About Bees in Texas
Bees are essential pollinators, but when they establish hives in walls, attics, or near entryways, they pose serious safety concerns—especially in Texas where Africanized "killer bees" are prevalent.
Unlike wasps that can be exterminated, honey bees and their hives should be relocated when possible. However, removal is complex because failing to remove all honeycomb attracts new swarms and causes secondary pest problems.
Texas has the highest number of Africanized honey bee incidents in the nation. These highly defensive bees attack in large numbers with minimal provocation, making professional removal essential for safety.
Types of Bees in Texas
1. Honey Bees (European/Africanized)
Golden-brown with dark bands. Form large colonies with wax combs. Produce honey and beeswax. Africanized bees are genetically similar but extremely defensive. Cannot be visually distinguished—behavior is the indicator.
2. Bumble Bees
Large, fuzzy, black and yellow. Form small colonies (50-400 bees). Nest in ground, compost, or insulation. Generally docile. Less likely to sting unless nest is disturbed.
3. Carpenter Bees
Large, shiny black abdomen (males have yellow/white face). Solitary nesters that bore holes in wood. Cause structural damage to decks, fascia, eaves. Males are aggressive but cannot sting.
4. Sweat Bees
Small, metallic green or black. Solitary or small groups. Attracted to human perspiration. Nest in ground. Generally not aggressive but will sting if trapped.
Identification Guide
Size
Honey bee: ½ inch | Bumble bee: ¾-1 inch | Carpenter bee: 1 inch
Color
Yellow/brown bands, fuzzy (bumble), shiny black (carpenter)
Shape
Robust body, four wings, fuzzy appearance in most species
Honey Bees vs. Wasps
- Bees: Fuzzy, golden-brown, robust build, carry pollen on legs
- Wasps: Smooth, bright yellow and black, narrow waist, no pollen
- Bees: Die after stinging (barbed stinger)
- Wasps: Can sting repeatedly (smooth stinger)
Signs of Bee Activity
Active Hive Indicators:
- Constant bee traffic in/out of single location
- Bees entering wall voids, soffits, or attic vents
- Buzzing sound from inside walls or ceilings
- Sweet honey smell near walls or ceilings
- Brown staining on walls or ceiling from honey seepage
- Wax debris or dead bees accumulating
Swarm Activity:
- Large cluster of bees on tree branch, fence, or structure
- Thousands of bees in ball-shaped mass
- Usually temporary (24-72 hours) while scouts find permanent home
- Most likely in spring (March-May) during swarm season
Carpenter Bee Damage:
- Perfect ½-inch round holes in wood
- Sawdust piles below holes
- Yellow staining below holes from excrement
- Hovering male bees "guarding" territory
Sting Risks & Africanized Bees
Normal Sting Reactions
- Immediate sharp pain, burning, itching at sting site
- Localized swelling and redness
- Pain typically subsides within a few hours
- Swelling may increase for 24-48 hours then resolve
Allergic Reactions (Seek Immediate Medical Care)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of face, throat, or tongue
- Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion
- Hives or rash spreading from sting site
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Loss of consciousness
Africanized "Killer Bee" Threat
- Defend hive aggressively—attack in large numbers
- Pursue perceived threats up to ¼ mile
- React to vibrations, noise, and movement near hive
- Responsible for deaths in Texas—primarily from massive sting numbers
- Attack people and pets unprovoked if nest is nearby
- Cannot be identified by appearance—only by behavior
If Attacked by Bees:
- Run away quickly in a straight line
- Cover face and eyes while running
- Get indoors or into vehicle as fast as possible
- Do NOT jump into water—bees will wait for you to surface
- Remove stingers by scraping with credit card (don't pinch)
- Seek medical care if stung more than 15 times
Relocation vs. Removal
When Relocation is Possible
- Swarm on exterior surface (branch, fence, etc.)
- Hive in accessible location (removable structure)
- Non-Africanized bees (docile behavior)
- Beekeeper available for live removal
When Removal/Extermination is Necessary
- Hive inside wall, attic, or structural cavity
- Africanized bees (aggressive behavior)
- Immediate safety threat to people or pets
- Multiple sting incidents already occurred
- Location makes safe relocation impossible
Importance of Complete Removal
Just killing bees is NOT enough. Honeycomb left in walls will:
- Melt in summer heat, dripping through walls and ceilings
- Attract new bee swarms looking for ready-made homes
- Draw cockroaches, ants, beetles, and rodents
- Create persistent odors
- Cause thousands in repair costs from honey damage
Professional Bee Removal Process
Safe bee removal requires protective equipment, specialized tools, and knowledge of bee behavior and building construction.
Our Removal Protocol
Safety Assessment
Evaluate bee behavior (Africanized vs. European), hive location, and threat level. Secure area to prevent public access
Hive Removal (if accessible)
Full protective gear. Remove entire hive including all honeycomb, bees, and brood. Vacuum or brush bees into containers
Structural Opening (if needed)
Cut into walls, soffits, or ceilings to access hidden hives. Document damage for insurance if applicable
Complete Honeycomb Removal
Remove every piece of comb, honey, and brood. Clean cavity thoroughly to remove all pheromones and attractants
Exclusion & Repair
Seal entry points, repair structural openings, and prevent future infestations
Treatment to Deter Return
Apply repellents to prevent new swarms from recolonizing treated area
Bee Removal Cost Expectations
Costs vary based on hive size, location difficulty, and structural repairs needed
Common Questions
Q: How can I tell if bees are Africanized?
You can't tell by appearance. Africanized bees are identified by aggressive behavior—attacking unprovoked, pursuing far from hive, and attacking in large numbers. Assume all wild colonies in Texas may be Africanized.
Q: Will a swarm go away on its own?
Maybe. Swarms are temporary while scout bees search for permanent homes. Most leave within 24-72 hours. However, if scouts find your wall void suitable, the entire swarm may move in permanently.
Q: Can I just spray the bees myself?
Extremely dangerous, especially with Africanized bees. Spraying agitates the colony, triggering mass attack. Even if you kill bees, honeycomb remains and causes extensive damage and attracts new swarms.
Q: Why is bee removal so expensive?
Bee removal requires: protective equipment, specialized tools, structural access (cutting into walls), complete honeycomb removal, disposal, repairs, and significant risk. Incomplete removal costs more long-term.
Safe Professional Bee Removal
Don't risk Africanized bee attacks or incomplete removal.
Let us handle it safely and completely.