Frequently asked questions
Common questions for Virginia HoneyBee Extricators, answered straight.
Common questions, honest answers.
Do you remove bees from inside walls or attics?
We handle swarm removals — bees that just landed and haven't built comb yet. If the bees have been in your wall or attic for more than a few days and have started building, that's a cut-out and requires opening the structure to remove the comb. We evaluate cut-outs case by case across Greater Rockingham County. Some we can handle, others need a contractor involved for structural access and repair. Call us with your situation and we'll tell you what's involved.
How much does swarm removal cost?
We don't charge for straightforward swarm removals if the swarm is accessible — hanging from a branch, on a fence, on the outside of a structure. We're happy to collect the bees and relocate them to our apiary. If the swarm is in a difficult location that requires special equipment or significant time, we'll discuss costs up front. Most accessible swarms are free.
When is swarm season in Virginia?
Most swarms happen April through June, peaking in May. That's when colonies are growing fast and splitting naturally. We get occasional swarms into July, but it's rare after that. If you see a swarm, call the same day — they'll move on within 24-48 hours if not collected. We respond seven days a week during swarm season.
What's the difference between a package and a nuc?
A package is 3 lbs of bees and a caged queen with no comb — you're starting from scratch. A nuc is 5 frames of drawn comb with brood, bees, and a laying queen — it's a small established hive. Nucs build faster and have a better first-year honey crop, but they cost more than packages. We sell both each spring for pickup in late March or early April.
Can I buy honey year-round?
We sell honey as long as we have inventory, but availability depends on the season and how much we extracted. Spring honey is usually ready in May, summer honey in July or August, fall honey in September or October. Once a batch sells out, it's gone until the next extraction. Late winter and early spring we're often low or out of stock until the new season starts.
Why does raw honey crystallize?
Crystallization is normal for raw, unfiltered honey. It happens faster in honey with a higher glucose content or if it's stored in a cool place. It doesn't mean the honey is bad. Set the jar in a pot of warm water (not boiling) and it'll reliquefy. Don't microwave it — high heat destroys enzymes and changes the flavor.
Do you treat your hives for varroa mites?
Yes. Varroa mites are the biggest threat to honey bee colonies in Virginia. We monitor mite levels with alcohol washes or sugar rolls and treat when counts exceed threshold. Treatment methods vary — we use organic acids (formic, oxalic) or synthetic miticides depending on the time of year and whether there's honey supers on the hive. We can help you set up a mite-monitoring and treatment plan for your hives.
How many hives do I need to get a honey crop the first year?
If you start with a package in April, you might get a small surplus by late summer if it's a good nectar flow and the hive builds fast, but don't count on it. The first year is about getting the colony established and through winter. If you start with a nuc, your odds are better — nucs have a head start and can often produce harvestable honey the first season if conditions are right.
Can you teach me how to do a cut-out myself?
We offer mentorship and hands-on training, but cut-outs are advanced work. If you've never done one, we don't recommend starting solo. You're dealing with a large defensive colony, structural cutting, live bees in confined spaces, and comb removal under time pressure. Better to assist on a few cut-outs with someone experienced before trying one on your own. You're welcome to shadow us on a job if you want to learn.
Do I need a license or permit to keep bees in Virginia?
No state license is required to keep bees in Virginia, but check your county and HOA rules. Some counties have setback requirements or hive limits. Northern Virginia counties generally allow backyard beekeeping with reasonable setbacks from property lines. If you're in a municipality or HOA, confirm before you set up hives. We can help you navigate local regulations.
What happens if I find a swarm on a weekend or after hours?
Call or text us at (540) 908-1147. We respond to swarm calls seven days a week during swarm season. If we can't get there the same day, we'll try to refer you to another beekeeper in the area. Swarms are time-sensitive — they won't wait until Monday. Tim handles all calls directly, so you're talking to the person who'll do the removal.
How long does a cut-out take?
Most cut-outs take 3-5 hours depending on hive size and location. If the hive has been there for months or years and filled a large cavity, it can take longer. We won't know exactly until we open it up and see how much comb is inside. We'll give you a time estimate after the site evaluation.