Most "bee nests" are yellow jackets, hornets, or wasps — and we remove those. Honeybees we identify and refer to a local beekeeper.
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Why Better Termite for Nest Removal
In Northern Virginia, the insects people call "bees" are usually wasps: yellow jackets in the ground, bald-faced hornets in a paper football, paper wasps under the eave. Each one needs a different treatment, and the one true bee colony you might have — honeybees — shouldn't be treated at all.
Most "bee nests" in Northern Virginia are yellow jackets, hornets, or paper wasps. Honeybees are the exception, and they go to a beekeeper. We identify the species first so the nest gets the right treatment — or the right referral.
A nest by the front door, under the deck, or in the lawn where kids play is urgent. In most cases we can be at an Alexandria or Northern Virginia home within 24–48 hours.
Every nest we treat comes with a 30-day warranty. If activity returns to the treated nest inside that window, we come back at no extra cost.
What's in Your Nest
Six nest situations cover nearly every call we get across Alexandria, Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Find yours below and you'll know what you're dealing with — and how we handle it.
Almost always yellow jackets — the "ground bees" most people mean. Colonies grow into the thousands by late summer and defend the entrance aggressively. Treated at the entrance with insecticidal dust so returning workers carry it into the nest.
Yellow jacket nest removalBald-faced hornets. The football-shaped nest can reach basketball size by August and the colony will chase you well past the nest. Treated directly with protective gear, then removed once the colony is dead.
Hornet nest removalPaper wasps. Smaller colonies, less aggressive than yellow jackets, but defensive near the nest and a problem above doors, on grills, and along deck rails. Direct residual treatment to the comb.
Wasp controlYellow jackets, European hornets, or occasionally honeybees. We identify the species at the entry point. Wasps and hornets get treated at the entrance; a honeybee colony gets referred to a beekeeper for relocation.
Nests in walls explainedCarpenter bees. No nest to remove — each female drills her own gallery. We dust the active galleries so adults and brood pick up product as they move through, with an annual spring treatment to keep the next generation off.
Carpenter bee controlMining bees (true ground bees). Solitary, gentle, gone in a few weeks, and valuable pollinators. We'll confirm the ID, and in most cases we'll recommend leaving them alone rather than treating.
About ground beesThe ones that are actually wasps
None of these are bees. All four build nests we treat and remove, with a 30-day warranty. Yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets account for the majority of stinging incidents in the DC area each summer.
½ in. Vespula spp.
The most common "bee nest" call we get — and they're wasps. Colonies grow to thousands by late summer, sting repeatedly, and defend the entrance hard. The nest most likely to send someone to the ER in Northern Virginia.
Learn more
¾ in. Dolichovespula maculata
Technically a large yellow jacket. Builds the gray football-shaped paper nest, defends it from a distance, and can squirt venom at the eyes. Nests near walkways and play areas need to come down.
Learn more
1–1½ in. Vespa crabro
The only true hornet in the DC area, and the largest. Active at night around porch lights, nests inside hollow trees and wall voids. Painful sting; the colony strips bark from shrubs to build the nest.
Learn more
½–1 in. Polistes spp.
The open umbrella comb with visible cells under your eave. Smaller colonies and less aggressive than yellow jackets, but defensive near the nest and a real problem above a doorway.
Learn moreNot sure which one you have? Snap a photo and text it to (703) 683-2000 — we'll identify it before we come out.
The ones that are actually bees
Only one of these, the carpenter bee, is a structural pest. Honeybees go to a beekeeper, mining bees are best left alone, and bumble bees are handled case-by-case.
About ½ in. Apis mellifera
Protected pollinators we don't treat. A football-shaped swarm on a branch is temporary — bees regrouping around a queen. A colony inside a wall needs a beekeeper who can remove the comb, not an exterminator. We'll help you ID them and refer you.
Learn more
¾–1 in. Xylocopa virginica
The wood-damaging bee. Females drill perfectly round holes into untreated wood each spring; woodpeckers then tear apart the siding to reach the larvae. We treat the active galleries.
Learn more
½–1 in. Bombus spp.
Native pollinators, docile away from the nest but defensive at it. Handled case-by-case: left alone or relocated when the nest is out of the way, treated only when it's beside a door, in a mowed lawn, or near someone with a sting allergy.
