Honeybee
Honey bees are among the most beneficial insects in nature, playing a vital role in pollination and the environment.
But when a colony builds a hive inside walls, attics, or other areas close to people, they can quickly become a serious hazard.
In South Florida, warm weather allows honey bees to stay active nearly year-round, leading to multiple swarms each season.
At In Touch Pest Control, we specialize in safe, humane honey bee removal and relocation, ensuring both your family’s safety and the protection of these important pollinators.
What Honey Bees Look Like
Honey bees are medium-sized, fuzzy insects often mistaken for wasps. Unlike wasps, they have golden-brown bodies with black bands and a rounded shape.
Key identifying features include:
- Length: about ½ inch long
- Color: golden brown with dark stripes
- Covered in fine hairs that help collect pollen
- Typically seen flying in and out of small wall openings or tree hollows
- Gather in swarms that can include thousands of bees
Behavior and Nesting Habits
Honey bees are social insects that live in colonies of 10,000 or more individuals.
They form wax combs to store honey, raise young, and protect their queen.
In Florida, honey bees prefer protected, shaded areas for hives such as:
- Wall voids and soffits
- Hollow trees and sheds
- Chimneys or attics
- Water meter boxes and compost bins
- Dense vegetation or fences
Colonies can grow rapidly and will defend their hive aggressively if disturbed.
If bees are entering through a single hole or vent, a nest is likely hidden nearby.
Signs of a Honey Bee Infestation
- Continuous buzzing or humming inside walls, ceilings, or chimneys
- Bees flying in and out of a small gap on your home’s exterior
- Honey or wax seeping through drywall or vents
- Piles of dead bees indoors or near windows
- A large swarm clustering on a tree, wall, or fence post
💡 Honeycomb left behind after improper removal can melt, attracting ants and rodents. Professional removal is essential.
Honey Bee FAQs
Are honey bees protected in Florida?
Yes. They’re considered beneficial insects, and licensed professionals must follow humane removal and relocation procedures.
Can honey bees be relocated instead of exterminated?
Absolutely. In Touch Pest Control works with local beekeepers to relocate live colonies safely whenever possible.
Are honey bees aggressive?
Honey bees are generally non-aggressive, but they will defend their hive if threatened or disturbed.
How long do hives last?
Untreated hives can persist for years, expanding inside walls and producing large amounts of honeycomb.
Can I remove a hive myself?
No. Disturbing a hive can trigger hundreds of defensive stings – always contact a licensed professional.
Get Your Free Bee Removal Quote
Protect your home, your family, and Florida’s pollinators with safe, expert honey bee removal.
Our team provides fast, local service across Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties, ensuring bees are relocated, not exterminated – whenever possible.
Request your free inspection and quote today and enjoy peace of mind year-round.
Damage Caused by Carpenter Ants
Unlike termites, carpenter ants excavate wood to build tunnels rather than eating it — but the structural results can be just as severe. They weaken load-bearing beams, floors, and walls, especially in damp or untreated timber.
Common Damage Examples:
- Hollow-sounding or splintered wood.
- Sagging ceilings or soft wall sections.
- Door frames or windows that no longer close properly.
- Hidden galleries that worsen water damage.
💡 The longer colonies remain active, the more extensive the damage — which is why professional inspection is crucial.
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
DIY Steps:
- Eliminate standing moisture and fix leaks.
- Replace damaged wood and improve ventilation.
- Use bait stations near trails instead of surface sprays.
- Trim branches that touch your structure.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from the house.
Professional Treatment:
Carpenter ants can nest deep inside walls where sprays can’t reach.
Our trained technicians use non-repellent insecticides and colony bait systems to target ants at the source — including the queen — ensuring full elimination.
Prevention Tips
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear.
- Seal cracks, holes, and pipe openings.
- Remove tree stumps and decaying wood around your yard.
- Maintain low indoor humidity.
- Schedule an annual pest inspection, especially after heavy rain or storm damage.
When to Call a Professional
If you spot a bee swarm, hear buzzing inside your walls, or notice bees entering small openings around your home, it’s time to call a professional.
Honey bees can build hives deep inside walls, producing large amounts of honey that attract pests and cause structural damage.
Our In Touch Pest Control specialists use humane, eco-friendly methods to remove colonies safely and relocate them whenever possible.
We’ll identify hive locations, remove comb material, and seal entry points to prevent re-infestation.
