Bee problems (huge bee hives)

[Sherry Chen]

We are new in the rental business, got our first rental home early this year, and second one last month. The second house closed in late May. We found some honeybees two weeks ago, and called bee hive removal person. Coincidently, the same person was called by the seller before closing. The seller was well aware of the bee problem, but probably have sprayed the bees before inspection, though I don't have proof (neither the termite inspection or home inspection reported bee problem). The seller called the bee removal person about one week after the inspection (in early May). The bee grows rapidly this month, and removal would cost us about $2000, including removal of bee hive, repair floor. My question is, can I legally ask the seller to pay the cost of bee hive removal? The seller has been aware of this problem last year, but didn't disclose anything to us, neither does the realtor. The high cost is beyond my expectation. We already paid lots of repairs out of pocket for this house. I feel angry because if the seller hasn't been hiding this problem, it would way much cheaper to remove the bee hive.