looks for a new home |
Don’t knock, spray or plug a nest to “see what happens.” That’s how most stings happen.
Wasp or Bee? Common Stinging Insects Compared
Wasps and bees behave very differently, and the right approach depends on which one you have. This is the first thing the pro confirms.
| Insect | What it looks like | Nest | Temperament | Usual approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper wasp | Long legs that dangle in flight; brown or reddish with yellow | Open comb under eaves, railings, sills | Defends the nest; stings if disturbed | Nest treated and removed |
| Yellowjacket (yellow jacket nest removal) | Short, stout, bright yellow and black | Hidden: in the ground, wall voids, attics | Very defensive; worst in late summer | Nest entrance treated by a pro |
| Bald-faced hornet | Black and white, larger than yellowjackets | Football-shaped paper nest hanging in trees or eaves | Aggressive near the nest | Nest treated and removed |
| European hornet | Large, brown and yellow; flies at night | Hollow trees, sheds, attics, wall voids | Defensive; drawn to porch lights | Nest treated; wall nests removed if possible |
| Honey bee | Fuzzy, golden-brown, smaller than most wasps | Wax comb in cavities, walls, trees | Gentle away from the hive; defends the colony | Live removal by a beekeeper when possible |
| Bumble bee | Large, very fuzzy, black and yellow | Small colonies in the ground or old burrows | Rarely stings unless handled | Often left alone; important pollinators |
| Carpenter bee | Like a bumble bee but with a shiny, bare abdomen | Round tunnels in exposed wood | Males can’t sting; females rarely do | Holes treated, then sealed later |
- Nest types: an open paper wasp comb under an eave
- Gray football-shaped hornet nest in a tree
- Yellowjacket ground nest entrance in the lawn
- Round carpenter bee hole in a deck board
When Honey Bee Relocation Is Possible
Honey bees are valuable pollinators, and many beekeepers and bee removal specialists will relocate them alive. That’s often the best option for the bees and for your home.
Swarms
A hanging cluster of bees is usually a swarm resting for a few hours to a day or so. Swarms are fairly gentle; keep people back and a beekeeper may collect it.
Established colonies
Bees living in a wall or tree for weeks have built comb and stored honey. A specialist opens the wall, removes bees and comb, and moves the colony to a hive.
Why the comb has to go
If a colony dies inside a wall, the wax and honey can melt and stain walls and ceilings.
Africanized bees
In areas where they’re present, the UGA bee program advises reporting suspect swarms to your county Extension office or state agriculture department instead of a beekeeper.
Quick ID: swarm, hive or wasp nest
Bees in a hanging clump on a branch or fence, no comb?
Likely a swarm. Keep people back; a beekeeper may collect it.
Fuzzy bees going in and out of a wall, roof or tree for weeks?
Likely an established hive with comb. This needs a live-removal specialist.
Smooth, shiny insects with a papery nest or a ground hole?
Likely wasps, hornets or yellowjackets. A pest control pro handles these.
Many pest control companies pass honey bee jobs to bee removal specialists. Tell us it’s honey bees when you call, and we’ll connect you with a local pro or beekeeper who handles live removal.
Need help with wasp & bee removal? Call now.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144Why a Nest Can’t Wait
Most wasps and bees only sting to defend the nest. The problem is that nests near doors, decks and play sets get bumped every day.
Repeated stings
Wasps and hornets can sting more than once, and several can come out at the same time.
Allergic reactions
For people with a sting allergy, one sting can be an emergency. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
Nests grow all summer
Yellowjacket colonies can reach hundreds of workers by fall, per NC State Extension.
Wall damage
Nests inside walls can chew through drywall into living spaces.
Wood damage
Carpenter bee tunnels grow each year, and woodpeckers tear up wood hunting the larvae.
How a Nest Grows Through the Season
Wasp and hornet colonies start small in spring with a single queen and grow until fall. That’s why a nest that was easy to ignore in May can be a real hazard in August.
- Stage 1
One yellowjacket nest from a golf-ball-sized spring nest to a large late-summer nest
- Stage 2
An empty nest in winter
- Stage 3
Established
- After
After treatment
Spring
A queen starts a small nest alone
Early summer
First workers hatch; the nest grows quickly
Mid to late summer
Nest at its largest; workers most defensive
Fall
New queens leave; workers die off
Winter
Nest abandoned; wasps don’t reuse old nests
Honey bees are different: the colony survives winter and can stay in the same wall for years.
