Should I try to remove a bee's nest myself?

• <div><p>You should never try to remove a bee's nest yourself because it can be extremely dangerous. The amount of bees that can live in a hive depends on the type of bee, but <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-honey-bees.htm">honey bees</a> can have up to 80,000 bees living in a hive. People who are allergic to bees can have life-threatening reactions from a single sting. So, it's best to leave bee nest removal to the professionals who have the knowledge and equipment to do so safely.</p></div>

Get matched with top animal removal specialists in Shinnston, WV

Q: Do honey bees sting?

• <div><p>Yes, honey bees can sting, but they typically only do it when they feel their hive is threatened. When honey bees are away from their hive, they&rsquo;re focused on foraging for pollen and nectar, making them unlikely to sting. Only female honey bees, called workers, have stingers, and they will die if they need to use them. Generally, if left undisturbed, honey bees will leave you alone.</p></div>

Q: Are there certain times of the year when bee removal is more effective?

• <div><p>Early spring or late fall removals are ideal when bees are less active, and hive removal is safer.</p></div>

Q: How many times can a human be stung by a yellow jacket?

• <div><p>Whereas a honeybee can only sting you once, a yellow jacket can sting you multiple times because they don&rsquo;t leave stingers in the skin. In the unfortunate case that you get stung by a yellow jacket, it&rsquo;s important to react calmly and quickly. Immediately ice the affected area until the swelling subsides. You may also take an antihistamine if necessary. If you experience an allergic reaction to a yellow jacket sting or have been stung several times, seek medical care right away. </p></div>

Q: Do bees come back after removal?

• <div><p>Some bees may return after the nest is removed. These are called &quot;straggler&quot; bees, and it may take them a couple of weeks before they leave. The reason is the nest may have been removed while the bees were away. These bees don't typically survive long once the nest is gone, so you may want to contact a beekeeper to help relocate them elsewhere.</p></div>

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your animal removal project in Shinnston, WV?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Animal removal specialists in Shinnston

Ehrlich Pest Control

No reviews yet

Ehrlich Pest Control

No reviews yet

97 years of experience

Since 1928, Ehrlich Pest Control has been providing homeowners and business owners with customer service excellence and trusted pest control solutions.

Animal Removal questions, answered by experts

Yes, honey bees can sting, but they typically only do it when they feel their hive is threatened. When honey bees are away from their hive, they’re focused on foraging for pollen and nectar, making them unlikely to sting. Only female honey bees, called workers, have stingers, and they will die if they need to use them. Generally, if left undisturbed, honey bees will leave you alone.

Early spring or late fall removals are ideal when bees are less active, and hive removal is safer.

Whereas a honeybee can only sting you once, a yellow jacket can sting you multiple times because they don’t leave stingers in the skin. In the unfortunate case that you get stung by a yellow jacket, it’s important to react calmly and quickly. Immediately ice the affected area until the swelling subsides. You may also take an antihistamine if necessary. If you experience an allergic reaction to a yellow jacket sting or have been stung several times, seek medical care right away.

You should never try to remove a bee's nest yourself because it can be extremely dangerous. The amount of bees that can live in a hive depends on the type of bee, but honey bees can have up to 80,000 bees living in a hive. People who are allergic to bees can have life-threatening reactions from a single sting. So, it's best to leave bee nest removal to the professionals who have the knowledge and equipment to do so safely.

Some bees may return after the nest is removed. These are called "straggler" bees, and it may take them a couple of weeks before they leave. The reason is the nest may have been removed while the bees were away. These bees don't typically survive long once the nest is gone, so you may want to contact a beekeeper to help relocate them elsewhere.

The Shinnston, WV homeowners’ guide to animal removal services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Stephanie Mickelson
•
Dec 4, 2025Dec 4, 2025
How Much Does Possum Removal Cost? [2025 Data]
When budgeting for possum removal costs, consider number of animals, location, method of removal, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Dec 5, 2025Dec 5, 2025
How Much Does Raccoon Removal Cost? [2025 Data]
Raccoons on your property can cause a lot of damage to your home and yard. This guide breaks down raccoon removal costs so you can budget accordingly.
Nick P. Cellucci
•
Oct 28, 2025Oct 28, 2025
How Much Does Iguana Removal Cost? [2025 Data]
If iguanas are plaguing your home and destroying your property, proper removal is key. Learn the costs to expect from an iguana removal service.
Alison Kasch
•
Aug 20, 2024Aug 20, 2024
The Best Bait for Squirrel Traps and How to Set Them
Removing squirrels humanely from your yard can be tricky if you’ve never done it before. Here’s what you need to know about using bait for a squirrel trap.
Sara Coleman
•
Nov 20, 2025Nov 20, 2025
How to Keep Geese Out of Your Yard: 11 Humane Methods for Homeowners
Sick of stepping in goose droppings or watching geese tear up your lawn? This guide will show you how to keep geese out of your yard the humane way.
Chris Middleton
•
Aug 16, 2024Aug 16, 2024
How to Keep Frogs Out of Pools: 11 Humane Methods to Make Them Bounce
Your swimming pool wasn’t meant to be a makeshift pond. Dead frogs and frog eggs aren’t fun to deal with, either. Find out how to keep frogs out of the pool.