Although honey bees can be killed in place within buildings using insecticides labeled for killing bees inside structures, this removal method frequently results in unfavorable outcomes.(Note: These pesticides are only available to licensed pest control professionals).

If the colony has become well-established, killing it raises further concerns. Unattended brood can also decay and emit a strong stink. Unattended honey storage can absorb moisture and ferment, producing gas and causing the cappings that retain honey in the cells to explode. Honey then seeps through the drywall, requiring extensive cleanup and expensive replacement. If pesticides were used to kill the bees, the honey, wax, and dead bees become polluted and must be treated as hazardous waste.

Eliminating the bees without killing them may be a better option than using insecticides, especially if you have a willing beekeeper. First, the beekeeper must locate the nest by tapping the wall and listening for the hum of the colony. Some beekeepers use stethoscopes to locate the boundaries of the nest. Others make incredibly small holes in the wall and insert fine wires to locate the nest's perimeter. To remove honey bees and their combs from the nesting area, a rather large hole must be opened in some part of the building. This is best done by a competent contractor so that the hole can be readily closed once the bees have been removed.