Learn more
¼–½ in. Andrena spp. and relatives
Solitary bees that each dig their own burrow. They rarely sting, disappear in a few weeks, and pollinate spring fruit trees. If the "ground bees" in your yard are these, we'll tell you to leave them be. If they're yellow jackets, we treat.
Learn moreHoneybee swarm or colony? We'll help you confirm it and connect you with a local beekeeper — no charge.
From Your Neighbors
Real Alexandria and Northern Virginia homeowners on getting a yellow jacket, hornet, or wasp nest handled quickly and correctly. Same Better Promise, 30-day warranty on every nest we treat.
Why It Matters
Roughly 1 in 20 people will have a severe reaction to a sting. Yellow jackets and hornets sting repeatedly and defend the nest in numbers — the reason a nest near a doorway, deck, or lawn is worth treating promptly.
A yellow jacket or hornet colony starts with one queen in spring and can hold thousands of workers by August. The earlier a nest is treated, the smaller the colony and the simpler the job.
Hardware-store sprays rarely reach the colony inside a ground nest or wall void. Disturbing the entrance without killing the colony is what causes most multi-sting incidents — and wasps in a wall can chew through into the room.
Honeybees and mining bees are pollinators, and a bumble bee nest in a far corner of the yard is often best left alone. Identifying first means we only treat what's actually a threat.
Want to go deeper before you call? Read our guides on types of wasp nests, yellow jacket vs. paper wasp nests, European hornet nests, and what to do about ground bees.
You're never locked into a contract—stay because you want to.
Unlimited re-treats if pests return, no long-term contracts, and if we can't get results, you don't pay for your last service. Cancel anytime.
Including areas south of Fredericksburg, west to Winchester and Frederick, MD and up to Baltimore. Type in your zip code above to check your home, or give us a call to check to ensure you are in our service area.
1500+ 5 Star Reviews on Google "I highly recommend this company for your home pest control. Their technicians are thorough and have prevented any unwanted problems from happening on our property. During our last treatment, Jasmine took care of our outdoor spider webs without us even asking. Last summer they removed a mud dauber's nest under our deck and above our patio door. That attention to detail speaks volumes. Thank you for taking care of us!"
"The team at Better Termite & Pest control are phenomenal! I feel like my family and my home are in good hands. Everyone I have come into contact with has been responsive, pleasant and professional. The price is right and the service is superb!"
"Joann is amazing! She always takes time to talk with me and check inside boxes. I so appreciate her!! I have been using Better Termite and Pest Management for over 20 years."
"I love Darren over at Better Termite. He is always so attentive and kind, and really goes, IMO, out of his way to do a fantastic job. And I am so happy that I had NO MOSQUITOES this summer in my backyard in spite of the fact that there is a drainage area right behind my house, and that is 100% because of Better Termites services."
"Daren and Shay were prompt, courteous and professional. Daren has been maintaining my property for a while now. He's passionate about his work and the environment. Definitely glad I found them!"
"Better Termite has been keeping our house bug free for years with regular perimeter treatments. As a small, family owned business, they are able to personalize their approach based on your needs. It's clear that they prioritize customer service and communication. We recently had a swarm of a stinging insect take shelter under our ground-level deck, and they researched, bought necessary equipment, and came up with the best way to treat it. Highly recommend!"
"Steve was very accommodating and patient in explaining what we're dealing with and what measures he recommended to address our rodent issue. He walked through and assessed our home thoroughly for areas of concern and walked my wife and I through the treatment plan and why he recommended the treatments. Steve's customer service skills were fantastic. He spoke clearly and concisely, alleviated our concerns, and assured us of their treatment service. I also want to recognize Cindy who promptly made the service call to check up on us the next day. She confirmed the treatment that had taken place and also provided reassurance of the work. Cindy's customer service was attentive and kind. My wife and I are extremely grateful for you both!"
"I called the office to get a quote, and Kamaal was very patient in explaining the process. He stayed on the call for 30+ minutes and provided a lot of valuable information. I truly appreciate his time and professionalism. Although we ultimately went with a different company because the latter were available sooner during the holiday season, I highly recommend checking out Better if you're looking for an honest and trustworthy service team to work with."
"Better Terminate and Pest Control provide my termite inspection annually. They have kept my home termite free for over 30 years. Throughout those years they have been a pleasure to work with and they are always respectful each time they've been to my home. I would not hesitate to recommend them to others for their pest control needs."
