Frequently Asked
Questions

Bees pollinate approximately 75% of the fruits, nuts, and vegetables grown in the United States. They are the backbone of both our food system and our natural ecosystems. Without pollinators, crop yields would plummet and the biodiversity that sustains wildlife habitats would collapse.

Multiple compounding factors are driving bee population decline: habitat loss from development and monoculture farming, widespread pesticide and herbicide use, the parasitic Varroa mite, fungal and viral diseases, and increasingly erratic climate patterns. Beekeepers reported losses of more than 60% of managed colonies in 2024–2025 alone.

There are over 20,000 bee species worldwide. Honeybees are a single managed species kept in hives by beekeepers primarily for honey production and crop pollination. Native bees — including mason bees, leafcutter bees, and bumblebees — are wild pollinators that evolved alongside local flora and are often far more efficient pollinators of native plants. See our bee species guide for detailed profiles.

Not all species face the same level of threat, but the picture is serious. Roughly 35% of bee species are at risk of extinction globally, and native bee populations have declined by 34% over the past decade. Some species — like several North American bumblebee species — have already disappeared from most of their historic range.

Yes — 100% free, always. Our rescue and relocation services are fully funded through donations and sponsorships. We will never charge a homeowner or business for removing a bee colony. That commitment is core to our mission.

We aim for a same-day assessment after you submit a report. Full removal is typically completed within 24–48 hours, depending on colony size, location, and access. Swarms on the exterior of a structure are usually resolved faster than established colonies inside walls.

Swarms are generally quite docile. When bees swarm, they are in transit between hive locations and have no comb or brood to defend. A resting swarm will usually move on within 24–72 hours. Still, we recommend keeping people and pets at a safe distance and avoiding agitating the cluster.

Colonies are transferred to registered partner apiaries a minimum of two miles from the removal site — far enough that forager bees cannot return to the original location. Our beekeepers monitor each relocated colony for health and hive establishment over the following weeks.

Every rescue includes follow-up monitoring. If scout bees return to a previous nesting site, we work with you to identify and seal entry points and apply non-toxic deterrents. We also provide written prevention guidance so you can manage the site going forward.

We serve the greater Sacramento area, including Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove, Auburn, and surrounding communities in the foothills and valley. If you are unsure whether your location is in range, submit a report and we will follow up.

Visit our Programs page to view sponsorship levels and what each one supports. Sponsors receive quarterly photo and health updates from their hive, recognition on our website, and an annual impact summary detailing the colony's pollination activity.

Yes. We welcome volunteers for habitat restoration days, community education events, hive monitoring assistance, and outreach tabling. No experience is necessary — we provide all training and equipment. Sign up through our website or email us at info@thebeeconservatory.com.

Yes. Our education programs include observation hive visits to classrooms, teacher curriculum aligned to state science standards, student field trips to active apiaries, and free downloadable resources for K–12 educators. Reach out to schedule a program for your school.

Plenty of ways. You can make a one-time or recurring donation, volunteer at events, sponsor a hive installed at one of our community garden partners, or attend a workshop to learn more. Every form of support — including sharing our mission online — directly funds conservation work.

100% of every donation goes directly to our programs: hive installations, education materials and school outreach, habitat restoration plantings, and bee rescue operations. We keep administrative costs minimal and publish annual financials on our website.

Yes. The Bee Conservatory is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by law. You will receive a receipt for your records after each contribution.

Zeffy is a nonprofit donation platform that charges zero processing fees. With most platforms, 2–3% of every donation is lost to payment processing. With Zeffy, 100% of what you give reaches our mission. Zeffy covers its own costs through optional donor tips, which are never required.

Yes. Our Zeffy donation page supports monthly and annual recurring gifts. Recurring donors are the backbone of our budget and allow us to plan habitat projects and rescue staffing with confidence. You can modify or cancel at any time.