Bees

Bee Removal and Honey Bee Relocation in the UK

Professional. Ethical. Environmentally Essential.

If you've discovered a bee nest in or around your property, you're likely concerned about safety, legality, and what the next steps should be. At Pestforce, we specialise in live bee removal and honey bee relocation - offering a professional and environmentally responsible alternative to extermination.

We help homeowners and property managers across the UK deal with bee infestations in the right way - protecting both your building and the bees.

Check out the video below of a live honey bee relocation by one of our specialist teams:

Do You Have Bees, a Swarm... or Wasps?

A frequent issue we encounter is misidentification.

  • Many people believe they have wasps, when in fact they’ve found honey bees or bumblebees.
  • Others call us about swarms, which are not the same as full colonies.

Here’s how to tell the difference:

Type Description What to Do
Honey Bee Swarm A temporary cluster of bees resting during relocation (usually on a tree, fence, or wall). No nest, no comb. Contact your local British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) – they offer free swarm collections.
Honey Bee Colony A permanent, established nest inside your property (wall voids, roof spaces, chimneys). Includes queen, comb, and thousands of bees. Requires professional live removal and relocation. Pestforce can help.
Wasps More aggressive, papery nests, often in lofts, sheds, or eaves. Slimmer bodies than bees. Pestforce offers safe and effective wasp nest removal.
Bumblebees / Solitary Bees Bumblebees nest in compost heaps, bird boxes or under sheds. Solitary bees in mortar holes or soil. Usually best left alone. We can advise if they pose a risk.

 

Why Bee Removal Matters

Bees are essential pollinators and legally protected in many situations. While they play a vital role in the environment, they cannot be allowed to nest inside your home or workplace. Left untreated, bee colonies can cause:

  • Internal damage to walls, roofs, and insulation
  • Persistent odours from melted wax and honey
  • Return infestations if not fully removed and sealed
  • Health risks, particularly for those with allergies

Our Honey Bee Relocation Services

At Pestforce, we’re one of the few pest control providers in the UK who offer full-service live honey bee relocation. We work in line with ethical guidelines and in partnership with beekeeping networks to ensure the bees are safely rehomed — not destroyed.

Our Four-Step Process:

  1. Consultation & Site Survey: We assess the location, structure, and access issues.

  2. Transparent Quotation:
    • Prices start from £1,000
    • Typical jobs cost around £3,000
    • Complex or listed properties can exceed £10,000

  3. Ethical Live Removal: Our team will:
    • Access the nest (scaffolding may be required)
    • Remove bees and the wax comb structure
    • Seal entry points to prevent recurrence
    • Rehome the bees at a partner apiary

  4. Post-Relocation Support: We provide proof of relocation and advice on preventing future nesting.

What Can Go Wrong - and How We Manage It

While most removals are successful, we’re open about the risks:

  • The greatest challenge is locating and removing the queen. Without her, the colony cannot survive.
  • This is rare, but we always take every precaution to ensure the queen is protected and relocated with her colony.

Why Cheap Bee Extermination Isn’t the Answer

  • It may be illegal: bees are protected in many cases
  • It does not remove wax or honey: which will cause damage and attract pests
  • Decontamination is still needed: often costing as much as live removal

So why not do the right thing - and save the bees?

Other Bees We Can Help With

  • Bumblebees: Can be relocated if necessary
  • Solitary bees: Non-invasive; prevention advice available
  • Masonry bees: Can damage brickwork; sealing & deterrents available

Each case is assessed individually with the welfare of the bees and your property in mind.

Why Choose Pestforce for Bee Removal?

  • Live, ethical honey bee relocation specialists
  • Insured, trained & experienced technicians
  • Nationwide coverage with local teams
  • Partnered with UK beekeepers and apiaries
  • Transparent pricing and environmentally responsible service