Honeybee and Yellow Jacket issues

Gainesville, Florida

Are your bees giving you a buzz???

Call Florida Bee Removal, Inc. for all of your buzzing needs! 

Florida Bee Removal, Inc. is a licensed and insured company for your protection.  Be sure any company you hire for bee or pest removal can show you credentials including license and insurance.  If they can not, choose another company.

Please make sure you hire a certified Pest Control Operator (PCO) for your bee issues.  Due to the ever expanding presence of Africanized bees in Florida, the state recommends a PCO for eradication of bees in and around homes.  The African honey bee is considerably more defensive of the bee hive than the European honey bee.

Florida Bee Removal specializes in live removal and relocation of bees in Gainesville.  In addition to bee removal (including Africanized bees) we remove wasps, hornets, yellow jackets as well as bee hive and honey removal.  We are licensed and insured  and perform bee removal service not only in Gainesville, but the entire state of Florida.  Call Florida Bee Removal whether you need bee removal services, or perhaps you have a bee swarm or yellow jacket nest on your property and would just like additional information.  We have been in the bee removal business over 50 years and enjoy every bee removal adventure.  You are never a bother to us, we love the phone to buzz for bees!

If you are located in Florida, you come into contact with bees. It's just a fact of life. Sadly, you don't know if you're dealing with aggressive bees or non-aggressive bees until it's too late. At Florida Bee Removal, our experts are highly qualified and properly trained in safe, effective bee removal techniques. We offer same-day service at a fair price.   When we can safely and effectively perform it, Florida Bee Removal prefers to practice live bee removal of the bee hive if at all possible.  When we have safely removed the live bees from your property we turn them over to a local beekeeper so they may be safely managed. When we have safely removed the live bees from your property in Gainesville, we turn them over to a local beekeeper so they may be safely managed.  Our goal is not to exterminate bees, rather remove the danger of the bees from your property and keep them in their natural habitat so they can continue benefit our evironment.  Other stinging and aggressive insects such as wasps and yellow jackets must be exterminated and removed from the site. 

We can extract established bee hives from walls, chimneys, roofs, under sheds, and other areas where bees like to build a hive.  Bees can easily fit into an area the size of a pencil eraser.  The bee removal process also inlcudes finding the point of entry.  Once we have completed your bee removal process, we will guarantee you will not have bees return to that specific location.  

Bee Removal ~ Yellow Jacket Removal ~ Wasp Removal ~ Hornet Removal

FLORIDA BEE REMOVAL 2016

This year looks to be especially busy for bee removal calls.  Please hire a licensed and insured company for your bee removal, as bee swarms may be agressive. This unfortunate person in Florida already found out how aggressive a bee swarm can be this year.  In addition, please don't take it upon yourself to remove the bees, as these people were injured in April of 2015 while being to close to a bee hive.

Bee removal or relocation becomes necessary when bee swarms suddenly appear on trees, in containers, or around structures. Also, established bee colonies, with combs, need removal when they interfere with normal human activities.

In the fall of 1962, several of us young lads discovered honey bees, nesting high in a majestic Hickory tree. We fabricated some protective clothing and, with the aid of a cross-cut saw, brought down the splintering tree along with the bee colony. For several hours, there was a great deal of befuddlement and misbehavior. Upon our return, the following morning, the bee colony had formed a swarm upon a tree limb. A gunney sac was used to encase the bees and branch, upon which they had landed. A local farmer bequeathed to us an old weather-worn bee hive, in which we introduced the swarm. We placed a pane of glass under the telescopic lid of the hive body. This made viewing safer as we watched honey bees store nectar, pollen, and other provisions from late fall plants.

  As Indian Summer faded, the arrival of cold weather caused the bees to become less active. There was very little left to do other than to snuggle with their honey. This adventure took place over 50 years ago and, I assure you, the pleasure of working with bees has increased over the years.

  Once again, it is early February. A brisk, bracing breeze greets the fiery sunrise across the Green Swamp. Blossoming red and golden Maples hum with bee visitors stocking up on early provisions of nectar and pollen. This bounty will soon be followed by Florida Willows adding to the build-up period.

  By February 15^th, Florida Bee Removal will be called upon to resolve bee swarm issues from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale and within  the cities of Tampa Bay . The degree of reproductive swarming will depend upon the success of the late winter build-up. It is not unusual to receive over 20 bee swarm concerns on a warm mid-February afternoon.

There are thousands of commercial bee colonies, now placed in close proximity to millions of acres of citrus. The nectar flow, from this source, often drips from the trees and bees can be heard humming among the blossoms. When the bee hives become heavy, with stored honey and replete with thousands of young worker bees, the issuance of reproductive swarms may number in the hundreds.