"They have been servicing my home since 1999. Their inspector always does a good job looking indoors and outdoors for termite activities."
"Serviced my home for annual termite inspection for over 35 years! I think that speaks for itself. Technicians are thorough, polite, and trustworthy. They are quick to point out any pest concerns and offer resolutions. Highly recommend!"
"My initial review was one star. However, they reached to me to explain the situation with their new system to contact customers and schedule visits. They came out to look at the problem on time. They seemed very experienced and quickly provided assessment of the problem and made recommendation to address the issue. They were honest in their assessment and did not try to mislead me in anyway. The most important part for me was to have someone experienced and honest company provide the estimate and resolution. Once I have fixed the water leak issue and replaced the damaged material, I will call them to treat the insects. I changed my rating to five stars."
"Better Termite & Pest Control has been providing us effective and reliable service for over 20 years. Darren is our current technician, and he is wonderful. We couldn't be more pleased. Based on our experience, we would highly recommend Better Termite to anyone looking for a termite and pest control provider."
"I am a longtime (+20 year) customer of Better Termite & Pest Control because of the awesome customer service provided by Cindy. She always answers the phone with cheer and makes sure my needs for a pest free house are conveniently scheduled."
"24 years with Better Termite & Pest Control. They always have done a great job. Cindy in the main office is also so helpful. Greatly appreciated!"
"We've been a customer of Better Termite and Pest Control since moving into our Reston townhouse over 40 years ago and only stopped service because we finally moved out of the neighborhood. They have always provided great service. They treated a problem that we had many years ago, inspect for it regularly, and it has never recurred. Their regular inspections and preventive treatments avert pest problems and give great peace of mind. Cindy is especially helpful in scheduling visits and ensuring that the work is done properly. I highly recommend this business to anyone needing such services."
"Been using BT & PC for our annual inspection for over 30 years. Great service, always call ahead and leave no trace behind"
"We were blown away by the outstanding service received from Better Termite! We required a specific inspection for closing on a VA loan refinance and time was of the essence. Not only did they fully understand what was needed but they were able to accommodate our tight timeline. Every employee we spoke to or welcomed into our home was professional and courteous. We can't thank you enough for your assistance! We have been happy customers for over 10 years and will continue!"
"We've used Better Termite for 30 years. They are very professional, courteous and most of all, knowledgeable."
"We have been with Better Termite & Pest Control for 15 years & would highly recommend the company. We just renewed our service & Cindy at Better Termites was professional & helped answer all our questions regarding the renewal terms & schedule an extra service for our house. The services for general pest control & termites monitoring stations is reliable & performed on time!"
"I have been a client of Better Termite & Pest Control for decades. Their service is always A+. Cindy has always been helpful with clear explanations and quick to follow up. Being my main contact Cindy gives me great confidence in the company."
"I signed up for a plan and have been truly happy with it. This company is highly professional and very responsive. When I saw fence damage from a carpenter bee, they came out quickly to address the issue right away! Accolades to Cindy the dispatcher, and all the technicians from Juan to Daren to Fredie. I appreciate your service!"
"Edited to add: this company CONTINUES to amaze me! Last night, we found some super scary nests of stinging beasts embedded in the window screen right next to our front door. We are hosting a birthday party for our toddler on Saturday, so I was obviously distraught about potentially having to cancel given the location/danger to little kids. I left them a message AFTER they were closed, and BEFORE they were open this morning, I got an automated call from their scheduling system stating they'd be here today. It is 10:19am, and their employee is here, bravely tackling what I'm way too scared to address myself. Seriously y'all, if you have pests, and you call anyone else, you're shortchanging yourself. These pros GET. IT. DONE! We've had a subscription service with this company for yrs, since moving into our current house, and realizing it was rather...spidery. 🤮 But NO MORE! Better Termite uses pet-friendly, but not spider-friendly products, and we are now creepy crawly-free! Over the years, they've also tackled ants, bees, and HORRIBLE paper wasps! Further, Cindy and Darren are awesome to work with, and really know their stuff! I can't recommend this company enough."
