The Cost of Honey Removal: What Factors Affect the Price?
When you discover a beehive on your property, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How much will it cost to remove it? Honey removal is not as simple as just scooping out wax and honeycomb — it requires skill, safety measures, and often specialized equipment. The price can vary widely depending on several factors.
In this post, we’ll break down what goes into honey removal costs, why professional bee removal is worth the investment, and what you can expect to pay when you call an eco-friendly bee removal company.
Why Honey Removal Matters
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that removing the bees alone isn’t enough. The honeycomb, wax, and leftover honey must be removed as well — otherwise, you risk attracting new bees, ants, roaches, rodents, and even structural damage.
When honey is left inside walls or attics, it can melt during hot weather, seeping into wood and drywall. This not only creates a strong smell but also causes staining and structural weakness over time. That’s why a complete honey removal is an essential part of bee removal — and a major factor in the overall cost.
Average Cost of Honey Removal
Factors such as hive location, cleanup, and repair impact honey removal costs.
While prices vary based on location, hive size, and complexity, most homeowners can expect to spend anywhere from $150 to $1,500 for complete bee and honey removal.
Small outdoor hive: $150–$300
Medium hive in shed or tree: $300–$600
Large hive in walls or attic: $600–$1,500+
These are rough estimates. Your exact cost will depend on several factors — let’s look at them in detail.
1. Location of the Hive
One of the biggest factors affecting honey removal cost is where the hive is located.
Easy-to-reach hives on tree branches, fences, or sheds are the least expensive to remove.
Hives inside walls or ceilings require cutting into the structure, carefully removing the honeycomb, and then sealing the area back up. This process is more labor-intensive and therefore more expensive.
Hives inside chimneys or crawl spaces can also increase the price, as special equipment is often required.
2. Size of the Hive
The size of the colony and the honeycomb directly impact the cost.
Small hives (newly established, less than 5,000 bees) require less time and effort.
Large hives (10,000–50,000 bees) may have hundreds of pounds of honeycomb that must be carefully removed.
The larger the hive, the longer the job will take, and the more disposal and cleanup work will be required.
3. Type of Bee Removal
Not all bee removal methods are the same.
Live bee relocation — the eco-friendly option — usually costs more than extermination because the bees are carefully vacuumed or trapped alive and transported to a beekeeper.
Extermination might seem cheaper, but it often leaves honey and dead bees behind, creating a future pest problem.
Choosing live bee relocation is better for the environment and safer for your home in the long run, even if the upfront cost is higher.
4. Structural Repair and Cleanup
After the bees and honey are removed, there’s still work to do.
Cut-out repairs: If walls, ceilings, or roofs had to be opened, they need to be resealed properly.
Sanitization: The area must be cleaned to remove any residual honey smell that might attract new swarms.
Bee-proofing: Many professional companies also offer sealing services to prevent bees from coming back to the same spot.
These steps may be included in the initial price or charged separately — always ask your bee removal company for a detailed estimate.
5. Emergency or After-Hours Service
If you need bees removed immediately — for example, if someone in your household is allergic to bee stings — you might have to pay extra for emergency service.
Evening, weekend, and same-day appointments usually cost more than a scheduled visit during regular business hours.
6. Your Location
Where you live can also affect the price.
Urban areas often have higher labor costs and stricter regulations for pest control, which can increase the price.
Rural areas may have fewer bee removal specialists available, which sometimes makes service more expensive due to travel fees.
Why Professional Honey Removal Is Worth the Price.
Professional Honey Removal Is Worth
Some homeowners attempt DIY honey removal, but this can be risky. Bees can become defensive when disturbed, and handling honeycomb in tight spaces can get messy quickly.
A professional bee removal company brings:
Safety equipment to prevent stings
Experience in locating hidden honeycomb
Proper tools for safe removal and cleanup
Peace of mind knowing your home is bee-proofed for the future
Paying for expert service now can save you hundreds (or thousands) in repair costs later.
Tips to Save Money on Honey Removal
While you don’t want to cut corners on safety, there are ways to keep costs reasonable:
Call early: The longer you wait, the bigger the hive — and the bigger the bill.
Get multiple quotes: Prices vary between companies, so compare before you choose.
Ask about bundle deals: Some companies offer discounts for combined bee removal, honey removal, and repair services.
Prevent future infestations: Seal openings, maintain your home, and schedule follow-up inspections to avoid repeat costs.
Final Thoughts
The cost of honey removal depends on several factors, including the hive’s location, size, and the method of removal. While the price may seem high at first, remember that this service protects your home from long-term damage and helps save the bees.
At Eco Bee Removal, we specialize in safe, eco-friendly bee and honey removal — helping you solve your bee problem while protecting these vital pollinators.
If you suspect bees in your walls, attic, or yard, don’t wait for the problem to grow. Call (888) 282-1886 today for a free consultation and get expert advice on your honey removal options.
