When most people think of bees, they picture buzzing wings, painful stings, or swarms gathering around their homes. But the reality is far more complex — and much more positive — than the myths we often hear. Bees are some of the most misunderstood insects in the world, especially here in Florida, where warm weather keeps them active nearly year-round.

In this SEO-friendly guide, we’ll break down the most common myths and misconceptions about bees, explain what’s actually true, and help homeowners make informed, eco-friendly decisions. Whether you're curious about bee behavior or worried about a hive near your home, understanding the facts is the first step toward safe and responsible bee removal.

Myth #1: All Bees Are Aggressive and Want to Sting You

Reality: Most bees are incredibly gentle and will only sting if they feel directly threatened.
Honey bees, in particular, do not want to sting because they die after stinging. Their goal is to protect the hive — not attack humans.

Aggression is usually triggered by:

Disturbing a hive unknowingly
Vibrations near the hive
Attempting DIY removal
Sudden movements close to bees

In Florida, we also have Africanized bees in some regions, but even they are not naturally aggressive unless provoked.

What homeowners should know:

If bees are flying around your home but not bothering you, it’s usually a sign they are foraging, not attacking. A professional can remove or relocate them safely if needed.

Myth #2: Bees Will Go Away on Their Own

This is one of the biggest myths in bee removal.

Reality: Bees rarely leave once they’ve established a hive inside:

Walls
Attics
Roof soffits
Sheds
Trees on your property

A honey bee colony can grow to 50,000 bees, and honeycomb can spread deep inside structures. The longer a hive stays, the harder and more costly it becomes to remove.

Plus, abandoned honeycomb melts in Florida’s heat, leading to:

Ant infestations
Cockroaches
Mold
Rodent activity

Truth: If you notice recurring bee activity, late-evening buzzing inside walls, or bees entering a small hole in your home’s exterior, you likely have an established hive that needs professional removal.

Myth #3: Bees Are the Same as Wasps

Reality: Bees and wasps are completely different insects with different behaviors.

Bees:

Fuzzy bodies
Vegetarian diet (nectar & pollen)
Pollinators
Non-aggressive
Die after stinging

Wasps (like yellow jackets):

Smooth bodies
Meat-eating predators
Can sting repeatedly
More aggressive
Do not produce honey

Many homeowners panic when they see flying insects, assuming they are bees. But mistaking a wasp for a bee can lead to the wrong type of treatment. Eco Bee Removal specializes in identifying species before taking action — a key part of eco-friendly pest control.

Myth #4: It’s Fine to Spray or Kill Bees to Get Rid of Them

Reality: Using chemicals, sprays, or DIY methods can be harmful, illegal in some cases, and extremely hazardous.
In Florida, honey bees are protected pollinators, and exterminating them can:

Harm the environment
Contaminate your home
Leave behind honey and brood that attract pests
Lead to repeated infestations

Spraying bees only kills the visible ones — not the thousands inside the hive. Worse, chemical residue makes professional relocation nearly impossible afterward.

The safest solution is a live bee relocation service, where trained experts remove bees humanely and relocate them to a safe apiary.

Myth #5: Bees Only Build Hives in Trees

Reality: Bees actually prefer enclosed, protected spaces — especially in Florida's unpredictable weather.

Common hive locations include:

common bee myths vs facts, — **Common bee myths vs facts**

Wall voids
Roof soffits
Attics
Chimneys
Electrical boxes
Water meter boxes
Barbecue grills
Abandoned cars
Hollow trees

Bees choose locations that:

Stay dry
Have stable temperatures
Offer protection from predators

If bees are entering a crack, gap, or small hole in your home, there’s a good chance there is a hive inside.

Myth #6: Honey Bees Are Becoming Extinct, So You Should Never Remove Them

Reality: Bees are facing challenges like habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change — but removing a hive from your home doesn’t harm the species.

What matters is how bees are removed.
Eco Bee Removal uses live, safe relocation, meaning:

The colony survives
Bees are relocated to a beekeeper’s apiary
Local Florida agriculture remains supported
No bees are harmed in the process

This method helps protect and sustain bee populations while also keeping homeowners safe.

Myth #7: A Few Bees Around Flowers Means There’s a Hive Nearby

Reality: Seeing a few bees in your yard is completely normal — especially in Florida, where flowers bloom year-round.

Bees often travel miles to collect nectar and pollen. A few bees on flowers does NOT indicate a hive on your property.

Signs of an actual hive include:

A steady stream of bees is entering one small opening
Increased buzzing inside the walls
Honey dripping or stains
Wax flakes around the entry point
Nighttime activity

If you're unsure, a professional inspection can determine if there’s a hive.

Myth #8: Bee Removal Is Always Expensive

Reality: Bee removal costs vary based on:

Hive location
Hive size
Type of bee
Accessibility

Safe, eco-friendly live removal is often more affordable than homeowners expect — especially compared to repairing damage caused by ignoring a hive or attempting DIY removal.

Additionally, proper sealing and prevention can protect your home in the long term, preventing future infestations.

Myth #9: All Bees Make Honey

Reality: Only honey bees create the large honeycomb structures most people are familiar with.

Other bee species include:

Carpenter bees
Bumblebees
Mason bees
Sweat bees
Leafcutter bees

Many of these bees do NOT produce honey and do not live in large colonies. Florida has more than 300 native bee species, and most are solitary, non-aggressive, and essential for pollination.

Myth #10: You Can Seal the Hole to Trap Bees Inside

Reality: Sealing a hive entrance is extremely dangerous.

Bees trapped inside:

Spread deeper into your home
Find another exit — often indoors
Become defensive and agitated
Overheat and die, creating odor and pests

Attempting to “lock bees in” often turns a simple removal into a major structural repair job.

Always remove the hive before sealing any entry points.

Final Thoughts: Understanding Bees Leads to Safer, Smarter Decisions

Bees play a critical role in Florida’s ecosystems, agriculture, and natural beauty. Unfortunately, myths and misconceptions often cause confusion, fear, and unsafe DIY attempts. The truth is simple:

Bees are gentle
Bees are essential
Bees can be removed safely and humanely
Bee relocation protects both families and the environment

If you suspect a hive near your home or want an inspection, professional bee removal is the safest and eco-friendly option.

At Eco Bee Removal, we specialize in live bee relocation, humane hive removal, and long-term prevention — keeping your home safe while helping protect Florida’s bees.

Common Bee Myths Every Florida Homeowner Should Know.