Bee Removal in San Diego

If you have discovered bees or wasps buzzing around your home or business, you need experienced professionals who can safely and effectively handle the problem. At Cartwright Termite & Pest Control, we specialize in the humane removal, relocation, and prevention of bee and wasp infestations throughout San Diego, Palm Desert, Riverside, and surrounding Southern California communities.

Our team provides complete bee management solutions, including live hive relocation, insect elimination, hive or nest removal, structure opening and repair, and comprehensive bee proofing to prevent future infestations. Because structural repairs often require specialized work, repair services are priced separately from our bee removal services.

Types of Bees in Southern California

Southern California is home to several types of bees, each playing a unique role in the ecosystem — though some can become unwanted guests around homes or businesses. The most common species include honeybees, which are vital pollinators known for producing honey and living in large colonies. Carpenter bees are solitary insects that bore into wood, often causing structural damage. Bumblebees are large, fuzzy bees that prefer nesting in the ground or abandoned burrows and are generally non-aggressive. Africanized “killer” bees, a hybrid of European and African honeybees, are more defensive and can pose safety risks when disturbed. You may also encounter sweat bees, smaller metallic-colored bees attracted to perspiration, and leafcutter bees, which cut small circles from leaves to build their nests. Whether beneficial or potentially harmful, it is important to identify the type of bee correctly before taking action — and contact a professional for safe removal or relocation.

The Bee Situation in Southern California

Southern California’s warm, sunny climate makes it an ideal environment for bees. On average, most homeowners encounter a bee problem about once every 10–15 years — sometimes more often depending on their location and property type. Whether you are in San Diego County, Riverside County, or the Coachella Valley, chances are that at some point you will need professional help to deal with a beehive.

While bees are a vital part of our ecosystem, they can also become a serious pest when they decide to nest too close to human activity. A large hive can damage structures, create safety hazards, and put residents or guests at risk — especially those with allergies. Exactly why quick, professional bee removal is so important.

Bees vs. Wasps: Knowing the Difference

Many homeowners mistake wasps for bees — and while they may look similar, these two insects behave very differently.

Bees play an essential role in pollination and the overall health of our environment. They have round, fuzzy bodies adapted to collect pollen, and they typically nest in sheltered locations like wall cavities, tree hollows, or even underground. A bee’s nest is made of wax and appears as an intricate, hexagonal honeycomb structure.

Wasps, on the other hand, are more aggressive and pose a greater threat to humans. They have longer, slender bodies and build their nests on exposed surfaces — such as under eaves, awnings, or outdoor structures. Wasp nests often look like small clumps of mud or paper attached to the underside of a roof or within wall cavities.

Because the methods for removing bees and wasps differ significantly, it is important to have a professional pest control technician inspect your property before any work begins. At Cartwright Termite & Pest Control, our experts can accurately identify which pest you are dealing with and recommend the safest, most effective solution.

Our Bee Removal Services

Our team provides a full range of pest control services for flying and stinging insects, including:

• Live Bee Hive Relocation – We safely capture and relocate live bee colonies whenever possible, protecting these valuable pollinators while keeping your property safe.
• Insect Elimination – For cases where relocation is not feasible, we use proven, environmentally responsible methods to eliminate infestations.
• Hive or Nest Removal – Once the insects are gone, our technicians remove the remaining hive or nest to prevent re-colonization.
• Structure Opening & Repair – If bees have built a hive inside a wall, attic, or roof cavity, we will carefully access and repair the affected area.
• Bee Proofing – Finally, we seal potential entry points and apply deterrents to protect your home or business against future infestations.

Bee proofing is a vital part of the process — without it, bees may return to the same location within months. Our technicians are trained to identify every possible access point to ensure your property remains protected year-round.

The Bee Removal Process: What to Expect

1. Confirm You Have Bees (Not Wasps or Hornets)
   Our first step is a professional inspection to determine exactly what type of stinging insect is present. Bees, wasps, and hornets each require different removal methods, so accurate identification is crucial.
2. Locate the Hive
   Once we have confirmed a bee infestation, we will locate the hive or hives on your property. There may be more than one colony, especially if the problem has gone unnoticed for a while. We will also identify all entry points that need to be sealed after removal.
3. Safely Remove the Hive
   Our trained bee specialists use professional equipment — including protective suits, specialized vacuums, and bee poles — to ensure the hive removal process is safe and effective. Whenever possible, we perform live removals and relocate the bees to local beekeepers or safe habitats.
4. Clean-Up, Repair & Bee Proofing
   After the hive has been removed, we clean the affected area to eliminate residual honeycomb and pheromones that attract new colonies. We then seal entry points and recommend structural repairs if needed to prevent future infestations.

Protect Your Home with Cartwright Termite & Pest Control | Bee Removal

When it comes to bee or wasp infestations, quick action and professional expertise make all the difference. At Cartwright Termite & Pest Control, we combine decades of local experience with safe, environmentally responsible practices to keep your property pest-free.

Whether you need emergency bee removal, wasp nest treatment, or long-term bee proofing, our licensed technicians are here to help.

Call Cartwright Termite & Pest Control today to schedule your inspection and reclaim your space from unwanted stinging insects — safely, efficiently, and humanely.  Serving San Diego, Palm Desert, and Riverside.