"I've had nothing but great experiences for 3 years now. Their consistent, reliable service really stands out for me, and everyone is always kind and easy to talk to. I also like that they're a local, family-run business. They came with my new house protention plan and I've had no reason to ever switch. Kamaal, who I'm gonna call my customer consultant, is fantastic—he really listens to my concerns and works with me to come up with the best plan for whatever pest issues I'm dealing with. He even keeps me updated on pest trends in my area so we can stay ahead of any problems. I even had them go and take care of a mouse problem for my grandmother. Cleared out an infestation! I highly recommend them."
"Daren did an outstanding job conducting my termite inspection today. He was right on time and extremely professional thorough throughout the entire process. I did not have any problems, and he was very good with some solid advice about how to continue to guard against not only termites but other rodents as well. Cindy also expertly took care of me throughout the process. I know if I have any problems in the future.I will definitely call these folks. Outstanding job!!"
"After several months of on-again off-again rodent issues inside our house, I decided to look for a new exterminator team to partner with. Thanks to a quick ChatGPT search, I was able to cut through all the noise on the internet and find Better Termite & Pest. Following a review of their informative website, I called and spoke with Hussam—and he's awesome! He listened patiently to my issues and thoughtfully suggested services that fit my particular needs. Hussam also made it a point to pair me with a technician whose expertise aligns with the issues I am facing. My first consultation with Better Pest is this Friday, it could have been sooner but this worked best for me, and I look forward to tackling our pest problems with them!"
"Outstanding Customer Service Experience with Mr. Hussam! I want to take a moment to recognize the exceptional service I received from Mr. Hussam. From the start, he was highly professional, personable, and attentive to my needs. What truly stood out was his ability to recall our previous conversations, making the experience feel personalized and valued. His dedication and loyalty to both his job and the business were evident in the way he handled every interaction with care and expertise. He went above and beyond to ensure that I had the best experience possible. His positive attitude, commitment to excellence, and genuine concern for customer satisfaction truly set him apart. Thank you, Mr. Hussam, for your outstanding service—your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed!"
"We have used Better Termite since 1996 and we're very pleased with the results. The techs and the staff are flexible and prompt with appointments. Their price is reasonable. In 2023 we started using their pest control service for bugs and mice. Again we have been happy with the results of their service. Kamaal, I appreciate your customer satisfaction call to check us."
"Transfered my pest control service to someone new as my old service no longer served the area. My old service was fantastic and I didn't expect a business to beat it. First impression they might beat the other business! The set up of my account was easy and affordable and the best part was the actual service! Steve came by and was just the sweetest and knowledgeable guy ever! He answered all my questions and provided information on things I didn't know i needed! Just an awesome experience thus far and I have a feeling it will continue to be great. Thanks Better Termite & Pest Control!"
"They offer a reasonable termite warranty, do a good check, and no nonsense."
"We had a bad cockroach problem - we knew it was bad because of all the baby cockroaches we spotted. It took a while but Better Termite ultimately solved it and our house is cockroach free. I signed up for a plan, but ultimately when I got laid off I had to cancel it. Fortunately their customer service, Cindy in particular, was quick to help out and made it pain free"
"I highly recommend this company for your home pest control. Their technicians are thorough and have prevented any unwanted problems from happening on our property. During our last treatment, Jasmine took care of our outdoor spider webs without us even asking. Last summer they removed a mud dauber's nest under our deck and above our patio door. That attention to detail speaks volumes. Thank you for taking care of us!"
"The team at Better Termite & Pest control are phenomenal! I feel like my family and my home are in good hands. Everyone I have come into contact with has been responsive, pleasant and professional. The price is right and the service is superb!"
"Joann is amazing! She always takes time to talk with me and check inside boxes. I so appreciate her!! I have been using Better Termite and Pest Management for over 20 years."
"I love Darren over at Better Termite. He is always so attentive and kind, and really goes, IMO, out of his way to do a fantastic job. And I am so happy that I had NO MOSQUITOES this summer in my backyard in spite of the fact that there is a drainage area right behind my house, and that is 100% because of Better Termites services."
"Daren and Shay were prompt, courteous and professional. Daren has been maintaining my property for a while now. He's passionate about his work and the environment. Definitely glad I found them!"
"Better Termite has been keeping our house bug free for years with regular perimeter treatments. As a small, family owned business, they are able to personalize their approach based on your needs. It's clear that they prioritize customer service and communication. We recently had a swarm of a stinging insect take shelter under our ground-level deck, and they researched, bought necessary equipment, and came up with the best way to treat it. Highly recommend!"
