Honey Bees & Swarm Removal
Pollinator Protection & Responsible Referral
Not all stinging insects are treated the same.
Honey bees are critical pollinators and play an essential role in agriculture, food systems, and ecosystem health.
For this reason, Tire Swing does not perform honey bee extermination.
When Bees Are Present
If you are observing:
- A visible swarm temporarily clustered on a tree, fence, or structure
- A confirmed honey bee hive
- Sustained honey bee traffic entering a wall or cavity
We recommend live removal whenever possible.
Swarm events are often temporary and may resolve naturally within 24–48 hours as bees relocate.
Established hives require professional relocation by an experienced beekeeper.
Recommended Bee Specialist
For honey bee swarm removal and hive relocation, we recommend:
Andrew Akridge
61 Honey Bees
901.482.1136
Andrew specializes in live swarm capture and responsible hive relocation.
Important Distinction
This referral applies specifically to:
- Honey bees
- Swarms
- Established honey bee colonies
Yellow jackets, hornets, paper wasps, and other aggressive stinging insects are addressed separately under Stinging Insect Nest Management.
Proper identification matters.
If you are unsure what species you are observing, inspection can determine the appropriate course of action.
Why We Refer
Protecting pollinators is part of responsible pest management.
When relocation is possible, it is preferred over elimination.
Our role is structural protection and risk reduction.
Bee relocation is best handled by a specialist trained in live removal and colony management.
Identifying the Difference: Honey Bees, Carpenter Bees & Bumble Bees
Not all large bees are the same.
Correct identification determines the correct response.
Honey Bees
Appearance
- Smaller and more slender
- Golden-brown with defined striping
- Moderately fuzzy
Behavior
- Live in large colonies
- Produce honey
- Form swarms during relocation events
- Build wax comb inside cavities
When to Act
- Visible swarm clustered temporarily
- Confirmed hive inside a structure
Recommended Response
- Live relocation through a beekeeper.
Honey bees are protected pollinators and should not be exterminated when removal is possible.
Carpenter Bees
Appearance
- Large, similar in size to bumble bees
- Shiny, smooth black abdomen (not fuzzy)
Behavior
- Drill perfectly round holes in wood
- Create internal galleries for egg laying
- Reuse and expand galleries year after year
- Often hover near eaves, decks, fascia, and trim
Structural Impact
- Carpenter bees damage wood through gallery formation.
Recommended Response
- Targeted structural treatment under Tire Swing WoodGuard.
Carpenter bees are managed as a structural pest issue — not relocated like honey bees.
Bumble Bees
Appearance
- Large and very fuzzy
- Yellow and black
- Rounded body shape
Behavior
- Typically nest in ground cavities or abandoned rodent burrows
- Small seasonal colonies
- Generally non-aggressive unless disturbed
When to Act
- Only if nesting location creates direct safety risk.
In many cases, bumble bee colonies are seasonal and die off naturally.
Why Identification Matters
Treating honey bees like carpenter bees is inappropriate.
Treating carpenter bees like honey bees ignores structural damage.
Treating bumble bees unnecessarily can disrupt beneficial pollinators.
Correct identification ensures:
- Responsible pollinator protection
- Appropriate structural response
- Avoidance of unnecessary treatment
If uncertain, inspection determines species and appropriate action.