We have a lot of exterminators down here by me. As most of y'all know by now, I am a licensed pest control operator. I just happen to be someone who cares more more about bees and people than making a quick buck.
The thing that gets me is that the void space where the bees are has to be opened up anyway to remove the honey, etc...
From an unethical standpoint or ethical approach it still has to be accessed.
When I expose the colony the bees are right there, 98-99% of the colony.
Much easier to handle then.
When they're sprayed there are bees everywhere, next door, down the street, sometimes bees stinging anyone/anything they run across.
Its not a pretty sight.
It takes time and perseverance to do live removals.
Most people aren't willing to do what it takes, because they want the quick buck.
In most all cases, when the home owner has "tried" to spray them, their attempts have been to no avail. Most people grab the can of Hot Shot thinking they can eradicate the colony.
This don't ever work and even though they may kill some bees on the exterior, the colony as a whole is generally unaffected.
IMO it is our job to educate not berate those who don't understand bees, who have tried to spray them.
Once I take a job and the customer gets an ear full of my enthusiasm for bees, most all become converts and some of those same people call me or refer me next time to save them.
Once I show them the exposed colony, they understand why they couldn't kill them.
Most all or shocked by the sheer numbers of bees in a colony and once seeing this first hand realize this is not something they should do in the future.
I use to get mad at the "sprayers" too but what does that accomplish? Nothing!
Who better to remove bees and educate people about how wonderful they are then bee keepers?
We know better.
I'm very happy to get the calls I get and I take just about all of them.
...JP