"Steve was very accommodating and patient in explaining what we're dealing with and what measures he recommended to address our rodent issue. He walked through and assessed our home thoroughly for areas of concern and walked my wife and I through the treatment plan and why he recommended the treatments. Steve's customer service skills were fantastic. He spoke clearly and concisely, alleviated our concerns, and assured us of their treatment service. I also want to recognize Cindy who promptly made the service call to check up on us the next day. She confirmed the treatment that had taken place and also provided reassurance of the work. Cindy's customer service was attentive and kind. My wife and I are extremely grateful for you both!"
"I called the office to get a quote, and Kamaal was very patient in explaining the process. He stayed on the call for 30+ minutes and provided a lot of valuable information. I truly appreciate his time and professionalism. Although we ultimately went with a different company because the latter were available sooner during the holiday season, I highly recommend checking out Better if you're looking for an honest and trustworthy service team to work with."
"Better Terminate and Pest Control provide my termite inspection annually. They have kept my home termite free for over 30 years. Throughout those years they have been a pleasure to work with and they are always respectful each time they've been to my home. I would not hesitate to recommend them to others for their pest control needs."
"They have been servicing my home since 1999. Their inspector always does a good job looking indoors and outdoors for termite activities."
"Serviced my home for annual termite inspection for over 35 years! I think that speaks for itself. Technicians are thorough, polite, and trustworthy. They are quick to point out any pest concerns and offer resolutions. Highly recommend!"
"My initial review was one star. However, they reached to me to explain the situation with their new system to contact customers and schedule visits. They came out to look at the problem on time. They seemed very experienced and quickly provided assessment of the problem and made recommendation to address the issue. They were honest in their assessment and did not try to mislead me in anyway. The most important part for me was to have someone experienced and honest company provide the estimate and resolution. Once I have fixed the water leak issue and replaced the damaged material, I will call them to treat the insects. I changed my rating to five stars."
"Better Termite & Pest Control has been providing us effective and reliable service for over 20 years. Darren is our current technician, and he is wonderful. We couldn't be more pleased. Based on our experience, we would highly recommend Better Termite to anyone looking for a termite and pest control provider."
"I am a longtime (+20 year) customer of Better Termite & Pest Control because of the awesome customer service provided by Cindy. She always answers the phone with cheer and makes sure my needs for a pest free house are conveniently scheduled."
"24 years with Better Termite & Pest Control. They always have done a great job. Cindy in the main office is also so helpful. Greatly appreciated!"
"We've been a customer of Better Termite and Pest Control since moving into our Reston townhouse over 40 years ago and only stopped service because we finally moved out of the neighborhood. They have always provided great service. They treated a problem that we had many years ago, inspect for it regularly, and it has never recurred. Their regular inspections and preventive treatments avert pest problems and give great peace of mind. Cindy is especially helpful in scheduling visits and ensuring that the work is done properly. I highly recommend this business to anyone needing such services."
"Been using BT & PC for our annual inspection for over 30 years. Great service, always call ahead and leave no trace behind"
"We were blown away by the outstanding service received from Better Termite! We required a specific inspection for closing on a VA loan refinance and time was of the essence. Not only did they fully understand what was needed but they were able to accommodate our tight timeline. Every employee we spoke to or welcomed into our home was professional and courteous. We can't thank you enough for your assistance! We have been happy customers for over 10 years and will continue!"
"We've used Better Termite for 30 years. They are very professional, courteous and most of all, knowledgeable."
"We have been with Better Termite & Pest Control for 15 years & would highly recommend the company. We just renewed our service & Cindy at Better Termites was professional & helped answer all our questions regarding the renewal terms & schedule an extra service for our house. The services for general pest control & termites monitoring stations is reliable & performed on time!"
"I have been a client of Better Termite & Pest Control for decades. Their service is always A+. Cindy has always been helpful with clear explanations and quick to follow up. Being my main contact Cindy gives me great confidence in the company."
"I signed up for a plan and have been truly happy with it. This company is highly professional and very responsive. When I saw fence damage from a carpenter bee, they came out quickly to address the issue right away! Accolades to Cindy the dispatcher, and all the technicians from Juan to Daren to Fredie. I appreciate your service!"