RAYMOND MILLS - BEEKEEPER  BS SCIENCE ED (Biology)

*The State of Florida recommends that all bee colonies not managed by beekeepers nesting in close proximity to areas frequented by people or domestic animals be eradicated by a licensed and insured Pest Control Operator or removed by a registered beekeeper for purposes of public safety. It can not be stressed enough that bee removal should only be performed by a licensed and insured professional bee removal company, as death or serious injury could result to bystanders or the person attempting the bee removal.  In addition to bee removal and relocation, we perform yellow jacket removal.  Yellow jackets are very defensive.  Did you know the yellow jacket stinger is about twice as long as a honey bee stinger?*

Bee Removal entails a blending of apian and construction skills, learned primarily by hands-on experience. A bee removal specialist has to know how to expose bee colonies within a structure, a tree, or container. In addition, recognition of  bee and wasps species, along with the  potential  danger they pose, is essential in making a professional decision as to how the bee or wasp issue should be resolved.

Bee removal control and relocation is a relatively young pursuit. In earlier times     ( about 30 yrs. ago ), bee keepers were called upon to capture bee swarms or do a trap-out from a wall or tree. The service was usually free since the bee keeper was happy to have a valuable bee colony for honey and pollination.

In recent years, the honey bee and bee keeper have been plagued by unwanted races of bees( Africanized-defensive bees ), bee mites, little hive beetles, foulbrood, disappearing disease, and increasing bee deaths due to the unscrupulous use of pesticides. Due to the likely spread of bee pests and bee pathogens, The Florida Department of Agriculture has advised that  bee removal operators eradicate the wild bee colonies ( those having no bee keeper ) to which they come in contact.

Florida Bee Removal, inc attempts to relocate wild bee colonies, based upon how defensive the colony behaves and how accessible the bees and honey combs are. In dangerous situations, bee and wasp removal may require eradication with a pesticide labeled for use on bees, wasps, and other venomous insects.

BEE WARE---BEE SWARMS ARE ON THE HORIZON

What type of bee do you have?

Identify your bee:  Bumblebee, Carpenter Bee, Honey Bee & Mining Bee here!

These photos and descriptions of different types of bees may help you better relay your bee problem to a Florida Bee Removal specialist.  If you can't find what your looking for there, feel free to call Florida Bee Removal.  We want your bee removal bizzness!! 

Africanized Bees

Africanized honey bees –also called “killer bees”–are established in many parts of Florida. Although the killer reputation has been greatly exaggerated, the presence of Africanized honey bees increases the chances of people being stung. Learning about the Africanized honey bee and taking certain precautions can lower the risk of being injured by this new insect in our environment. The Africanized honey bee is closely related to the European honey bee used in agriculture for crop pollination and honey production.  The two types of bees look the same and their behavior is similar in many respects. Neither is likely to sting when gathering nectar and pollen from flowers, but both will sting in defense if provoked. A swarm of bees in flight or briefly at rest seldom bothers people. However, all bees become defensive when they settle, begin producing wax comb and raising young.

Did you know?

*Honeybees are not native to the USA. They are European in origin, and were brought to North America by the early settlers.

*Honeybees are not aggressive by nature, and will not sting unless protecting their hive from an intruder or are unduly provoked.

*Certified pest control operators are the only people according to Florida law that are allowed to apply pesticides to honey bees for bee removal, so if you are having a bee removal issue, contact a PCO.

*Honeybees represent a highly organized society, with various bees having very specific roles during their lifetime: e.g., nurses, guards, grocers, housekeepers, construction workers, royal attendants, undertakers, foragers, etc.

*The queen bee can live for several years. Worker bees live for 6 weeks during the busy summer, and for 4-9 months during the winter months.

*In Florida , "managed bee hives" are cultured by bee keepers. They are required to be registered, inspected by DACS, and to consist of gentle stock. Harming or theft of managed bee hives could be a 3rd degree felony. A wild bee hive is one that has no bee keeper and can be eradicated, by an authorized entity, if deemed necessary.

*Unlike bees, yellow jackets do not store surpluses of honey, produce wax, nor secrete royal jelly. Instead, they feed their brood with meat products masticated from other insects or other animals.  The Yellow jacket species are very aggressive, and like bee removal, yellow jacket removal should not be attempted by a novice. Call a professional.

*Bee removal is a necessity, as bee infestations can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home or business.  After the bee removal, a comb filled with larvae, pollen and honey still remain.  Without the bees to regulate the temperature of the comb the wax  capping can melt and the honey could leak out resulting in ruined drywall, wall covering, carpet, etc.

