Live Honey Bee Nest Removal

Cut-Out or Trap-Out?

There are two main methods for bee nest removal. The type of bee and their location will inevitably determine which is to be used. Bumble bees can only be extracted using the cut-out process. Both cut-out and trap-out methods can be used for honeybees.

Cut-Out

Cut-out involves exposing the colony and physically removing it from its established site. The bees and the comb are physically moved into a nucleus hive and relocated to a suitable location once the works have been completed.

Cut-Out or Trap-Out?

There are two main methods for bee nest removal. The type of bee and their location will inevitably determine which is to be used. Bumble bees can only be extracted using the cut-out process. Both cut-out and trap-out methods can be used for honeybees.

Cut-Out

Cut-out involves exposing the colony and physically removing it from its established site. The bees and the comb are physically moved into a nucleus hive and relocated to a suitable location once the works have been completed.

Trap-Out

Trap-out uses techniques to prevent bees from re-entering the colony after they have left and provides them with an alternative home which can be relocated to a suitable location once the works have been completed.

Both methods have pros and cons. Each situation is different and will therefore require adequate discussions to decide the best way forward for your circumstances.

It is possible in some instances for it to be beneficial to use a combination of both methods. A trap-out may help to reduce the number of bees in a large colony before undertaking a cut-out.

Trap-Out

Trap-out uses techniques to prevent bees from re-entering the colony after they have left and provides them with an alternative home which can be relocated to a suitable location once the works have been completed.

Both methods have pros and cons. Each situation is different and will therefore require adequate discussions to decide the best way forward for your circumstances.

It is possible in some instances for it to be beneficial to use a combination of both methods. A trap-out may help to reduce the number of bees in a large colony before undertaking a cut-out.