Never Seal a Nest Opening in a Wall
It’s the most common DIY mistake. Caulking or taping over the hole doesn’t kill the colony; it traps it.
They find another way out
Trapped yellowjackets and bees can chew through drywall and come out inside the house.
Honey bees leave a mess
Sealing in a colony can leave comb and honey that melts into the wall.
It makes the job harder
The pro needs the entrance open to treat or remove the nest.
Seal after, not before
Once the nest is gone, the pro or a contractor seals entry points so a new colony can’t move in.
DIY vs Calling a Pro
A tiny paper wasp nest in early spring is something some homeowners handle. Anything larger, hidden or near people is a job for a pro.
| DIY | Licensed pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Identifies the insect | Guesswork from a distance | Confirms species before treating |
| Protective gear | Usually none | Bee suits, veils, gloves |
| Ground and wall nests | High sting risk; often fails | Treats the entrance with the right product |
| Honey bees | Killing them leaves comb in the wall | Live removal arranged when possible |
| Removes the nest after | Rarely | Yes, where it can be reached |
| Best for | Small paper wasp nest, no allergy in the home | Yellowjackets, hornets, walls, attics, honey bees |
Never pour gasoline or other fuels into a ground nest. It’s a fire hazard, it contaminates the soil, and it often fails to kill the whole colony.
Not sure what you’re dealing with? Describe it on the call.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144What the Pro Checks
Before treating, a good pro confirms what the insect is and where the whole nest sits. Expect them to look at:
- The species, by watching insects at the entrance
- The size and exact location of the nest
- Whether the nest is inside a wall, soffit, attic or the ground
- Other nests nearby; paper wasps often build several
- Who uses the area: doors, decks, pools, play sets
- Anyone in the home with a sting allergy
- For honey bees: how long they’ve been there and whether comb has been built
- For carpenter bees: how many holes and the condition of the wood
Removal Methods Compared
The method depends on the insect and where the nest is. Here’s what each option involves.
| Method | How it works | Best for | Time | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nest treatment and removal | Nest treated, then knocked down and bagged | Paper wasps, exposed hornet nests | Usually one visit | Keep people and pets inside |
| Entrance dusting | Insecticide dust applied into the opening; workers carry it in | Yellowjackets in the ground or walls | One visit; activity drops as workers carry the dust in | Don’t plug or disturb the hole |
| Wall void removal | Wall opened, nest removed, wall patched | Large wall nests, honey bee colonies | A longer visit; repair may be separate | Clear the inside wall area |
| Live honey bee removal | Bees and comb moved to a hive | Honey bees | Swarms quick; wall colonies longer | Share how long bees have been there |
| Carpenter bee hole treatment | Holes treated, then sealed after a day or two | Carpenter bees | One visit plus sealing | Point out all holes |
| Prevention treatment | Eaves and overhangs treated to discourage new nests | Homes with yearly paper wasp nests | Spring | None |
Treatment is often done at dusk or night, when the insects are inside and calmer. Nests in chimneys, vents and roof voids are treated through the opening when possible, and the pro may need roof access.
Questions about cost or safety? Ask on the call.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144What Happens When You Call
One call gets the right person on the job, whether it’s wasps, hornets or honey bees. The full process is on how to get service.
- Step 1
Call (844) 442-2144
Our 24/7 call line is open day, night, weekends and holidays.
- Step 2
Describe the nest
What the insects look like, where the nest is, and whether anyone has been stung.
- Step 3
We’ll get a licensed local pro on it
Call to check same-day or next-day availability; mention it if the nest is by a door.
- Step 4
The pro inspects and quotes
You get the species, the method and the price first.
- Step 5
The nest is handled
The pro treats or removes the nest and explains what to expect afterward.
Start with step 1. It’s free.
Calling costs nothing. You only pay the pest control company if you book the service they quote.
Call (844) 442-2144Ask about same-day or next-day availability
How to Prepare for the Visit
A few simple steps keep everyone safe before the pro arrives.
- Keep kids and pets away from the nest area
- Use another door if the nest is near an entrance
- Don’t spray, knock or plug the nest
- Don’t mow over a ground nest
- Turn off porch lights near the nest at night
- Tell the pro about anyone with a sting allergy
- Note where you’ve seen insects going in and out
After Removal: What to Expect
A few wasps flying around after treatment is normal. Here’s what usually happens next.
