Top Bee & Wasp Removal in Des Moines, Iowa Ranked

Finding a wasp nest under your eaves or a swarm of bees in your shed can be alarming. Professional bee and wasp removal is a specialized service that safely addresses these stinging insect problems, protecting your family, pets, and property. For homeowners in Des Moines, understanding when these pests are active, where they nest, and how experts handle them is key to finding the right local solution for a sting-free environment.

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

Greenix Pest Control

2501 Grand Ave Suite G, Des Moines, IA 50312

Greenix Pest Control offers comprehensive pest management services in Des Moines, IA, addressing a wide range of household pests including cockroaches, ants, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, bees, and wasps. Their service includes a science-based, custom pest control plan that covers over 50 common pests, with specialized treatments such as termite prevention and mosquito reduction. Greenix uses a detailed six-step process that includes inspection, perimeter spraying, and interior protection to create effective pest barriers around homes. The company serves all neighborhoods in Des Moines and emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly pest control methods.

4.9

204 Reviews

The Bug Man, Inc.

2333 McKinley Ave #2, Des Moines, IA 50321

The Bug Man, Inc. is a family-owned pest control company serving Des Moines, IA, and central Iowa since 2001. They offer a range of pest management services including bed bug treatment, ant and rodent control, termite inspections, mosquito control, and bee and wasp removal. The company installs advanced systems such as In2Care Mosquito Stations and BASF Annual Termite Bait Stations to provide targeted and eco-friendly pest solutions. Their experienced technicians develop customized treatment plans tailored to both residential and commercial properties, including offices, apartments, hotels, and assisted living facilities.

4.9

146 Reviews

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Understanding Stinging Insects in Central Iowa

While often grouped together, bees and wasps are distinct, and the approach to managing them differs. Bees, such as honey bees, are vital pollinators and are generally less aggressive unless their hive is threatened. Wasps, including yellowjackets, hornets, and paper wasps, can be more territorial and aggressive, especially in late summer and fall when they are foraging for sweets and proteins ¹. Identifying whether you have a bee colony or a wasp nest is the first step a professional will take, as it determines whether relocation or extermination is the appropriate course of action.

In Des Moines, these insects are a common seasonal challenge. Their activity is tightly linked to Iowa's climate, with a predictable cycle that influences when control services are most in demand ².

Seasonal Activity of Bees and Wasps

Knowing when stinging insects are most active helps with prevention and timing for removal services.

• Spring (March-May): New queens emerge from hibernation and begin scouting for nesting sites. You may see solitary wasps or bees during this time, but colonies are just starting. This is an ideal time for preventative inspections ^{2 3}.
• Summer (June-August): Colonies grow rapidly, reaching peak size. Wasps are busy hunting insects to feed their larvae, and bee hives are full of activity. This is when most removal calls occur due to increased visibility and interaction ².
• Fall (September-November): This is the peak time for aggressive behavior. As natural food sources dwindle, wasps become more persistent around human food and drinks. Activity continues until temperatures consistently drop below 50°F ^{2 4}.
• Winter (December-February): Worker wasps and drones die off. Only fertilized queens survive, hibernating in protected spots like under tree bark or inside attic insulation. There is little to no visible activity during freezing weather ^{2 5}.

Common Nesting Sites Around Des Moines Homes

Bees and wasps seek sheltered, quiet spots to build their nests. Common locations around Des Moines properties include ^{6 7 8 9 10}:

• High Points: Under roof eaves, in attic vents, on roof peaks, and inside soffits.
• Structural Voids: Inside wall cavities, behind siding, and within porch ceilings.
• Ground Level & Landscaping: In underground burrows (common for yellowjackets), within dense shrubbery, and in hollows of trees.
• Outbuildings & Items: Inside sheds, garages, under deck railings, and in unused outdoor furniture like grills or children's playsets.

Regularly inspecting these areas in the spring and early summer can help you spot a new, small nest before it becomes a large colony.

The Professional Removal Process

Attempting to remove an active nest yourself is dangerous and not recommended ^{11 12 13}. Professionals have the training, protective equipment, and targeted products to do the job safely and effectively. The general process involves:

1. Inspection & Identification: A technician will assess the property to locate all nests and identify the species.
2. Treatment Plan: Based on the species and location, they will recommend a course of action. Bee swarms may be live-captured and relocated by a beekeeper, while wasp nests are typically treated with insecticides ^{14 15}.
3. Removal & Treatment: The nest is treated, often after dusk when insects are less active and全部返回 to the nest. For nests inside walls or other cavities, special tools or dust formulations may be used.
4. Clean-up & Exclusion: After the colony is eliminated, the nest may be removed to prevent attracting other pests. The technician will also look for and seal potential entry points to prevent future queens from establishing a new nest in the same spot ¹⁶.

Cost of Bee and Wasp Control in Des Moines

The cost for stinging insect control in Des Moines varies based on the type of insect, the size and location of the nest, and the service model. Here's a breakdown of typical pricing based on local service structures ^{17 18 14 15 19}:

• One-Time Removal Service: For a single wasp, hornet, or bee nest, homeowners can expect to pay between $150 and $500. Complex jobs, such as nests inside walls that require access repairs, can cost $1,000 to $2,000.
• Bee Swarm Removal: Capturing and relocating a accessible swarm of honey bees is often less expensive, ranging from $125 to $200. Some local beekeepers may remove easy-to-reach swarms for little or no cost ¹⁴.
• Integrated Pest Management Plans: Many Des Moines companies offer quarterly or annual plans starting around $49 to $92 per month. These plans often include preventative treatments for common pests and typically cover the removal of wasp or bee nests that appear between scheduled visits at no additional charge, providing significant value and peace of mind ^{17 18}.

For the most accurate estimate, contacting local providers for a free inspection is recommended, as many offer this service ²⁰.

Local Des Moines Stinging Insect Control Services

Several established companies in the Des Moines metro specialize in bee, wasp, and hornet control. Each brings a slightly different approach or service emphasis.

• Preferred Pest Control: Offers wasp nest removal as part of their residential coverage plans, emphasizing integrated seasonal protection ¹⁸.
• Miller Pest Solutions: Specializes in fast removal of active colonies from difficult spots like eaves and attic vents, with options for both one-time treatments and seasonal plans ^{8 21}.
• Bobcat Wildlife & Pest: Focuses on safe and respectful bee removal services and emphasizes prevention by sealing entry points in rooflines, vents, and siding ^{16 10}.
• The Bug Man: A family-owned company providing specialized wasp and hornet control strategies, including safe nest removal and preventative advice for homeowners ^{22 23 24}.
• Springer Professional Home Services: Their technicians handle nest removal from various areas, including under deck railings and in garden sheds ^{7 9}.

Prevention Tips for Homeowners

While professional help is needed for active nests, you can take steps to make your property less attractive to stinging insects:

• Seal Entry Points: In early spring, inspect and seal cracks in siding, around roof vents, and where utility lines enter the home.
• Manage Food Sources: Keep trash cans tightly sealed, clean up fallen fruit, and avoid leaving pet food or sugary drinks outside.
• Reduce Nesting Sites: Fill in abandoned rodent burrows in the yard, and store unused lawn furniture, grills, and gardening equipment in sealed sheds.
• Perform Early Season Checks: Regularly inspect the common nesting sites listed above during spring and early summer to catch new, small nests early.

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