Top Bee & Wasp Removal in Ames, Iowa Ranked

Discovering a buzzing nest on your property can be unsettling. For homeowners and businesses in Ames, professional bee and wasp removal services provide a safe and effective solution to manage these stinging insects. This guide helps you understand your options, from standard pest control for aggressive wasps to humane relocation for beneficial honeybees, so you can find the right local expertise for your specific situation.

Preferred Pest Control

3400 100th St, Urbandale, IA 50322

Preferred Pest Control is a family-owned pest control company serving Des Moines, IA, and the surrounding metro area. They provide pest management services for both residential and commercial properties, addressing common issues such as ants, bed bugs, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, bees, wasps, cockroaches, spiders, and ticks. Their team uses specialized techniques including bed bug detection dogs and Sentricon® termite control to effectively manage infestations. With over 40 years in the industry, Preferred Pest Control offers same-day emergency services and ongoing training to stay current with pest control methods.

5.0

1.1k Reviews

Preferred Pest Control

1410 SE Cortina Dr Suite 102, Ankeny, IA 50021

Preferred Pest Control is a family-owned pest control company serving homes and businesses in Des Moines, IA. They offer a wide range of services including bed bug treatment, cockroach and ant control, rodent management, termite inspections, mosquito control, and bee and wasp removal. Their team uses advanced methods such as bed bug detection dogs and Sentricon® termite systems to address infestations effectively. With over 40 years in the pest control industry, Preferred Pest Control provides same-day emergency services and ongoing training to stay current with pest management techniques.

5.0

150 Reviews

Miller Pest Solutions

1904 NW 92nd Ct, Clive, IA 50325

Miller Pest Solutions is a family-owned pest control company serving Des Moines, IA, and surrounding areas. They offer comprehensive pest management services for homes and businesses, including bed bug treatment, termite inspections, rodent control, mosquito control, and stinging insect removal. Their approach includes detailed inspections, customized treatment plans, and ongoing seasonal visits to maintain pest-free environments. Since 2001, Miller Pest Solutions has combined local expertise with guidance from an in-house entomologist to provide targeted and effective pest control solutions. They also provide specialized termite protection using Sentricon® bait stations and offer a retreatment warranty for termite services.

4.9

1.5k Reviews

Aptive Pest Control

des moines

Aptive Pest Control provides pest management services in Des Moines, IA, and surrounding areas including Ankeny, Altoona, and West Des Moines. They handle common pests such as ants, spiders, rodents, bees, and wasps with year-round treatments tailored to each home. Aptive is known for revisiting properties at no extra charge if pests persist, ensuring ongoing pest control support.

4.9

134 Reviews

Greenix Pest Control

3905 SE Grimes Blvd E, Grimes, IA 50111

Greenix Pest Control is a pest management company serving Des Moines, IA, and nearby areas. They offer comprehensive pest control services targeting over 50 common household pests, including cockroaches, ants, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, and wasps. Their approach includes a detailed 20-point inspection and treatments such as exterior perimeter spraying and granular pest barriers to protect homes effectively. Greenix emphasizes eco-friendly and season-specific plans to reduce pest presence year-round. The company operates from Grimes, IA, and provides tailored pest control and rodent control plans designed to address specific pest issues.

4.8

2.0k Reviews

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Understanding Your Stinging Insect Problem in Ames

The first step in addressing a bee or wasp issue is proper identification. Different species require different approaches, especially when considering the ecological importance of pollinators like honeybees versus the defensive nature of yellow jackets or hornets. In Ames, common stinging insects include paper wasps, yellow jackets, bald-faced hornets, and honeybees ¹. Each has distinct nesting habits and behaviors that influence the removal strategy.

Paper Wasps are known for their open, umbrella-shaped nests often found under eaves, porch ceilings, and railings. They are less aggressive than other wasps but will defend their nest if disturbed. Yellow Jackets are highly aggressive, especially in late summer, and frequently build nests underground in lawns or within wall voids ^{2 3}. Bald-faced Hornets construct large, enclosed football-shaped nests in trees, shrubs, or on buildings. Honeybees are social pollinators that may swarm to establish a new colony, often moving into hollow spaces like walls, chimneys, or soffits ⁴.

Common Nesting Sites Around Ames Homes

Stinging insects seek out quiet, protected areas to build their colonies. Knowing where to look can help you spot a problem early before it grows into a larger infestation ⁵.

