Top Bee & Wasp Removal in Denver, Colorado Ranked

Discovering a buzzing nest on your Denver property can be unsettling. Professional bee and wasp removal is a specialized service that safely addresses these stinging pests, protecting your family, pets, and property from painful stings and potential structural damage. This guide will help you understand your options, from identifying common local species and their nesting habits to navigating the costs and process of professional stinging insect control.

Advantage Pest Management

7270 Gilpin Way Ste 190, Denver, CO 80229

Advantage Pest Management is a pest control company based in Denver, CO, offering services for a wide range of pests including cockroaches, ants, rodents, mosquitoes, bees, wasps, and wildlife removal. They serve the Denver Metro Area with flexible scheduling and guaranteed treatments. The company is known for its ability to handle various pest problems efficiently and provides same-day service options. Advantage Pest Management emphasizes customer satisfaction with a guarantee to re-treat if results are unsatisfactory.

5.0

613 Reviews

Whitmore Pest & Wildlife Control of Castle Rock

935 S Lindsey St, Castle Rock, CO 80104

Whitmore Pest & Wildlife Control of Castle Rock provides pest and wildlife management services in Denver, CO. They offer residential and commercial pest control solutions including bed bug treatment, rodent control, wasp and stinging insect removal, spider extermination, and more. Their approach uses integrated pest management techniques that focus on long-term prevention with targeted treatments and environmental modifications. Whitmore Pest & Wildlife Control emphasizes family-friendly treatments and contract-free services. They also work to protect honeybees by relocating hives safely when possible.

5.0

319 Reviews

Pest Arrest Pest Control - Boulder

1495 Canyon Blvd Suite 301, Boulder, CO 80302

Pest Arrest Pest Control - Boulder is a veteran and family-owned pest control company serving Denver, CO. They provide residential and commercial pest control solutions using eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management methods to protect homes and businesses from a wide range of pests including ants, cockroaches, rodents, termites, bees, wasps, and more. Known for their ARREST System® plans, they offer targeted treatments that often resolve infestations in one visit and specialize in rodent control through their Mice Masters™ service. Pest Arrest has been serving the Denver Metro Area since 2019 with a focus on sustainable pest management and customer care.

5.0

313 Reviews

Pest Arrest Pest Control - Denver

1630 Welton St, Denver, CO 80202

Pest Arrest Pest Control - Denver is a veteran and family-owned pest control company serving Denver, CO, and surrounding areas since 2019. They provide residential and commercial pest control solutions using eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods to protect homes and businesses from a wide range of pests including ants, cockroaches, rodents, wasps, and more. The company is known for its proven treatments that often resolve infestations within one or two visits, with specialized expertise in rodent control through their Mice Masters™ program. Pest Arrest emphasizes customer care and sustainable pest management without contracts or pressure.

5.0

310 Reviews

Affordable Pest Services

denver

Affordable Pest Services is a local pest control company serving Denver, CO, and surrounding communities including Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, and Littleton. They provide residential and commercial pest control solutions tailored to address ants, spiders, rodents, wasps, cockroaches, and other common pests. Their services include preventative treatments focused on sealing entry points and monitoring high-risk areas, using family- and pet-safe, eco-friendly methods. With over 20 years of experience, Affordable Pest Services offers same or next day availability to manage seasonal pest challenges effectively.

5.0

180 Reviews

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Understanding Denver's Stinging Insects

The Front Range is home to a variety of stinging insects, each with distinct behaviors and nesting preferences. Knowing whether you're dealing with a honeybee swarm, a paper wasp nest, or an aggressive yellow jacket colony is the first step toward a safe and effective resolution.

Common Bees in Denver:

• Honeybees: These vital pollinators are typically non-aggressive unless their hive is threatened. They often nest in cavities like hollow trees, wall voids, or sheds, building large, structured hives from wax. Due to their ecological importance, relocation by a beekeeper is the preferred method for honeybee control ^{1 2}.
• Bumblebees: Larger and furrier, bumblebees are generally docile and nest in small, ground-level cavities like old rodent burrows or under piles of debris. They rarely pose a significant threat and are also important pollinators.

Common Wasps and Hornets in Denver:

• Paper Wasps: Identified by their long legs and open-comb, umbrella-shaped nests often found under eaves, these wasps are less aggressive but will defend their nest.
• Yellow Jackets: Highly aggressive, especially in late summer and fall, yellow jackets often build large nests underground or inside wall voids. They are attracted to human food and can sting repeatedly ^{3 4}.
• Bald-Faced Hornets: Actually a type of yellow jacket, these insects build large, football-shaped paper nests in trees, shrubs, or on buildings. They are very protective of their nest and can be extremely aggressive ³.

Where to Look for Nests on Your Property

Stinging insects seek out sheltered, low-traffic areas to build their homes. Regular inspections of these common spots, especially from late spring through early fall, can help you catch a problem early ⁵.

Typical Wasp & Hornet Nesting Sites:

• On Structures: Under roof eaves, soffits, deck railings, and window frames. Inside attics, chimneys, and behind shutters or siding ^{5 6}.
• In Ground Features: In garden beds, near sprinkler heads, in old rodent burrows (a favorite of yellow jackets), or within hollow fence posts and utility boxes ^{7 8}.
• On Outdoor Items: Under patio furniture, grills, children's playsets, or within stored boats and RVs.

