Transparent Service & Operational Tiers
Billed hourly based on physical hazard, access difficulty, and equipment requirements.
Accessible Swarm Pickups
For temporary resting swarms clustered in exposed branches, fences, or exterior walls under 8 feet high.
- Non-destructive suction or box shake.
- Quick 30-to-60 minute resolution.
- High undisturbed swarms can be monitored or lured with bait traps.
- Huntsville area base rate.
Accessible Colony Removals
Established comb located in walk-up accessible cavities that do not require building demolition.
- Water meter boxes, irrigation vaults, sheds.
- Compost bins, outdoor furniture, open barns.
- Includes vacuum extraction and comb cutout.
- Also serves as our Commercial Standby Rate.
Structural Cutouts
Colonies inside building walls, soffits, fascia boards, floors, or roof eaves requiring structural opening, as well as all removals there the top of the colony is 6-12' above grade.
- Precision invasive opening to access cavity.
- Complete brood, honey, and comb extraction.
- Cavity scraping, vacuuming, and odor sealing.
- 2-hour minimum labor assessment.
Heavy Equipment & Lift Work
High-elevation work requiring bucket trucks, articulating boom lifts, or complex scaffolding.
- Working above 12 feet from grade.
- Client provides or funds certified lift equipment.
- Covers increased harness PPE & elevated risk.
- 2-hour minimum billing window.
Structural Entry Policy: "Destructive by Default"
Honey bees nest in deep, enclosed structural voids. Removing them thoroughly requires cutting into drywall, removing siding, unscrewing metal roofing, or breaching utility enclosures.
Scheel Apiary does not perform carpentry, drywall, roofing, or structural repairs. Our responsibility is strictly apicultural: safely removing bees, harvesting comb, scraping propolis, and applying scent barriers. The property owner or general contractor remains solely responsible for hiring trades to replace siding, sheetrock, and weatherproof seals.
*For commercial contractor or utility callouts, a separate Subcontractor Equipment Loan & Worksites Safety Waiver is provided when protective suits are loaned to onsite machinery operators. Additional charges for Rush / Emergency callouts.
Need Emergency Hive Removal or Utility Clearing?
Call or text our direct dispatch line. Please take a clear photo of the entrance and flight activity from a safe distance to assist with our immediate assessment.