Don’t Let a Bee Problem Become a Crisis
If you’ve noticed swarming bees near your home, wall, or utility box, it’s critical to act fast — and wisely. Africanized honey bees look like regular honey bees, but their behavior is far more dangerous.
While they’re often confused with harmless pollinators, Africanized bees are known for their aggression, unpredictability, and ability to nest in hard-to-reach areas like wall voids and foundations.
This guide explains how to get rid of Africanized honey bees the right way — and why going the DIY route can lead to bigger problems, from injury to property damage and even legal trouble.
What Makes Africanized Honey Bees So Dangerous?
Africanized honey bees are descendants of the African honey bee, originally brought to South America to boost honey production. Over time, they migrated north through Central America and into Florida.
While they look almost identical to European honey bees, the differences are striking:
They defend their hive aggressively and with little provocation
They respond faster and sting in larger numbers
They nest in smaller, unexpected places — often near people or pets
Unlike traditional honey bees, these colonies are not calm. If disturbed, they may pursue perceived threats up to a quarter mile away.
Where They Hide: Potential Nesting Sites to Watch
Africanized bees are not picky. They’ll build nests in:
Wall cavities
Concrete foundations
Water meter boxes and irrigation enclosures
Soffits, attics, or inside outdoor furniture
Sheds, tree hollows, crawlspaces
These potential nesting sites are hard to detect — you may only realize there’s a bee infestation after seeing increased bee activity or hearing buzzing inside walls.
What NOT to Do: DIY Mistakes That Make Things Worse
When faced with aggressive bees, many property owners try quick fixes. Unfortunately, these tactics usually backfire — putting people, pets, and property in harm’s way.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Spraying them with a hose or bottle – only agitates the colony
Sealing up the hole – traps bees inside your walls, increasing aggression
Using fire or smoke – may ignite structural materials and doesn’t drive out the bees
Pouring chemicals into cracks – illegal in some cases and can destroy interior finishes
Swatting at bees – triggers swarm behavior
Assuming they’re regular honey bees – misidentification leads to costly errors
Our Process for Professional Bee Removal
At Wildlife Works, we’ve helped Florida residents and commercial property owners resolve complex bee infestations safely and legally.
Here’s how we approach it:
Inspection — We assess the bee activity, identify the species, and locate the nest.
Plan of Action — Depending on access, we may need to open up siding, wall panels, or other materials to reach the colony.
Careful Removal — Our team removes the bees and comb, minimizing damage and reducing the risk of return.
Exclusion — We seal known entry points to deter new hives in the same location.
Each property is different — we tailor our approach to fit your structure and the level of infestation.
Don’t Risk Your Safety — Call the Pros
Africanized bees aren’t just another household pest. Their aggressive behavior, hidden nesting habits, and legal protections make DIY removal a bad idea with serious consequences.
If you suspect a bee infestation or see signs of nesting around your home or building, contact Wildlife Works today.
We’ll help you identify the problem and remove it safely, with professional care and a deep understanding of Florida regulations.
Visit our Bee Removal Services page to schedule an inspection or fill out the form below.
Need Help?
Call Now: 352-717-8727
Don’t wait for wildlife problems to escalate. Get expert help today.