"Edited to add: this company CONTINUES to amaze me! Last night, we found some super scary nests of stinging beasts embedded in the window screen right next to our front door. We are hosting a birthday party for our toddler on Saturday, so I was obviously distraught about potentially having to cancel given the location/danger to little kids. I left them a message AFTER they were closed, and BEFORE they were open this morning, I got an automated call from their scheduling system stating they'd be here today. It is 10:19am, and their employee is here, bravely tackling what I'm way too scared to address myself. Seriously y'all, if you have pests, and you call anyone else, you're shortchanging yourself. These pros GET. IT. DONE! We've had a subscription service with this company for yrs, since moving into our current house, and realizing it was rather...spidery. 🤮 But NO MORE! Better Termite uses pet-friendly, but not spider-friendly products, and we are now creepy crawly-free! Over the years, they've also tackled ants, bees, and HORRIBLE paper wasps! Further, Cindy and Darren are awesome to work with, and really know their stuff! I can't recommend this company enough."
"I've had nothing but great experiences for 3 years now. Their consistent, reliable service really stands out for me, and everyone is always kind and easy to talk to. I also like that they're a local, family-run business. They came with my new house protention plan and I've had no reason to ever switch. Kamaal, who I'm gonna call my customer consultant, is fantastic—he really listens to my concerns and works with me to come up with the best plan for whatever pest issues I'm dealing with. He even keeps me updated on pest trends in my area so we can stay ahead of any problems. I even had them go and take care of a mouse problem for my grandmother. Cleared out an infestation! I highly recommend them."
"Daren did an outstanding job conducting my termite inspection today. He was right on time and extremely professional thorough throughout the entire process. I did not have any problems, and he was very good with some solid advice about how to continue to guard against not only termites but other rodents as well. Cindy also expertly took care of me throughout the process. I know if I have any problems in the future.I will definitely call these folks. Outstanding job!!"
"After several months of on-again off-again rodent issues inside our house, I decided to look for a new exterminator team to partner with. Thanks to a quick ChatGPT search, I was able to cut through all the noise on the internet and find Better Termite & Pest. Following a review of their informative website, I called and spoke with Hussam—and he's awesome! He listened patiently to my issues and thoughtfully suggested services that fit my particular needs. Hussam also made it a point to pair me with a technician whose expertise aligns with the issues I am facing. My first consultation with Better Pest is this Friday, it could have been sooner but this worked best for me, and I look forward to tackling our pest problems with them!"
"Outstanding Customer Service Experience with Mr. Hussam! I want to take a moment to recognize the exceptional service I received from Mr. Hussam. From the start, he was highly professional, personable, and attentive to my needs. What truly stood out was his ability to recall our previous conversations, making the experience feel personalized and valued. His dedication and loyalty to both his job and the business were evident in the way he handled every interaction with care and expertise. He went above and beyond to ensure that I had the best experience possible. His positive attitude, commitment to excellence, and genuine concern for customer satisfaction truly set him apart. Thank you, Mr. Hussam, for your outstanding service—your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed!"
"We have used Better Termite since 1996 and we're very pleased with the results. The techs and the staff are flexible and prompt with appointments. Their price is reasonable. In 2023 we started using their pest control service for bugs and mice. Again we have been happy with the results of their service. Kamaal, I appreciate your customer satisfaction call to check us."
"Transfered my pest control service to someone new as my old service no longer served the area. My old service was fantastic and I didn't expect a business to beat it. First impression they might beat the other business! The set up of my account was easy and affordable and the best part was the actual service! Steve came by and was just the sweetest and knowledgeable guy ever! He answered all my questions and provided information on things I didn't know i needed! Just an awesome experience thus far and I have a feeling it will continue to be great. Thanks Better Termite & Pest Control!"
"They offer a reasonable termite warranty, do a good check, and no nonsense."
"We had a bad cockroach problem - we knew it was bad because of all the baby cockroaches we spotted. It took a while but Better Termite ultimately solved it and our house is cockroach free. I signed up for a plan, but ultimately when I got laid off I had to cancel it. Fortunately their customer service, Cindy in particular, was quick to help out and made it pain free"
Yes — with one important distinction. Most "bee nests" people call about in Northern Virginia are actually yellow jackets, hornets, or paper wasps, and we treat and remove those with a 30-day warranty. True honeybee colonies are protected pollinators; we don't treat them, but we'll help you identify them and refer you to a local beekeeper who can relocate the colony. Carpenter bees and bumble bees we handle ourselves, case-by-case.
