What’s Legal in San Diego?

Sometimes the necessity of putting a bee hive down arises and the question gets asked, "Is it legal to kill a bee hive?": it is not illegal to kill honey bees in San Diego, provided the action is justified. 

The San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures allows for bee extermination under certain conditions. Property owners and licensed professionals can remove or exterminate colonies if the bees are on private property and are causing a nuisance or danger.

However, there are limits. Here’s when it could be illegal or problematic:

• If the bees are a protected species (not common honey bees, but certain native species).
  
  

• If bees are killed on public land or protected reserves without proper permits.
  
  

• If pesticide use violates state environmental codes or harms nearby pollinators unnecessarily.
  
  

• If Africanized bees are handled improperly, causing them to attack others.
  
  

This is why I always stress: don’t take matters into your own hands. I’ve seen people spray store-bought wasp killer into a hive and end up making the bees more aggressive—or getting stung dozens of times.

When the Law Allows, But Ethics Still Matter

Even when extermination is necessary, we don’t take it lightly. We won't kill a hive unless it's absolutely necessary. It’s a decision we weigh carefully, especially in an area like San Diego where honey bees are vital to agriculture and native plants.

The Role of Honey Bees and the Need for Live Removal

Honey bees are a vital part of our ecosystem. Without them, many of our crops and plants wouldn’t pollinate. I’ve always tried to prioritize live removal when dealing with honey bee hives inside walls, attics, or other areas of homes. Live removal involves carefully extracting the colony, including the queen, and relocating them to a safer, more suitable environment.

When Killing Bees Becomes Necessary

There are situations when live removal isn’t just impractical—it’s dangerous. Here are some real-life reasons I’ve had to put down a colony instead of relocating it:

1. Africanized Honey Bees (AHBs)

This is one of the most serious concerns we face in Southern California. Africanized bees look almost identical to European honey bees, but their behavior is dramatically different. They are extremely aggressive, easily provoked, and will pursue a threat for much longer distances.

I’ve had jobs where I approached what looked like a typical hive, only to be swarmed aggressively within seconds. These bees will go after pets, kids, and anyone within 100 feet if they feel disturbed. Once I confirm that the colony is Africanized, live removal is no longer an option. Relocating AHBs is too risky—it puts people and other bees at risk, and no reputable beekeeper will accept them.

2. Inaccessible or Hazardous Locations

Sometimes, the hive is not accessible without extreme property damage or repair cost. If it’s not feasible for us or the homeowners, extermination becomes the only viable path and leaving the hive would only cause more damage.