• Above Ground & Structural: Eaves, soffits, attics, wall voids, behind shutters, and under porch ceilings or decks are prime real estate for wasps and bees seeking shelter ⁶.
• Ground Level & Underground: Yellow jackets and some bumblebee species prefer to nest underground in old rodent burrows, under rocks, or within landscape timbers and concrete slabs ³.
• Vegetation & Trees: Paper wasps and hornets often attach their nests to tree branches, dense shrubbery, or within thick ivy.
• Other Cavities: Chimneys, vents, and gaps in siding or brickwork can provide perfect entry points for honeybee swarms looking to establish a permanent hive ⁴.

Seasonal Activity of Bees and Wasps in Central Iowa

The presence of stinging insects in Ames is strongly tied to the seasons, with activity peaking during the warmer months ⁷.

• Late Spring to Early Fall: This is the primary active season. Queens emerge in spring to start new nests, which begin small but grow rapidly through the summer. By late summer and early fall, nests are at their largest, and insect populations (and defensiveness) are at their peak ^{8 9}.
• Winter: Activity ceases with freezing temperatures. Most wasps and hornets die off, leaving only new queens to overwinter in sheltered spots. It's important to note that wasps do not reuse old nests, but a protected location may attract a new queen the following spring ¹⁰.
• Swarming Season for Bees: Honeybee swarms, which are clusters of bees looking for a new home, are most common in late spring and early summer. While a swarm is generally docile, it's a sign that a colony may soon move into a structure if not addressed.

Professional Removal Options Available in Ames

When facing a nest, you have two primary service paths: general pest control for elimination or specialized live removal for honeybees.

Pest Control for Wasps and Hornets: Local Ames providers like Creed Pest Control and Miller Pest Solutions, as well as national services, offer treatments to eliminate wasp, hornet, and yellow jacket nests ^{11 12}. These services typically involve applying insecticidal dust or sprays directly to the nest entrance or using foams for enclosed spaces. The goal is quick eradication, especially for aggressive species posing an immediate threat ¹.

Live Bee Removal & Relocation: For honeybees, which are crucial pollinators, humane removal is preferred. Specialists such as Central Iowa Honey Bee Swarm Rescue prioritize safely extracting the colony and relocating it to an apiary ¹³. This process, known as a "cut-out," involves carefully opening a wall or structure, removing the comb and bees, and then sealing the entry point to prevent recurrence. This is a skilled service that preserves the bee population ^{14 15}.

What Determines the Cost of Removal?

The cost for professional bee or wasp removal in Ames varies significantly based on several key factors. The type of insect, the size and location of the nest, and the difficulty of access all play a major role in pricing ¹⁶.

For wasp and hornet nest elimination, costs are often structured by the nest's location:

• Easily Accessible Nests: A small, exposed paper wasp nest under an eave may cost between $100 and $400 for a one-time treatment ¹⁷.
• Ground Nests: Removing a yellow jacket nest underground typically ranges from $500 to $750 or more, as it requires specialized techniques and can be labor-intensive ¹⁶.
• Nests Within Structures: Infestations inside wall voids, attics, or chimneys are the most complex, with costs ranging from $600 to over $1,100. This higher price often accounts for the need for minor demolition, carpentry work for access, and subsequent repairs ^{16 17}.

For honeybee removal, the pricing model is different. A standard live removal and relocation can range from $100 to $700, but complex jobs involving extensive structural access can reach $2,000 or more ^{18 19}. Some local beekeepers may remove a recently settled, easily accessible swarm for free or a small donation, but established hives almost always require a paid professional service.

Why Professional Help is Recommended

While DIY solutions exist, professional removal is strongly advised for several reasons:

• Safety: Technicians have the protective gear and experience to handle aggressive insects safely, reducing the risk of painful stings and dangerous allergic reactions.
• Effectiveness: Professionals can ensure the entire colony is addressed, not just the visible portion, preventing a quick rebound. They also identify and seal entry points.
• Proper Identification & Method: Misidentifying a honeybee hive as a wasp nest could lead to the unnecessary killing of vital pollinators. Experts know the difference and apply the correct, targeted solution.
• Insurance & Liability: Reputable companies are insured, protecting you in the rare event of property damage or other issues arising from the service.

Preparing for a Service Visit

To help your chosen provider give an accurate quote and perform efficient service, you can prepare by noting a few details:

1. Location: Pinpoint the exact spot of the nest if possible. Is it high in a tree, under a deck, or inside a soffit?
2. Insect Activity: Observe the insects' behavior and appearance if you can do so safely from a distance. Note their size, color, and flight pattern.
3. Access: Consider if there are obstacles around the nest, such as landscaping, furniture, or electrical fixtures.
4. Timing: Be ready to describe when you first noticed the activity, as this can indicate the size and maturity of the colony.

Frequently asked questions

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