*Often confused with bees, yellow jackets are much more aggressive, and most reported "bee stings" may in fact be yellow jacket stings.  Yellow Jackets are easily provoked and unlike bees, they will attack in force chasing the perceived threat for large distances.  The easiest and safest option for bee removal and yellow jacket removal is to hire Florida Bee Removal. If you're determined to do it yourself, know that the likelihood of getting stung is high.  Compared to the larger barbs in honey bees, yellow jackets have lance like stingers with small barbs and are capable of stinging repeatedly.  

*Honey bees will often form waxen nests attached to tree limbs and structures (referred to as "exposed colonies"). 
Recently, a basketball-sized bee colony was discovered hanging from a tree limb in Bradenton, Florida 
(see the story and photos here with Tiffany Tompkins at the Bradenton Herald). This bee relocation was accomplished using a cardboard box and a laundry bag. After the bee box reached the apiary (bee yard), it was shaken into a wooden box of frames containing wax foundation. Within a few days, it is hoped that the bee colony will store lots of honey and become better suited for managed bee manipulations. 

*A male honey bee is known as a drone. His job is to chase down a queen bee and inseminate her. The egg-bearing queen can then lay either fertile or sterile brood. A drone bee results from a non-fertile egg. Therefore, a drone bee has grandparents and a mother but no father.

*If you see a large cluster of bees with no apparent bee hive, don't spray them with insecticide.  Chances are these bees are gentle, as they have no babies or home to defend.  Let Florida Bee Removal perform a live bee removal for you at a very low price.  This is the chance to remove the bees without killing them before they build a bee hive on your property which they will defend to the end!

*Just because you have bees on your property does not necessarily mean that the bees must be removed.  When you call Florida Bee Removal we may ask you some questions and advise you a bee removal visit is not necessary.  Why?  Because some bee swarms will simply move on and leave you and your family alone.

  *It is not necessary to disturb the hive itself to initiate an Africanized Bee attack. In fact, Africanized bees have been known to respond viciously to mundane occurrences, including noises or even vibrations from vehicles, equipment and pedestrians.  Keep your children and pets away from the bee hive or swarm if its on your property.

*Africanized bees are less discriminating in their choice of nests than native bees, utilizing a variety of natural and man-made objects, including hollow trees, walls, porches, sheds, attics, utility boxes, garbage containers and abandoned vehicles. They also tend to swarm more often than other honey bees.

*Once Africanized bees are disturbed, the colonies remain agitated for 24 hours, and can attack people and animals within a range of a quarter mile from the bee hive.  Although their venom is no more potent, Africanized bees attack in far greater numbers than native honeybees.

*In Florida, the number of registered beekeepers has grown significantly.  This is believed to be attributed to a 2012 State law that took away the power of local municipalities to decide whether bees could be kept in residential areas.  This will ultimately lead to more calls for bee removal services, as urban area beekeeping activities increase so will the bee swarms which is a natural means of reproduction of honeybee colonies.

*Africanized bees often enter European colonies to mingle and mate with them. Such mating results in more hybrid bees having African genes and tendencies dominating over European ones. An entire colony may suddenly take on aggressive and short-tempered behavior thus prompting your call for bee removal.

*Honeybee swarm season in Florida typically goes from April through August.  When the bees swarm, half of the bee colony splits off and is looking for a new home.  This is typically when you notice the bees and call Florida Bee Removal for help!

*When wild bee swarms appear in an area, it is evidence that other bee hives are nearby; those maintained by beekeepers, as well as those established in trees and other voids. The swarms follow several steps: scout bees look for a suitable habitat, the swarm lands at the habitat, and then the colony enters. 

*Simply exterminating a bee hive in a structure without removing the hive will cause bees to re-colonize at that location due to the honey and pheremones left attracting other bees.  Call Florida Bee Removal  to make sure the job is done right!

*The ancient Egyptians used honey as food and medicine. It was also used in offerings and for embalming the dead. Beeswax was used in magic rites, for preserving and also in medicine.

*Africanized bees behavior is thought to be aggressive by many, however the africanized bee behavior is actually defensive.  They react to invasion of their environment and defend themselves when necessary. Attacks occur when people are too close to a nesting colony of africanized honey bees. They do not sit around and plot attacks on humans.  Let Florida Bee Removal take care of your bee issue before they colonize on your property.

*In Florida, the number of registered beekeepers has grown significantly.  This is believed to be attributed to a 2012 State law that took away the power of local municipalities to decide whether bees could be kept in residential areas.  This will ultimately lead to more calls for bee removal services, as urban area beekeeping activities increase so will the bee swarms which is a natural means of reproduction of honeybee colonies.

 *Honey actually has medical benefits?  Absolutely!  Click here to read more.

