Killing Bees with Sevin Dust

A honey bee landing on a white flower.
  • 0-1 hours
  • Beginner
  • 0-150
What You'll Need
Long-sleeved shirt
A jacket
A long pair of pants
Gloves with finger grips
High-top socks
Shoes (preferably boots)
Duct tape
Respirator
Insect netting
Hat
Scissors
Sevin dust
Foam sealant (preferably in an aerosol can)
What You'll Need
Long-sleeved shirt
A jacket
A long pair of pants
Gloves with finger grips
High-top socks
Shoes (preferably boots)
Duct tape
Respirator
Insect netting
Hat
Scissors
Sevin dust
Foam sealant (preferably in an aerosol can)

Bees are everywhere and for good reason. They provide a basic need for most plants. Pollinating bees are responsible for the pollination of plants, which is the process responsible for the development of the succulent vegetables and fruit. Bees also provide us with delicious, sweet honey.

But while they are a necessary component of the earth’s cycle, they can at times be very dangerous to humans, particularly people with severe allergies to their stings. Sometimes they develop in multiplying factors and need to be reduced in numbers or removed altogether.

By paying close attention to how a bee behaves and how they operate on a day-to-day basis, you can kill an entire colony of bees without getting hurt or stung. Sevin dust acts as a poison to honey bees. It is an effective manner in quickly killing them. Here’s what you need to do to get control of your bee population, using sevin dust.

Note: Always try natural and peaceful removal methods before resorting to killing a colony of bees. Try to contact a local beekeeper to see about having the hive relocated, and consult them for tips on ways to deter bees from settling around your home.

Step 1 - Get Yourself Prepared

beehive covered in bees

Dress appropriately. The ultimate outfit will provide you with the maximum amount of protection from a bee sting. We recommend dressing in long sleeves, long pants, boots, a hat, and gloves.

For extra protection, roll out the duct tape and seal the areas between the end of your clothing and your skin. For example, tape a seal between the hem of your pants and your boots. Tape another seal between the edge of your jacket and the gloves.

Purchase a respirator at any home improvement center and put it on over your nose and your mouth. Put on the hat and add the insect netting. This will protect your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Make sure you push the netting underneath your jacket and then seal the space between the netting and the jacket with another layer of duct tape.

Step 2 - Approach the Beehive

In the morning, before the sun rises and before the heat of the day begins to appear, is the best time to approach the beehive.

Step 3 - Apply the Sevin Dust

In a quick, sweeping motion, apply the sevin dust to the opening of the beehive. This should be the same place you see the bees entering and leaving. Spray as much sevin dust, as quickly as you can. If there are additional holes in the beehive, try to apply additional applications of the sevin dust in these locations as well, focusing on the largest holes first.

Step 4 - Apply the Sealant

bees swarming the side of a building

Quickly and efficiently, spray the foam sealant into the largest hole (usually the entrance and exit of the beehive). This will prevent the bees from leaving and escaping the hive. Spray a thin mist of sevin dust on the exterior of the beehive and in and around the foam sealant as well.

Step 5 - Check the Beehive

Check the beehive for any future activity. When everything looks dormant and inactive, remove the beehive and discard it.