Arizona Regulations
Arizona specifically requires strict guidelines for the keeping of bees. Although some rules vary from one city to the next, you can face a stiff fine if you fail to abide by those guidelines. Some rules are specific to the state while others depend on the city, which can potentially lead to confusion.
Arizona law states:
“It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain more than one hive or colony of bees for each one thousand seven hundred square feet of area within any lot or parcel of land upon which bees are kept or maintained.” The Honeybee Act govern federal guidelines for keeping or bringing bees into the U.S.
If your neighbor maintains a beehive without at least 1700 square feet of property, keeping of that hive can result in penalties. However, you likely do not want the bees that took up residence inside the structure of your home. What do you do?
People sometimes think that removing a hive on their own or sealing up the entry point is the answer. Nothing is further from the truth.
Why should I not remove bees myself?
Removing a beehive requires specific training and expertise. You or a family member may suffer an attack if you try to remove a hive. USA Today quotes the Smithsonian Institute, pointing out that Africanized honey bees “attack in great numbers and will chase someone up to a quarter mile.” The number of stings contributes to serious, even deadly consequences. Only a professional, expertly trained and licensed to remove them should attempt to remove a bee hive.
Sealing up the point of entry into your home does more harm. If you seal up the point of entry, bees will seek another exit. That means you could end up with bees actually getting into the living area of your home as they exit through wall outlets or other small opening.
How do I remove bees then?
Do not call just any bee removal company. Only a fully licensed company can provide safe removal of bees and prevent them from coming back. Some people think it is okay to just remove the bees. However, it is crucial to remove all traces of the bees, including leftover honey or other traces, to prevent rotting and to keep rodents or other insects away. Remove the bees in a safe, humane manner by the professionals trained to protect you and the bees.