Common Bee Nesting Locations:

• Honeybees prefer enclosed spaces like hollow trees, inside sheds or garages, and within wall cavities of homes ⁹.
• Bumblebees often choose abandoned rodent nests, compost piles, or spaces under garden sheds.

The Seasonal Cycle of Activity

The activity of bees, wasps, and hornets in Denver is tightly linked to our distinct seasons, which dictates the best times for intervention and prevention ¹⁰.

• Spring (March-May): Overwintering queens emerge and begin scouting for new nest sites. Activity is solitary and nests are small, making this the ideal time for preventive measures and early removal if spotted ^{10 11}.
• Summer (June-August): Colonies expand rapidly. Worker numbers surge as they forage for food to feed the growing larvae. This is when nests become most visible and encounters around outdoor living and dining areas increase ¹².
• Fall (September-October): Colony populations peak. As natural food sources dwindle, insects like yellow jackets become more aggressive and are drawn to human food. This is the peak season for removal calls due to heightened nuisance and danger. New queens and males are produced before the colony dies off with the first hard freeze ^{3 12}.
• Winter (November-February: Most of the colony perishes. Only fertilized queens survive, hibernating in protected spots like under bark or in leaf litter, waiting to start the cycle anew in spring ¹³.

Professional Removal Options and Methods

When a nest is established, hiring a professional is the safest course of action. Denver residents generally have two main paths for stinging pest control: extermination or humane relocation.

Traditional Pest Control for Wasps and Hornets: Licensed pest management professionals use specialized equipment and EPA-registered insecticides to eliminate wasp and hornet colonies. This is typically the recommended approach for aggressive species like yellow jackets. Many companies, such as those serving the Denver area, offer a pest-free guarantee following treatment ^{1 14 15}. The process often involves:

1. A thorough inspection to locate all nesting sites.
2. Application of insecticidal dust or spray directly into the nest entrance, often during cooler evening hours when insects are less active.
3. Physical removal of the nest after the colony is eradicated, followed by sealing entry points to prevent re-infestation.

Humane Bee Relocation by Beekeepers: For honeybee swarms or established hives, relocation is the responsible choice. Local beekeepers or services listed through the Colorado Beekeepers Association can often collect swarms for little to no cost. For established hives inside structures, a structural hive removal is a more involved process where a beekeeper carefully extracts the comb and bees before a contractor seals the space ¹⁶. A statewide hotline (1-844-SPY-BEES) can also connect you with local swarm catchers.

Understanding the Cost of Removal in Denver

The price for professional bee or wasp control in Denver varies significantly based on several key factors. While a small, accessible nest may be relatively inexpensive, complex removals can be a major investment ^{17 18}.

Primary Cost Factors:

• Nest Location: A nest under an eave is far less costly to treat than one inside a wall or deep underground, which requires more labor and potential repair work.
• Insect Species: Removing a large, aggressive bald-faced hornet nest is typically more expensive than treating a paper wasp nest due to the higher risk involved.
• Nest Size: A small, new-season nest is quicker to handle than a large, mature colony.
• Accessibility: If the nest is on a high second-story eave or requires special equipment to reach, costs will increase.

Estimated Cost Ranges in Denver: Based on local market data, you can expect the following general price ranges ^{17 18 7 19}:

• Basic Wasp/Hornet Nest Removal: $100 - $500. This covers small, easily accessible nests for common species.
• Complex Wasp/Hornet Removal: $300 - $700+. For large nests, aggressive species (yellow jackets, bald-faced hornets), or moderately difficult locations.
• Honeybee Swarm Collection: $0 - $200. Many beekeepers collect swarms for free; some may charge a trip fee.
• Established Beehive Removal (Structural): $125 - $1,000+. Costs soar if the hive is inside a wall or attic, as it involves careful extraction by a beekeeper and subsequent repairs by a contractor, which can push totals to $1,500 or more ^{17 16}.

Always get detailed, written estimates from a few providers that specify the service method, any guarantees offered, and whether the price includes follow-up visits or necessary repairs.

Why DIY Removal is Not Recommended

Attempting to remove a nest yourself is highly dangerous. Over-the-counter sprays often aggravate insects without fully eradicating the colony, leading to aggressive defensive behavior. The risk of multiple stings is high, which can trigger severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. Professionals have the proper protective gear, training, and tools to handle the job safely and effectively.

Prevention Tips for Denver Homeowners

Proactive measures can make your property less attractive to nesting stinging insects.

• Seal Entry Points: In early spring, inspect and seal cracks, gaps, and holes in your home's exterior, especially around rooflines, siding, and utility penetrations.
• Manage Attractants: Keep trash cans tightly sealed, clean up fallen fruit, and avoid leaving sugary drinks or food uncovered outdoors.
• Reduce Nesting Sites: Regularly clear away yard debris, old wood piles, and unused equipment. Fill in abandoned rodent burrows in your yard.
• Conduct Regular Inspections: Periodically check common nesting sites like under eaves, decks, and porch ceilings from spring through fall.

Frequently asked questions

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