Live
Beehive
Removals
Hi, I'm Melissa, an experienced beekeeper and founder of Beelightful Bees. Based in Miami, Florida, I specialize in humane live bee removals. I do not perform exterminations. Over the years, I have learned best practices with removing bees from a variety of locations, giving them their best chance at survival after relocation.
Having bees choose your property for their home is often not only inconvenient, but can be alarming for residents. This is very understandable. However, it is known that bees as pollinators are essential to our environment and they should not be destroyed if at all possible. That’s where I come in.
Easy 1, 2, 3 Hive Removals
If you have found a colony in your home or backyard but aren't comfortable with having bees in your space,
live hive removal is an excellent option.
Locate the hive
Locate the hive and if possible take a short video and send it to me. This way I will have as much information as possible for scheduling a site visit.
Schedule a site visit
Schedule a site visit for $25 and I will provide a safe removal plan and quote. If you choose to work with me, this initial visit will be free.
Live hive removal
Types of removals vary according to each situation, but I will always choose the safest option for both you and the bees.
Bee Removal Options
Bee removals can give you peace of mind and gives the bees the best chance at survival after relocation. Types of removals vary according to the situation and prices vary based on the complexity of the job. Schedule a site visit for just $25. Please note, this fee will be refunded if hired.
Simple Removal
Simple removal of bees includes accessible swarms, small exterior "open air" hives, and small hives in moveable cavities such as statues, bird boxes, compost bins and flower pots.
If owners act quickly when bee colonies are young and small, removals can be less labor intensive, and therefore less of a fee.
Smoke Out Removal
Bees in some cavities such as a tree trunk or concrete block wall can be safely removed by using a bee smoker. Smoke forces bees to leave the cavity without harm. I move the bees into a new bee box home, and block or fill the cavity to help prevent bees from making a new hive in the future.
Cut Out Removal
This removal type involves cutting into a wall, soffit, shed floor, or other enclosure to access the full hive and removal bees and comb.
The space that the bees occupied will be filled with insulation so that bees will not be able to move into the same space again. Owners are given detailed instruction for repairs to help "bee-proof" their property.
Trap Out Removal
Bees often make their home in hard to access spaces. A good solution can be a Trap Out Removal. I create a temporary funnel at the entrance to the hive so the bees can exit but not re-enter. The bees gather outside and I provide them with a new bee box home. This removal can take up to a month to perform, involving multiple trips to the property.
After completion, I take extra care to close up all holes, cracks and crevasses around the entrance area so that new swarms will not be able to move into the same space again.
This removal does not require repairs.
I'm Melissa, a human bee-ing & experienced beekeeper
I have been a Miami beekeeper for six years. My journey with bees began as a hobby following a difficult time in my life, and quickly became an obsession. After learning how do perform live hive removals, beekeeping has now blossomed into my full time business - Beelightful Bees.
I love saving local honey bees from exterminations and teaching homeowners about the importance of our bees. I also hold workshops where I teach individuals and families my natural style of beekeeping. I have a connection with bees that’s shines in all the work I do.
When removals are not feasible for whatever reason, please know that it is possible to live with bees in certain situations. A bee spends her time caring for the hive, foraging for flower nectar and pollen, and generally has little interest in stinging anyone. Bees can sting when provoked or alarmed. Please consider allowing bees that are not in the way and bothering anyone to simply live their lives in peaceful co-existence.
Cohabitating with bees
Discover my upcoming workshops
Want to learn more about beekeeping? Join my mailing list to stay in touch for upcoming workshops and events.
Anya T, North Miami
"Cut Out" and "Smoke Out" Bee Removal Client
I am absolutely delighted with the exceptional service provided by Melissa who expertly removed two beehives from my property. She dedicated a full day to the task, diligently relocating the hives to a farm. Her commitment, skill, and dedication to preserving both the bees and my property were truly commendable. I couldn't be happier with the results and highly recommend her services to anyone in need of bee removal and relocation.