Wasp and bee removal in San Diego
Yellow jackets and paper wasps build nests in eaves, attics, irrigation boxes, and underground burrows, they're aggressive when disturbed and a nest near a doorway or play area is a real safety problem. Honey bee swarms, on the other hand, deserve different treatment: bees are pollinators in serious decline, and most honey bee jobs can be referred to local beekeepers for live removal. We assess the situation, identify the species, and recommend treatment, removal, or relocation accordingly.
Last updated: 2026-04-23
What's included in this service?
- Yellow jacket and paper wasp nest treatment with foam or dust application
- Underground yellow jacket burrow treatment (common in lawns and dirt piles)
- Honey bee swarm assessment and beekeeper referral for live removal when feasible
- Honey bee structural removal coordination with licensed structural pest contractors
- Mud dauber and carpenter bee treatment
- Same-day urgent service for nests in high-traffic or allergic-resident areas
- Eave, attic vent, and irrigation-box inspection for hidden nests
When do you need this service?
- You see a wasp or yellow jacket nest within 20 feet of an entry, deck, or play area
- Wasps are flying in and out of an eave, attic vent, or wall void
- Yellow jackets are emerging from a hole in the lawn or under decking
- A honey bee swarm has clustered on a tree, fence, or eave and stayed for more than a day
- Someone in the household has a wasp or bee allergy and needs the area cleared
What do homeowners ask about Wasps & Bees?
Can't I just spray the nest with a store-bought can?
Aerosol wasp spray works if the nest is small, accessible, and you can do it after dark when the wasps are calmer, but it puts you in striking range of an angry colony. Underground yellow jackets and nests in walls or eaves often have hundreds of wasps and require professional dust application that reaches the queen.
Do you kill honey bees?
Only as a last resort. Honey bees are critical pollinators and most swarms can be relocated by a local beekeeper at no cost to you or to the bee population. We assess the situation and refer to beekeepers when feasible. Established structural colonies (bees living in a wall) sometimes require chemical treatment if the comb can't be safely removed, we'll always discuss the options.
How do I know if it's yellow jackets, wasps, or bees?
Yellow jackets are bright yellow and black, fast-moving, and aggressive, they're often seen at picnics. Paper wasps are slimmer with longer legs and build umbrella-shaped open nests. Honey bees are fuzzy, golden-brown, and much less aggressive unless their hive is threatened. We can confirm via photo before scheduling.
How long until the nest is dead?
Dust treatments take 24–48 hours to work through the colony. Foam treatments are faster (within hours). After treatment, the nest can be physically removed if it's in a sensitive location, otherwise it's safe to leave in place and won't be re-used.
Where do we offer Wasps & Bees in San Diego County?
We provide wasps & bees in every city and community in San Diego County. Pick your city for local climate notes and service specifics.
See wasps & bees in all 67 cities
Need wasps & bees in San Diego County?
Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.