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Live Bee Removal or Cut-out

In this video, we will explain how to remove honeybees by doing a cut-out and compare it’s effectiveness to other methods of bee removal.

We will also answer common questions like …
Does the cut-out method work?
Will the bees come back once they have been cut out and removed?
When is the best time to cut out bees from a property?
Is the cut-out method worth it for removing bees from my property?
How long will it take to cut the bees out of my property?
Will a cut out cause damage to my property?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing a cutout bee removal?

Methods for a colony:
Cut out live bee removal method – https://youtu.be/oESMIMM3zQY
Sealing bees in – https://youtu.be/ck6AK7_i5AM
Spraying bees – https://youtu.be/zKq9Hs2TCns
Smoking bees out – https://youtu.be/5Dk53dzotC4
Trap out – https://youtu.be/PrBuU9nGzaI

Methods for a swarm:
Collecting bees in a box – https://youtu.be/sszYOqoscU8
Bee vac – https://youtu.be/jY9j3RZiMn8

Live bee comb removal, commonly referred to as a cut-out, involves extracting honeycomb and bees from a void space. This process often requires working at heights, necessitating equipment like scaffolding or a cherry picker, since bees tend to establish colonies in elevated areas. Additionally, considerable building tools are needed, especially when bees have nested within walls, roofs, or chimneys, which require dismantling.

The process also involves the use of specialized tools to cut out the honeycomb and bees. After removal, the bees are rehomed in an artificial hive. This hive is prepared with frames and elastic bands to secure the wild honeycomb, ensuring it fits within the new environment.

Reinstating the building structure post-removal is another critical aspect, requiring building expertise. Once bees are removed, the area is usually abuzz with bees and residual bee activity. It’s important to quickly seal or cover the opening to prevent exposure to rain and deter other bees searching for a new home. The lingering scent of honey and comb can attract new colonies, making it essential to address this promptly.

In one notable cut-out, we extracted approximately 300 kilograms of comb from a soffit board. Despite what initially seemed like a few hundred bees, the actual number can be much higher, ranging from 5,000 to 100,000 in a colony. Bees can produce between 25 to 50 kilograms of honey annually, so a longstanding problem over several years can lead to substantial build-up within a building.

When moving into a new building, it’s vital to be aware of the history of these void spaces. What might seem like a recent issue could have been present for many years. Honeybees are inactive in winter but become visible during spring and summer, which can give the impression that a problem has only just begun. However, the issue could have been ongoing for a decade or more, remaining unnoticed until the bees become more active.

August 7, 2024
Press Room

Peter Higgs Profile

Peter grew up in Ewhurst, where he has lived for about twenty-six years. He grew up in a family home where he was brought up by his mum primarily.

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August 7, 2024
FAQ's

Will your insurance pay for bee removal?

Typically insurance companies won’t pay for pest control services. However, we have had insurance companies pay and sometimes in full.

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August 7, 2024
Protecting bees

Bee protection

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