BEE RESCUE

Bees where they shouldn't be? We'll move them — not kill them

Humane swarm collection and live bee removal for homeowners and property managers across the Cumberland Plateau. We relocate your bees safely so they keep doing what they do best.

Before you call an exterminator, call us.

Honey bees are worth saving. A colony that’s moved and managed contributes to the local ecosystem — one that’s exterminated is just gone. We have the equipment, experience, and apiary space to give removed colonies a second chance.

Whether it’s a swarm in a tree or bees inside a wall, we assess the situation honestly and give you a clear picture of what’s involved before any work begins.

Every situation is a little different | Bee Rescue

Swarm collection

A fresh swarm clustered in a tree, shrub, or on a structure is usually straightforward to collect. The sooner you call, the easier it is — swarms don't stay put for long.

Live bee removal

Bees established inside a wall, soffit, chimney, or outbuilding require a more involved removal. We extract the colony and comb alive and relocate them to our apiary.

Cutout & cleanup

For colonies that have been in a structure long enough to build significant comb, we perform a full cutout — removing bees, comb, and honey to prevent future pest and moisture problems.

BEE RESCUE, SIMPLE FROM THE START

Reach out

Tell us what you’re seeing and where. A photo helps — it lets us come prepared with the right equipment.

We assess

We’ll give you an honest read on the situation — what type of removal it is, what’s involved, and what to expect.

Safe removal

We remove the colony humanely and relocate them. You get your space back. The bees get a new home.

BEE RESCUE FAQ

What is a bee rescue?

A bee rescue is the humane live removal and relocation of a honey bee colony — moving the bees safely to an apiary rather than exterminating them. TLC Apiary performs bee rescues for homeowners and property managers across the Cumberland Plateau.

What is the difference between a swarm collection and a live bee removal?

A swarm collection involves gathering a fresh cluster of bees that has landed temporarily on a tree, shrub, or structure — usually a quick process. A live removal involves extracting an established colony that has moved inside a wall, soffit, chimney, or outbuilding, which requires more time and equipment.

What is a cutout?

A cutout is a full removal of a colony that has been inside a structure long enough to build significant comb. TLC Apiary removes the bees, comb, and honey completely to prevent future pest and moisture problems in the structure.

Should I call a bee rescuer or an exterminator?

If the bees are honey bees, calling a bee rescuer first is worth it — a colony that’s relocated continues to contribute to the local ecosystem, while an exterminated colony is simply lost. TLC Apiary assesses every situation honestly before any work begins.

How quickly should I call about a swarm?

As soon as possible. Swarms are temporary — they are scouting for a permanent home and will move on, often into a wall or structure. The sooner TLC Apiary is called, the simpler and quicker the collection.

What happens to the bees after removal?

Colonies removed by TLC Apiary are relocated to their apiary in Crossville, Tennessee. Every rescued colony goes into their care — not a dumpster.

Does TLC Apiary remove bees from inside walls?

Yes. TLC Apiary handles live removal of bees established inside walls, soffits, chimneys, and outbuildings, extracting the colony and comb alive before relocating them.

Where does TLC Apiary provide bee rescue services?

TLC Apiary provides bee rescue services across the Cumberland Plateau, based out of Crossville, Tennessee. They have handled removals from farmhouses, barns, soffits, and tree cavities throughout the region.

Rooted on the Plateau

Rooted in Crossville and the surrounding Cumberland Plateau, TLC Apiary brings hands-on experience with the region’s humidity, late frosts, and summer droughts to every removal.

We’ve handled removals from farmhouses, barns, soffits, and tree cavities across the area — and every colony we rescue goes into our care, not a dumpster.

Tracy answered my call when I found a colony of bees in the tree in my front yard. He came out to my house within the hour to save and collect them. It’s great to have wonderful people like this in our county!

~ Katherine Creamer

Got bees somewhere they shouldn't be?

Don’t wait — swarms move on and established colonies get harder to remove over time. Reach out and we’ll take it from there.