Shopshops, we have not had much of a problem with grasshoppers. In fact, I rarely see them. Even one recent year when it was announced that it was a particularly "bad" year for them, I think we saw perhaps a half dozen over the course of the entire gardening season. My thought is that the garlic oil in the spray we routinely use and our occasional and judicious use of both diatomaceous earth and Neem oil has been effective at keeping them at bay. I understand that they can be a huge problem and I've read reports that Nosema locustae is effective but it also kills crickets (perhaps not a bad thing) and praying mantises - a bad thing. A couple of friends who have had issues with grasshoppers used permethrin and carbaryl and they both felt those chemicals helped. Neither of them raved however. The major problem of course is that neither chemical is safe for bees or fish, and even if it was sprayed before the bees came, I'm not certain if it is safe for bees once it has dried (the way Neem is). If this is a huge problem for you, it will likely take a combination of methods of control. One thing we always do is cultivate around the plants in fall to expose any eggs of grasshoppers and other pests. While they can overwinter if they are protected under the soil, once the soil is disrupted, if they are exposed, they won't survive freezing temperatures. The one other thing that I researched but didn't try (didn't need to) is cilantro. They notoriously dislike cilantro, and spraying a strong cilantro tea is reported to be an excellent repellant. Planting marigolds, which we do to repel a variety of pests also can help. Another suggestion that was bandied about at a garden meeting a few years ago was the use of flour to dust plants. If you are going to dust, my feeling is that DE is worth the time and energy. The weather does an excellent job of controlling them at times. They are sensitive to too much and too little rain. One can always pray for a heaven-sent solution to the problem. Unfortunately, getting rid of the ones you have doesn't necessarily get rid of the problem - they are not at all territorial, in fact they are highly migratory.... a reason why spraying with garlic and/or cilantro on an ongoing basis would be a good idea.

They are bees as a few occassionally fly into the house. We had them checked to make sure they were not africanized. We also observe them through binoculars from time to time to verify their habits and condition of the house as we know it will all have to be replaced. At this point they are not into the attic, although we have had a couple of strays, it is only a matter of time as there is access. I will keep looking for a bee keeper. I just wanted to know, I guess if there would be ones who would take it on reguardless of its size and location, since I am not concerned with the damage on the house as it is being replaced. Thanks for encouragment. Time is drawing to a point where I must make a decision quickly.

I know many beekeepers who don't do swarm calls or removals due to time, extra equipment needed, risk, inexperience, etc. Even more so in areas where africanized honey bees are found. Plus many have found no real incentive to do it. I've had several calls where the caller was shocked it wouldn't drive 2 hours, spend several hours extracting a hive that may carry disease, and would not be productive or even survive the winter once removed without significant help, all for the privilege of getting 'free' bees. They would rather pay an exterminator than the beekeeper (even though my rates are much, much lower than in areas where this service is common (florida for example). I simply wish them luck and send them on their way. In the end, these 'free' bees cost me as much as getting a package of healthy bees of known genetics when I want them delivered to my door. Hence I have to charge to cover time, travel, equipment, etc. Hence, most beekeepers I know don't bother with more than a nearby swarm, and sometimes not even that. Removals do require extra equipment a beekeeper may not already have, plus in some states it requires a special license and I think even additional insurance. I do know several exterminators around me won't handle bees, but will refer you to a beekeeper who will. But don't expect it for free.

A beekeeper is not likely to have any interest in ground bees. If you must kill them seven does work (though technically is not legal as it's not labeled as such). Though they tend not to be aggressive so if you avoid them there shouldn't be a problem. ------------------ Assuming your bees in the tree are indeed honey bees (quite possible as that is their typical nesting place). You could kill them, yourself or by an exterminator, but be aware the mess left in the tree is bound to attract more bees if not properly taken care of. Or you can call a beekeeper that does hive removals. It is typically not free because the time, gas, and equipment is worth far more than bees of unknown origin with possible diseases and an old queen. Plus in some areas it is even more hazardous because of possible AHB and some areas require a license. Removal from a tree is difficult and unless the tree is cut down the removal can take many weeks using the cone method. To find someone who does swarm removal in your area click the link below. Here is a link that might be useful: Swarm & Hive Removal