Is it illegal to kill bees in California? | Bee Best Bee Removal (2024)

Every now and then I will get a call from a customer who asks “Is it illegal to kill bees in California?”. Usually they ask because another bee or pest control company has told them it is illegal to kill bees in California. This always surprises me because the answer to that question is not as simple as one might think. The answer always depends on where the bees are located and what they are doing.

So when is it legal and when is it illegal?

In order to legally exterminate bees, there needs to be a swarm or hive that can be removed or eliminated. You can not just “broadcast spray” bees that are foraging for water, food, or scouting. If bees are simply doing what they do (foraging and scouting) and there is no hive or swarm, it is illegal for a pest control company to spray them. Examples of situations where it is illegal to kill bees are:

1. When they are foraging for water in your swimming pool
2. When they are foraging for food on your bird feeder or when you BBQ
3. When they are pollinating trees and bushes
4. When they are scouting for a new location to set up a hive

The only time a pest control company can legally exterminate bees is if there is a swarm or hive. Ideally the pest control company will remove them alive and relocate the colony. That is the best solution for all. If a hive needs to be exterminated it is usually because the bees are aggressive (africanized), or they are located inside an area that may or may not be safely accessible. Human safety is always the number one priority when deciding on whether a live removal is possible.

We all know that killing bees is never an ideal way to handle a bee problem. Humane, live bee removal with relocation of the bees is always preferred. Unfortunately there are many situations where it’s not safe or even possible to do so.

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8 Comments

1. 

   Raul OrganistaJune 2, 2019 at 3:56 pm

   I got a swarm of bees living in my fireplace area. When I turn on the fireplace, we can smell the burning honey. The bees also come into my house every once in a while, even with the fluke closed.
   The problem is, I am allergic to bees. I need them out so, how can you guys help me out?

   • 

     AbraJune 3, 2019 at 12:35 pm

     See Also

     5 Methods of Bee Removal Without Killing Them | Classic Pest Control & Insulation

     Hi Raul.

     First we would need to see if you are located in our service territory. We are licensed in San Diego County.

     If you are in our service area, give us a call at (619)464-2057 for faster service.

     Thanks!

2. 

   RoseannJuly 2, 2019 at 4:11 pm

   Same problem as Raul but also have an active hive in our lemon tree. I live in 95209…Stockton California. Can you help me?

   • 

     AbraJuly 10, 2019 at 6:28 pm

     Hi Roseann,

     Unfortunately we are currently only licensed in San Diego County. Since the bees are in a tree, you might want to seek out the help from a local beekeeping society in your area. There may be one located in Sacramento and/or Modesto.

3. 

   teresa zundelJuly 22, 2019 at 10:22 am

   Hi… I was wondering if the new California Law requiring bee keepers to register their hives is only for Professional Bee keepers?… if I don’t sell honey or anything?…. with one hive?… do I need to register it?

   • 

     AbraJuly 26, 2019 at 1:54 pm

     Hi Teresa. If you live in California, you can check out the Food and Agricultural Code which outlines the legal requirements for beekeeping in the state.

4. 

   Peter JeeJuly 14, 2020 at 12:28 pm

   I have the same problem. There’s a hive inside the chimney & they get into the house, even when the fluke is closed. I tried lighting the fireplace to get then to move, or kill off the bees, or kill off the queens. What should I do?

   • 

     AbraAugust 5, 2020 at 11:18 am

     Hi Peter. Often times lighting a fire will not remove the bees. Sometimes it can make things worse if there is a hive inside the chimney. You don’t want the wax and honey to melt down the interior walls of the chimney. Since the bees have not left yet, I recommend calling a beekeeper or pest control company to see what they can do to resolve the problem.