Who runs Coast Bees?
Coast Bees is family-operated. Sam Marino and his dad Jeff carefully rescue and relocate honeybee colonies from Costa Mesa across Orange County. Humane rescue only — they never exterminate.
humane bee removal faq
Family-operated by Sam Marino and his dad Jeff — careful rescue and relocation in Costa Mesa and Orange County. We never exterminate. Call (714) 852-1632.
What is humane bee removal? Do you kill bees?
Humane bee removal means we rescue the colony and relocate it. Coast Bees never kills honeybees. Sam and Jeff Marino find the queen, move comb and bees into a hive box, and take the colony somewhere that values pollinators.
Do you offer bee removal in Costa Mesa and Orange County?
Yes. We are based in Costa Mesa and handle humane hive removal across Orange County, California — including neighborhoods like Mesa Verde, Eastside Costa Mesa, Halecrest, and nearby cities. Call to confirm we can reach your address.
Can you remove a swarm or hive from a wall, attic, or chimney?
Yes. Established hives in walls, attics, chimneys, compost bins, fences, and eaves are typical calls. We cut out comb when needed, relocate the bees, and leave the cavity ready for you to seal so a new swarm does not move back in.
Do you offer same-day or emergency bee removal?
We try to come as soon as a slot is open, often the same day when we are already working nearby. Same-day is not guaranteed. Call (714) 852-1632 and describe where the bees are.
How much does it cost, and how do I book?
Cost depends on access, hive size, and how the bees are living in the structure. Use Instant Quote on the home page for an estimate range, or call (714) 852-1632. There is no online checkout.
How is this different from calling an exterminator?
An exterminator typically destroys the colony. Coast Bees does the opposite: humane bee removal that rescues and relocates honeybees. Costa Mesa neighbors often call us after a previous visit with a shop vac or spray.
What happens to the rescued bees?
Relocated colonies go to people and places that want bees for pollination — farms, orchards, educators, and our own small set of rescued hives. Need a home for a colony? Join the hive waitlist.
How does the hobby honey waitlist work?
We offer 1 lb local raw organic honey from rescued beehives at $20/lb. When a batch is ready, Sam emails the waitlist. Pickup is in Costa Mesa. Pay cash, Venmo, or Zelle when you pick up. Join on the honey page.
Do you relocate bumblebees?
Coast Bees specializes in honeybee rescue. When we encounter a bumblebee nest, we advise leaving it alone when safe and never killing bumblebees. For science-based guidance, see the Xerces Society on bumble bees.
Why are bumblebees important?
Bumblebees are essential native pollinators for wild plants and many crops. Several species are in decline. Protecting nests and forage helps Orange County ecosystems. Learn more at xerces.org/bumble-bees.
I found a bumblebee nest — what should I do?
If it is not creating a clear safety hazard, the best option is usually to leave the nest alone until the colony naturally ends in fall. Do not spray or vacuum. Coast Bees never kills bees. Nest tips: Xerces Society.
Bumblebee vs honeybee — what’s the difference?
Honeybees live in large perennial colonies and store honey; Coast Bees rescues and relocates those hives. Bumblebees usually form smaller annual colonies in the ground or cavities and are native pollinators. We never recommend exterminating either. More at xerces.org/bumble-bees.