Understanding Bee Removal Pricing in Phoenix
If you live in Phoenix, chances are you’ll cross paths with a bee colony at some point — whether it’s a buzzing swarm in your yard, a hive tucked into your stucco wall, or bees making themselves at home under your roof tiles. Our desert climate and long flowering season make the Valley one of the busiest bee hotspots in the country, and homeowners are often left wondering: “How much does bee removal actually cost?”
The short answer? It depends — on where the bees are, how large the colony is, and whether specialized equipment or repairs are needed. In this guide, we’ll break down what Phoenix residents can expect to pay in 2025, from quick swarm relocations to complex structural honeycomb extractions.
Removing bees in Phoenix isn’t just about cost — it’s about safety and prevention. Africanized bees are common here (Africanized Bee Removal Phoenix), and they can be aggressive if disturbed. In fact, Maricopa County Environmental Services (maricopa.gov) advises residents to call a licensed bee removal specialist rather than risk handling the hive themselves.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know:
- Typical price ranges for different bee removal scenarios in Phoenix
- Why some jobs cost hundreds more than others
- When it’s worth paying extra for honeycomb removal
- Why hiring a professional is almost always the safest, most cost-effective choice
Looking for real-world examples of bee removal in Phoenix? Check out our Top 10 Craziest Bee Removals in Phoenix to see the wild situations that drive some of these costs.
Average Bee Removal Costs in Phoenix (2025)
Bee removal in Phoenix can range from a quick, low-risk job to a full-day project involving ladders, saws, protective gear, and structural repairs. To give you a clear picture, here’s what homeowners typically pay in 2025 for different bee and wasp removal scenarios:
| Service Type | Typical Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swarm removal (live relocation) | $295 | Only for swarms — requires bee vacuum, transport to remote release site, extra handling time. |
| Hive removal (non-live) | $195 – $295 | Price varies by height and accessibility. |
| Roof honeycomb removal | +$700 | Remove tile, underlayment, cut wood, remove honey, clean, and repair structure. |
| Stucco wall honeycomb removal | +$600 | Cut into stucco with saw, locate honey via thermal imaging, remove, and repair. |
| Wasp nest removal | $195 + $40 per extra nest | Smaller nests but can be hidden in multiple locations. |
💡 These are estimated market rates for the Phoenix area. Your final cost may vary based on colony size, location, species, and repair needs.
For a deeper dive on the difference between swarms and hives, see our guide: Bee Swarm in Yard Phoenix.
What Affects the Price of Bee Removal?
No two bee jobs are exactly alike — and that’s why prices in Phoenix can vary so much. Everything from the location of the hive to the species of bee plays a role in how much time, equipment, and labor is involved. Here are the biggest factors that determine your final bill:
1. Hive or Swarm Location
- Easy access: Ground-level shrubs or open tree branches are quicker and cheaper to handle.
- Hard-to-reach spots: 2nd-story soffits, chimneys, or under roof tiles take more setup, more ladder work, and more safety gear.
- Inside walls or roofs: Requires cutting into structures, locating the hive with thermal imaging, and completing repairs — this is where costs really jump.
2. Structural Material
- Roof tile, stucco, and wood each require different tools and skills to open, remove honeycomb, and rebuild. Stucco in particular requires precision cutting and patching.
- See our Bees in Walls Guide for more on how tricky wall removals can be.
3. Size and Age of the Colony
- A small, new swarm can be removed quickly.
- Large, established colonies can have hundreds of pounds of honeycomb, requiring hours of work to remove and clean.
4. Species of Bee
- Africanized bees — common in Phoenix — are more defensive and require extra precautions. For safety tips, see our Africanized Bee Attack Survival Guide.
5. Access for Equipment
- Tight spaces, unstable ground, or obstructed areas can slow the job.
- Jobs that require scaffolding or lifts will add to the cost.
Specialty Situations (and Why They Cost More)
Some bee jobs in Phoenix go way beyond simply vacuuming up a swarm. When bees set up shop inside your home’s structure, removal becomes a construction project as much as a pest control job — and that’s where the extra hundreds come in.
Roof Honeycomb Removal (+$700)
When a colony builds under your roof tiles, it’s never just a quick lift-and-grab. The process usually looks like this:
- Remove the roof tile in the affected area.
- Pull up the underlayment to expose the wooden structure.
- Cut into the wood to access the hive.
- Remove all honeycomb and bees.
- Clean the area to remove all wax and scent traces.
- Rebuild the structure, replace the underlayment, and set the tiles back in place.
This can take hours, even for an experienced crew. It’s also one of the most important times to fully remove honeycomb — leaving it can melt in the heat, seep into wood, and attract new swarms for years.
For a closer look at why bees love roof spaces, check out our Common Bee Hive Locations in Arizona.
Stucco Wall Honeycomb Removal (+$600)
Bees inside a stucco wall present their own set of challenges:
- First, we locate the hive using thermal imaging equipment like a FLIR camera.
- Then we cut into the stucco with precision tools to avoid unnecessary damage.
- After removing the honeycomb, we patch the wall so it looks as close to original as possible.
Cutting into stucco isn’t quick work, and the patching process adds time and materials to the job.
For more on the process, see our Beehive in Phoenix? Here’s What to Do.
Live Swarm Removal ($295)
Not all bee jobs end with extermination — in fact, when we’re called for a swarm that’s still out in the open and hasn’t started building comb, we can often relocate them alive.
Live removal is only possible for swarms because:
- Once bees have established a hive inside a structure, they don’t leave voluntarily.
- Trying to relocate a full hive would mean taking the entire honeycomb — something that’s not possible without demolition and a huge risk of bees abandoning their brood.
