If you have hornets or wasps in your nest, call an exterminator and seal your chimney immediately. Hornets and wasps can be very aggressive towards humans, and if they think your home is their home, you could have a nasty situation on your hand. If you have an allergy to bees, do not get close to them. Bees are typically non-aggressive, but they may sting if they think you’re trying to harm them.
An infrared camera will cost around $50-80 to rent for a day. If the bees haven’t established a hive, it will cost considerably less to have the bees removed. The contractor will likely use a vacuum to extract the bees and take them elsewhere. This will usually cost anywhere from $50-200. If you have an established hive, it will cost a little more. The contractor will need to use a grinder to cut the hive out and remove it. This can cost $200-1,500, depending on the size of the hive and the chimney.
The damper, which is the hatch that closes the opening to the chimney, is not nearly enough to keep bees out. They can usually squeeze through the opening between the plates. Chimney plugs are also known as balloon plugs. Alternatively, hold a contractor’s bag over the chimney and press long lengths of duct tape into the seam where the bag meets the masonry. Then, add more tape along the groves in the grout so it overlaps the seam where the first layer of tape meets the masonry. Do this 2-3 times to create an airtight fit.
If there is a hive and it’s deep down in your chimney, bee rescues and beekeepers will likely be unable to help remove it. They will get the majority of the bees out safely though, which will make the job much easier for the bee removal company. Expect to spend less than $200 to have a beekeeper or rescue remove the bees. Some groups and beekeepers won’t even charge you though, since you’re technically doing them a favor.
Depending on the size of the hive and the amount of masonry that needs to be removed, a bee removal company may charge you anywhere from $200-1,500. It really depends on the size of the hive and chimney, though. Bee removal companies often save as many bees that they can and sell them to local honey producers or beekeepers.
Most exterminators should have no problem clearing a chimney. The exterminator will unfortunately kill the bees, but it beats having an active colony in your chimney and it’s really the only option if there are no humane ways to remove. An exterminator’s services are fairly comparable to a bee removal company. It will usually cost $200-300, but it may run over $1,500 if the hive is particularly large or the chimney is especially difficult to access.
Depending on the shape that your chimney is in, this may cost anywhere from $500-2,500. It really is the best way to prevent bees from returning in the future, though.
It can take bees a while to build a hive, so doing this regularly during the warmer months is a great way to keep the bees from living permanently in your chimney.
Do this once every 1-2 weeks during the warmer months to keep bees from settling in your home. Planting peppermint in your garden is also a great way to keep bees away. They’re less likely to set up shop in your home if your garden isn’t particularly appealing.
