We have a nest growing in our back yard and I'd like to get rid of it, but the sprays are all toxic to dogs. Does anyone know of a good non-toxic way to kill a bees nest? My dog has gotten stung once and I'd like to prevent this from happening again.
I second Laura's recommendation to relocate the hive if they're a valuable variety for pollination - need all the pollinating bees we can get! A lot of beekeepers will actually do this for free, do a quick search online for local beekeeping groups to find someone in your area.
If they're not a good kind to have around or you can't find someone to relocate them, peppermint oil is toxic to bees, wasps and hornets. There are some non-toxic sprays on the market that use only peppermint oil as the main ingredient and they're very affordable (plus it'll make everything smell good!).
Depending on the type of bees, you may be able to get someone to come relocate the hive for you. Honey bees, Mason bees, and a few other varieties are valuable for pollination and pest control, and you may even be able to find someone to move them for free.
I also found this: http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Bees
Not sure exactly how useful it is, but maybe it can give you some tips.
You need to relocate the hive that is in a safe place.
I wish I knew about the peppermint oil About 15 years ago when I couldn't find anyone to relocate them. We noticed a softball sized clump of bees developing on one of our branches within an hour it became the size of a football. I spayed them with the hose. Half flew away & half were drowned. Mix the oil in a yard sprayer you attached to a hose and set to a fine mist they should all survive the wet reminder to relocate on their own.
In almost all areas there is a person willing to relocate bees, or even actively searching for hives to protect. If you google your area and bee relocation/hive relocation/something like that, you should be able to find someone who is willing to do this perhaps even for free! They are very valuable to the eco-system and CAN be relocated by professionals, but I would not attempt to do this or spray the hive yourself.