You’re enjoying a perfect summer afternoon in your Buffalo backyard, maybe grilling near Delaware Park or tending to your garden in Elmwood Village, when you see it. A large, buzzing cluster of bees has decided your porch awning is the perfect spot for their new home.
Your first thought: panic. Your second thought: “Wait… aren’t honeybees protected? Am I even allowed to do anything about this?”
It’s a question we hear a lot from concerned homeowners across Western New York. You want to keep your family safe, but you also know that bees are important, and you’ve heard they’re in trouble. It’s a classic head-scratcher.
So, let’s clear the air. The answer is nuanced, but we’ll break it down so you know exactly what you’re dealing with and what your options are.
The Straight Answer: Are Honeybees Legally Protected in NYS?
Here’s the bottom line: In New York State, the common honeybee (Apis mellifera) is not listed as an endangered or threatened species and therefore does not have the same strict legal protections as, say, a bald eagle.
This means that, technically, a homeowner is not breaking a specific wildlife law by removing a honeybee hive from their property.
However, that is not the end of the story. The widespread concern for honeybees isn’t just a rumor; it’s rooted in a serious ecological reality. And that reality should guide how we, as residents of the City of Good Neighbors, handle these situations.
Why We All Think Honeybees Are Protected (And Why We Should Act Like They Are)
If they’re not legally protected, why does everyone think they are? The confusion comes from the massive public awareness campaigns about their declining populations and their absolutely critical role in our ecosystem.
Here in Western New York, honeybees are essential. They pollinate everything from the apple orchards south of Buffalo to the prize-winning gardens at the annual Garden Walk Buffalo. Without them, our agricultural health and the beauty of our local landscape would suffer dramatically.
Because of this vital role, state and local organizations strongly encourage preservation over extermination whenever possible. So, while you might not get a fine, choosing to destroy a hive of honeybees is a significant loss to our local environment.
What New York State Does Regulate
While the individual bee isn’t protected, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets does have regulations related to beekeeping (apiculture).
These rules are primarily for beekeepers to ensure hives are healthy and disease-free. For homeowners, the key takeaway is that the state officially recognizes the importance of healthy bee populations.
For more detailed information, the Cornell Cooperative Extension is an excellent, non-commercial resource for New Yorkers.
First, Make Sure They’re Actually Honeybees
Before making any decisions, it’s crucial to know what you’re dealing with. Many Buffalo residents mistake more aggressive pests for honeybees.
- Honeybees: Typically fuzzy and golden-brown. They are generally docile and non-aggressive when away from their hive. They live in large colonies, often in wall voids, hollow trees, or exposed swarms, and build wax combs.
- Carpenter Bees: Look like large, shiny-black bumblebees. They are solitary and chew perfectly round half-inch holes in wood, like decks and fascia boards.
- Wasps & Hornets: Have smooth, shiny bodies with narrower “waists.” They are far more aggressive than honeybees and will sting with little provocation. Their nests are often made of a gray, paper-like material.
Identifying the insect is the most important first step. An aggressive wasp nest near your front door is a different level of threat than a docile honeybee swarm.
Your Responsible Options for Bee Problems in Buffalo
Okay, so you’ve confirmed you have honeybees. Since you’re not dealing with a simple can of wasp spray, what should you do? The goal is to balance the safety of your home with the ecological need to protect these pollinators.
For situations that require professional assessment and safe handling, understanding your bee extermination options is the next crucial step.
The best course of action is almost always live removal and relocation. A professional can often remove the entire hive—queen, bees, and honeycomb—and transport it to a local beekeeper.
Many local groups, like the Western New York Honey Producers Association, are dedicated to preserving local bee populations and can be a great resource.
How Buffalo Exterminators Puts Local Homeowners First
Here at Buffalo Exterminators, we live and work in the West New York area too. We get it. A bee swarm on your South Buffalo home or inside the walls of your historic Allentown property is stressful. Our philosophy is always to start with proper identification and assessment.
We understand the crucial differences between the various stinging insects found in our region. When we encounter a valuable honeybee colony, our priority is to provide you with options that focus on safe, live removal.
For other pests, like wasps and hornets that pose a more direct threat to your family, we can implement targeted and effective extermination strategies. We believe in solving your pest problem while respecting our local Buffalo environment.
The Final Word for Buffalo Homeowners
So, while honeybees are not legally protected in New York State, they are a community-protected resource. Their value to our local agriculture and environment is immense.
If you find a swarm or hive on your property, take a breath. Identify the insect from a safe distance, and then call a professional who can help you explore safe, responsible removal options. It’s the best way to protect both your family and these invaluable pollinators that make our corner of New York so vibrant.
If you’re facing a bee or wasp issue at your home, contact Buffalo Exterminators for a professional consultation.
We’ll help you understand what you’re up against and find the right solution for your home.