Why Live Removal Costs More
- Specialized equipment: We use a bee vacuum designed to safely collect bees without harming them.
- Time investment: Swarms must be carefully vacuumed in small batches to avoid stress and injury.
- Transport: Once collected, the bees are driven to a remote location far from urban areas for release.
Live removal takes more time, more care, and more logistics — but it’s also the most environmentally responsible way to deal with a swarm.
For more on the difference between live removal and extermination, see our guide: Live Bee Removal vs. Extermination: Why It Matters.
Standard Hive Removal ($195 – $295)
When bees have already established themselves but the hive is easy to access — say, in a low shed wall, under an awning, or in a tree cavity — the process is quicker, safer, and less labor-intensive than roof or stucco jobs.
Pricing here depends mostly on height and accessibility:
- Lower hives (ground level to about 8 feet) are faster to work on and require less ladder work.
- Higher hives (second-story eaves or higher) involve more setup time, heavier ladders, and extra safety precautions, which can push the cost toward the higher end of the range.
These removals still involve full bee elimination and cleanup, but without the complex structural repairs that make specialty jobs more expensive.
If you’re not sure whether you have a simple hive or a more complicated situation, our Phoenix Bee Infestation Signs guide can help you identify what you’re dealing with before you call.
The Honey Problem (and Why You Should Pay for Removal)
A lot of homeowners hesitate when they see the extra line item for honeycomb removal, but here’s the truth: leaving honey in your walls, roof, or shed is asking for a repeat infestation.
Honeycomb left behind will:
- Attract new bees — the scent of wax, honey, and pheromones can linger for years.
- Draw other pests — ants, roaches, moths, and rodents will happily move in.
- Create mess and damage — in the Arizona heat, honey melts, soaks into wood, stains walls, and can cause structural rot.
At Busy Bee Pest Solutions, we recommend paying for honeycomb removal unless you’re prepared to clean it up yourself immediately. If you choose to skip it, we can’t offer a 30-day guarantee — because if bees return to feast on that leftover honey, it’s not our fault you were dumb (said with love, but seriously).
Want to see why bees come back to old hive spots? Check out our article: Why Bees Keep Coming Back.
Bonus: Wasp Nest Removal ($195 + $40 per Extra Nest)
While wasps don’t produce honeycomb or massive swarms like bees, they can be just as aggressive — and their nests often pop up in the most inconvenient places.
Standard wasp removal in Phoenix typically runs $195 for the first nest. Each additional nest is $40 extra because finding them is often like playing an Easter egg hunt… if the eggs could sting you.
Why Extra Nests Cost More
- Search time: Wasps often spread multiple small nests across a property — under eaves, inside light fixtures, or tucked behind shutters.
- Access challenges: Some require ladders or careful removal to avoid damaging structures.
- Safety gear: Even small nests can produce a large defensive swarm when disturbed.
If you’re curious about the difference between bees and wasps, check out our Bees vs. Wasps in Phoenix guide for identification tips and removal advice.
Why Professional Bee Removal is Worth It
Bee and wasp removals in Phoenix aren’t just about getting rid of the stingers — they’re about protecting your safety, your property, and your wallet in the long run. Here’s why calling a licensed professional is almost always the smarter choice:
1. Safety First
Africanized bees are common in Arizona, and they can be dangerously aggressive if provoked. Professionals have the protective gear, training, and equipment to handle swarms and hives without putting anyone at unnecessary risk.
See our Africanized Bee Attack Survival Guide for why caution is so important.
2. Complete Removal
Removing the bees without cleaning out all the honeycomb is an invitation for another colony (or ants, roaches, and rodents) to move in. Pros know how to remove, clean, and seal the site so it stays bee-free.
3. Ethical Practices
When possible, many removals — especially swarms — can be done live. This preserves bee populations and supports the environment. Learn more in Live Bee Removal vs. Extermination: Why It Matters.
4. Proper Repairs
Cutting into stucco, roofing, or siding without the skills to repair it can leave your home vulnerable to leaks and damage. Professionals handle both the removal and the restoration so the area is sealed and safe.
5. Peace of Mind
Licensed companies carry liability insurance and often provide guarantees on their work — as long as you don’t skip important steps like honeycomb removal.
Final Tips for Choosing a Bee Removal Service in Phoenix
Finding the right team to handle your bee situation isn’t just about price—it’s about professionalism, safety, and getting the job done right the first time. Here’s a refined checklist to guide you:
1. Confirm Licensing and Insurance
Always opt for a provider who is licensed and insured. That way, if something unexpected happens—like a structural issue uncovered during removal—you’re protected.
2. Read Real Reviews
Look for recent, local testimonials. A company with consistently high ratings across Google and Nextdoor is more likely to deliver on their promises.
3. Ask About Structural Repairs
Make sure the service includes cleanup and restoration of honeycomb areas—especially when hive removal involves roofs, underlayment, or stucco. A job isn’t truly complete until everything looks—and stays—fixed.
4. Inquire About Relocation vs. Extermination
Ethical options like live swarm relocation ($295) are not only eco-friendly but also show professionalism. Plus, they typically last longer in the community’s memory—and yours.
5. Get a Clear Estimate
Ask for a detailed cost rundown up front—this should include honeycomb removal (your protection against repeat infestations), structural repairs, and any diagnostic or call fees.
Need a Quote? We’re Here for You
At Bee Removal Phoenix by Busy Bee, we combine expert bee removal, ethical practice, and solid workmanship for every Phoenix home we visit.
- Request your free quote right now at Get a Free Quote
- Or call 623-289-3375—we offer same-day service with clear, fair pricing, and zero guesswork.
Your safety, peace of mind, and property are worth the care—and we treat them that way.