*When a honey bee stings, it leaves the stinger as well as the pheromone in its victims skin.  Typically, honey bees only sting when they feel the bee hive is threatened.

*Did you know there are more than 300 types of honey in the U.S.?  The flavor of the honey differs based on the nectar source visited by the bee. 

Are yellow jackets bees?

Many customers call in daily with what they have identified as a bee problem.  This couldn't bee farther from the truth!  We soon find out they have actually got a yellow jacket problem.  Yellow jackets are mistakenly called bees because they look very much the same when flying around your yard, but they are really wasps.  The yellow jackets' closest relative is the hornet.  Unlike the honey bee, the yellow jacket does not have hair on its body for carrying pollen like the bee does.

Dont dislike the yellow jacket yet....did you know they are a natural form of pest control?  Yellow jackets actually feed on other insects such as caterpillars and flies.  Farmers place yellow jacket nests near the food crops to be used as biological control agents in corn, cotton and tobacco crops.

Call now for all of your bee issues!

CITUS GREENING (  Huanglongbing---HLB  ) WHAT  IT  PORTENDS  FOR HONEY  PRODUCTION AND BEE POLLINATION IN FLORIDA

          ANALYSIS BY: RAYMOND MILLS-BEE KEEPER  BS USF

     HLB IS A BACTERIAL DISEASE, CARRIED BY A SMALL INSECT ( Asian Citrus Psyllid ) . IT CAUSES DEFORMED AND UNPALATABLE FRUIT IN CITRUS TREES, A CHIEF SOURCE OF NECTAR AND POLLEN FOR HONEY BEES. ONCE A TREE HAS BEEN INFECTED, DEATH IS ASSURED WITHIN A FEW YEARS. SINCE THIS DISEASE PRESENTS AN EMINENT THREAT TO BOTH CITRUS AND ITS BEE VISITORS, PESTICIDES HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED FOR CONTROL AND TREATMENT OF HLB.

       POLK AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES HAVE LONG BEEN LEADING PRODUCTION REGIONS OF CITRUS WHERE BEE KEEPERS HAVE TRADITIONALLY PLACED THOUSANDS OF BEE HIVES  AND PRODUCED TONS OF DELECTABLE ORANGE BLOSSOM HONEY. BEE HIVES ARE ALREADY PRESENT, IN LARGE NUMBERS, ALONG THE HIGHLAND RIDGE, WHICH ORNATES SUCH CITIES AS: LAKE ALFRED, HAINES CITY, DAVENPORT, WINTER HAVEN, AND  LAKE WALES.  BESIDES LARGE GROVES, RESIDENTIAL AREAS ARE ALSO IN THE WAKE OF THIS THREAT TO CITRUS AND BEE POLINATORS.

       THE APPLICATION OF PESTICIDES, BOTH TO SOIL AND FOLIAGE, PRESENTS A DANGER TO BEE POLLINATORS AND THE BEE HIVES TO WHICH THEY MAY TRANSPORT TOXINS. TO LESSEN THE PROBABILITY OF BEE DEATHS, PESTICIDES SHOULD NOT BE APPLIED JUST PRIOR TO OR DURING BLOOMING. REMOVAL OF AFFECTED TREES AND REMOVAL OF BEE HIVES, FROM HLB-INFECTED AREAS SHOULD BE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED.

      HLB IS A MORE SERIOUS THREAT THAN PREVIOUS PATHOGENIC  INFECTIONS, SUCH AS: CITRUS CANKER. WITH THIS NEW THREAT, INCREASED HONEY BEE LOSSES CAN BEE ANTICIPATED UNTIL A CONTROL CAN BE FOUND AND POSSIBLE REMOVAL OF ITS SEVERE  EFFECTS.

LEARN MORE--------CITRUS GREENING—UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA—EFFECTS ON HONEY BEE

Here is an interesting link talking about citrus greening and pesticides and the effect on the bees. 

Another media story of honeybees being lost due to pesticides in orange groves.  

Don't assume the bee hive will just pick up and leave on their own. Here is a local story of a bee hive in a tampa bay area neighborhood that grew to 100 pounds and over 90,000 bees that had to be removed. At least the bee hive was not in a house, the hive was located in a tree.

Here is a startling reminder to hire a licensed and insured bee removal company.  In this March 2015 news story in Tampa Bay, three out of four dogs were killed by a bee swarm.  Just a few days later in New Port Richey located in Pasco County on April 5, 2015 four people were attacked by thousands of bees.

In February 2017, a news story about a swarm of bees washing up on the beach.  I have to say that doesn't happen every day.  Florida Bee Removal performs live bee removal every chance we can, as we give them to local bee keepers.