Look at the insects and the nest. Bees are fuzzy and rounder; wasps are smooth, slender, and have a narrow waist. Yellow jackets are bright yellow and black and usually fly in and out of a hole in the ground or a gap in siding. Bald-faced hornets build a gray, football-shaped paper nest in a tree or under an eave. Paper wasps build an open umbrella comb with visible cells. Honeybees cluster in a hanging swarm or in a wall void with a steady stream of amber-colored bees. Snap a photo and text it to (703) 683-2000 — we'll identify it before we come out.
For ground nests and wall voids, we treat the entrance with insecticidal dust so returning workers carry product into the colony; the nest is dead within a day or two and we don't open the wall. For exposed hornet and paper wasp nests, we treat the nest directly with protective gear and remove it once the colony is dead. Every treated nest comes with a 30-day warranty.
It depends which ones. A single hole with heavy, fast traffic in summer is almost always a yellow jacket nest, and we treat it. Dozens of small dirt mounds across a dry lawn in early spring are mining bees — solitary, gentle pollinators that disappear on their own in a few weeks, and we'll usually recommend leaving them alone. Bumble bees in an old rodent burrow are handled case-by-case. Read our guide on how to handle ground bees for the full breakdown.
Honeybees are protected pollinators and are valuable to local beekeepers, who will often relocate a swarm for free. A honeybee colony inside a wall also needs the comb and honey physically removed — otherwise the honey ferments, attracts ants and rodents, and can stain the drywall. That's beekeeper work, not exterminator work. We'll identify the bees and point you to the right person.
Nest treatment is included in our standard pest plan, starting around $49/month for an average DMV home. For a one-time treatment on a single active nest, we'll quote a flat price on the phone in a few minutes; it depends on the species, the nest's location, and its height. Honeybee referrals to a beekeeper are free.
Active nests near doors, decks, and play areas get priority scheduling. In most cases we can have a licensed technician at your Alexandria or Northern Virginia home within 24–48 hours, and same-week service is the norm for stinging-insect calls.
You can for a small, exposed paper wasp nest, if you do it at dusk and have an exit route. We don't recommend it for yellow jackets, hornets, or anything in the ground or a wall. Over-the-counter sprays rarely reach the colony, and disturbing the entrance without killing the nest is what triggers most multi-sting incidents. Our blog on wasp nest removal covers why DIY attempts so often lead to a return visit.
Yes. Every nest we treat comes with a 30-day warranty. If activity returns to that nest inside the window, we come back at no additional charge. The warranty covers the specific nest we treated, not new colonies that establish elsewhere later in the season.
EPA-approved residuals, insecticidal dusts, and foams — the same materials our own technicians use around their homes. Treatments target the nest and its entrance directly rather than broadcasting product across the yard, which keeps foraging pollinators and non-target areas out of the path.
Yellow jacket, hornet, and paper wasp colonies die off each winter; only new queens survive, and they start fresh nests in spring rather than reusing the old one. A treated nest won't be reoccupied, though the same sheltered spot may attract a new queen. Our year-round pest plan includes stinging-insect coverage so those early-season nests get caught while they're still small.
No binding contracts. You'll sign a simple service proposal so we're clear on what we're providing, and you can cancel anytime with 30 days notice.
Yes — we're a third-generation, family-owned business based in Alexandria, Virginia, serving Northern Virginia and Maryland continuously since 1968. We currently maintain a 4.9 rating across 1500+ verified reviews and an A+ rating with the BBB.
Yes — in addition to our Alexandria and Northern Virginia footprint, we service most of Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland. Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Takoma Park, Hyattsville, College Park, Bowie, and surrounding zip codes are on the route. Call (703) 683-2000 and we'll confirm coverage for your address.
More ways we can help
Bee RemovalCarpenter Bee Control
Stinging Insect ControlWasp ControlHornet Nest RemovalYellow Jacket Nest RemovalNot sure which you need? See every service or call 703-683-2000.
With offices in Alexandria and Reston, our local technicians serve homes across Northern Virginia and Maryland.
Don't see your town? Browse all service areas or call 703-683-2000 to check coverage.