- Right after treatment
Returning foragers buzz around the old nest spot
- After the visit
Ask the provider what activity is normal for the species and method used
- Later
Little or no activity at the entrance
- After a wall or bee removal
Entry points sealed; wall repair if needed
- If activity continues
Call back; there may be a second nest or a missed entrance
Wait until the pro confirms the nest is dead before sealing any hole.
How Much Do Wasp Nest Removal and Bee Removal Cost?
Price depends mostly on the insect and how hard the nest is to reach. These are typical U.S. figures from 2026 cost surveys.
Show as a table
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Wasp nest removal (national average) | About $385 |
| Paper wasp nest | About $385 |
| Hornet nest | About $450 |
| Bald-faced hornet nest | About $625 |
| Yellowjacket nest | About $725 |
| Nest inside a wall | About $350–$875 (about $630 typical), plus repairs |
| Nest in a chimney | About $475–$600 |
| Honey bee removal | About $88–$1,250; averages about $669 |
| Honey bee swarm (not yet a hive) | About $140 on average |
| Established bee hive removal | About $135–$1,065; averages about $445 |
| Carpenter bee treatment | About $88–$1,500 |
Typical U.S. ranges from published cost guides (Lawn Love wasp nest removal and beehive removal cost guides, 2026). Not Bastion quotes; the pro quotes after seeing the nest.
One-Time Removal vs Ongoing Prevention
Most nests are a one-time job. Homes that get new paper wasp nests every year may do better with a spring prevention treatment.
| One-time removal | Ongoing prevention | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | One nest, one season | New nests every spring in the same eaves |
| Visits | One | Spring and summer checks, often part of a pest plan |
| Typical cost | Per nest (see above) | Often included in a $40–$100 monthly pest plan; ask |
| Covers other pests | No | Usually ants, spiders and other common pests |
Ask whether wasp nests are included in a general pest control plan where you live.
Want a licensed local pro? We’ll help you find one.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144When Are Wasps and Bees Most Active?
Stinging insect season follows the weather. Late summer is when most stings happen, because nests are biggest and food is getting scarce.
Early spring
Queens start nests; carpenter bees emerge in April and May in many areas
Late spring
Paper wasp nests growing; honey bee swarms common
Summer
All nests growing; yellowjackets enter wall voids and lawns
Late summer
Peak nest size; yellowjackets most aggressive around food and trash
Fall
Colonies decline; queens look for winter shelter
Winter
Wasp nests empty; honey bee colonies still active inside walls
In warm Southern states, wasp nests can last longer and start earlier in the year.
Questions to Ask the Pro
These questions show quickly whether the pro has a clear plan for your nest.
- 1
What species is it?
The method depends on the answer.
- 2
Is it honey bees, and can they be relocated?
Ask about live removal.
- 3
Will you remove the nest or just treat it?
Wall nests may need opening.
- 4
Who repairs the wall or siding if it’s opened?
Get it in writing.
- 5
What if wasps are still active in a few days?
Many providers offer re-treatment; ask.
- 6
What protective gear do you use?
A pro should have a bee suit for big nests.
- 7
When will you seal the entrance?
Only after the nest is dead.
- 8
What’s your state license number?
Pesticide applications are state-regulated.
Wasp and Bee Myths vs Facts
Some popular advice causes more stings than it prevents. Here’s what holds up.
- MythPlugging the hole kills the nestFactIt traps the colony, which may chew into your home
- MythAll bees die after one stingFactHoney bee workers usually do; wasps and hornets can sting repeatedly
- MythDaytime is the best time to spray a nestFactPros usually treat at dusk or night, when the insects are inside and calmer
- MythWasps reuse old nestsFactOld wasp nests are abandoned; new queens build fresh ones
- MythA swarm is an attackFactSwarms are usually calm and moving to a new home
- MythBumble bees and carpenter bees are the sameFactCarpenter bees have shiny, bare abdomens and drill into wood
Ready when you are. One call, any pest.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144Homes, Schools and Businesses
Nest risk depends on who’s around it. Here’s what each type of property usually needs.
| Who | Common needs | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowners | Nests in eaves, decks, play sets, lawns | Ask about honey bee relocation before treatment |
| Renters | Nests by entrances and balconies | Report nests to your landlord; who pays depends on your lease and local law |
| Schools & daycares | Nests near playgrounds and doors | Treatment timing around children matters |
| Restaurants & patios | Yellowjackets around food and trash | Lidded bins and regular checks help; see commercial pest control |
| HOAs & property managers | Nests in shared structures and pools | Routine spring checks prevent summer calls |
Why Call Bastion for Wasp and Bee Removal
Stinging insects are one of the few pests where speed and the right gear both matter. One call to Bastion gets a pro on it who handles nests every season.
One number, any nest.
Wasps, hornets, yellowjackets or honey bees; tell us what you see and the right specialist follows up.
Live removal when it fits.
Tell us it’s honey bees and the call goes toward a pro or beekeeper who relocates colonies.
Fast when it’s urgent.
Same-day or next-day service may be available; call to check.
The right gear for big nests.
Hidden yellowjacket and hornet nests go to pros with suits and dust applicators.
License check tip: Pest control companies must hold a state license to apply pesticides at your home. Before anyone treats the nest, ask for the license number and confirm it with your state’s licensing agency.
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Call now (844) 442-2144Wasp & Bee Removal by state
Local guides with state rules, seasonal timing and licensed providers near you.
Florida pest control
- bee removal in Miami
- bee removal in West Palm Beach
- bee removal in Naples
- bee removal in Tampa
- bee removal in Cape Coral
- bee removal in Orlando
- bee removal in Fort Lauderdale
- bee removal in Sarasota
- bee removal in Fort Myers
- bee removal in Port St. Lucie
- bee removal in Palm Beach Gardens
- pest control in Miami
- pest control in Jacksonville
- pest control in Orlando
- pest control in Tampa
- pest control in Fort Myers
- pest control in West Palm Beach
Texas pest control
- bee removal in Houston
- bee removal in San Antonio
- bee removal in Dallas
- bee removal in Fort Worth
- bee removal in Austin
- bee removal in El Paso
- bee removal in Katy
- bee removal in Corpus Christi
- bee removal in San Angelo
- pest control in Houston
- pest control in San Antonio
- pest control in Dallas
- pest control in Austin
- pest control in Corpus Christi
- pest control in Fort Worth
California pest control
- bee removal in San Diego
- bee removal in Los Angeles
- bee removal in Temecula
- bee removal in Palm Desert
- bee removal in Bakersfield
- bee removal in Anaheim
- bee removal in Mission Viejo
- bee removal in Palm Springs
- bee removal in La Quinta
- bee removal in Santa Clarita
- pest control in Los Angeles
- pest control in San Diego
- pest control in Sacramento
- pest control in Fresno
- pest control in Bakersfield
- pest control in Modesto
Wasp and Bee Removal FAQs
What should I do if someone is stung?
Move away from the nest. Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness; otherwise see a doctor if you’re worried.
Should I remove a wasp nest myself?
Not if it’s large, hidden in a wall or the ground, or near anyone with a sting allergy. Those are jobs for a pro with protective gear.
Will honey bees be killed?
Not if live removal is possible. Many beekeepers and bee removal specialists relocate honey bees, and swarms are often collected alive.
Can I seal the hole where wasps go into my wall?
No. Sealing traps the colony, and it may chew through into your home. Seal only after the nest is confirmed dead.
How long does wasp nest removal take?
It depends on the nest. An exposed nest is usually a single visit; wall nests and honey bee colonies take longer, plus any wall repair afterward. Ask the pro for a time estimate when you get the quote.
Will wasps come back to the same spot?
Wasps don’t reuse old nests, but new queens may build nearby next spring. Prevention treatments and sealing gaps help.
Do carpenter bees damage houses?
They tunnel into exposed wood. Damage is usually limited but grows over years, and woodpeckers can make it worse.
Is a bee swarm dangerous?
Swarms are usually calm and move on within a day or so. Keep people back and call; a beekeeper may collect it.
How much does wasp nest removal cost?
About $385 on average in 2026 surveys, with yellowjacket and wall nests costing more. The pro quotes after seeing the nest.
Didn’t see your question?
Call and ask. The line is open 24/7 and calling is free.
- Your ZIP code
- What you’re seeing and where
- How long it’s been going on
No obligation to book.
Get the Nest Handled Safely
A nest only gets bigger until fall. Call now and get a licensed local pro on it.
Call now (844) 442-2144