When Is Bee Season in Florida? What Homeowners Should Know.
Florida’s warm and sunny climate is not just a paradise for beach lovers—it’s also a haven for bees. While these pollinators are essential for our environment, they can sometimes become a nuisance when they choose to make their homes in unwanted places, such as walls, attics, or trees near residential areas. If you’re a Florida homeowner, understanding the timing and behavior of bee season is crucial for both your safety and theirs.
Active honeybee colony
In this article, we’ll cover:
When the bee season starts and ends in Florida
The peak swarm time and why it happens
The most active months
Signs of bee infestation to watch for
Tips for prevention and safe bee removal
Let’s dive into everything homeowners need to know about Florida's bee season.
🐝 What Is Bee Season?
Bee season refers to the time of year when bees are most active, usually in search of new homes and food sources. This period involves increased swarming, nesting, and foraging activity. In Florida, the warmer climate means that bees can stay active for much longer than in colder states, making it essential for residents to remain alert nearly year-round.
📅 When Is Bee Season in Florida?
In Florida, bee season typically begins as early as February and can extend all the way through late October or even November, depending on weather conditions.
Key Bee Activity Months:
📅 Month-by-Month Bee Activity in Florida (Swarm Time & Active Periods)
Due to Florida’s warm and humid climate, bees remain active for much longer than in most other states. However, their activity levels vary throughout the year. Below is a clear, month-by-month breakdown of bee behavior that every homeowner should know:
🐝 February: In early February, bees slowly begin to emerge from winter dormancy. Although activity is generally low, warmer temperatures can trigger early movement and occasional scouting for new locations.
🐝 March & April: This is when the Florida bee season officially begins. Swarming activity increases significantly as bee colonies grow and split. The old queen often leaves the hive with a group of worker bees to form a new colony. During this time, you may see large clusters of bees resting on trees, fences, or even buildings.
🐝 May & June: These are considered the peak months of bee season in Florida. Swarms are most common during this period, and most bee removal calls happen now. Bees are highly active, searching for food, building new hives, and expanding their colonies. Homeowners are more likely to notice bees entering walls, roofs, or water meter boxes during these months.
🐝 July & August: Even though swarming starts to slow down slightly, bee activity remains very high. Colonies continue to grow and forage, and any established hives will be extremely active. This is also when aggressive behavior can increase, especially if a hive feels threatened.
🐝 September & October: Bee activity gradually begins to decrease during these months. However, in parts of Florida where temperatures remain warm, bees may still be active. During this period, bees start preparing for cooler weather by collecting food and reinforcing their hives.
🐝 November to January: These are the quietest months in Florida’s bee calendar. Activity is minimal, especially during colder weeks. That said, in South Florida and other warmer regions, bees may still be seen flying or foraging occasionally if temperatures remain mild.
🌸 Why Bees Swarm During Certain Months
Swarming is a natural part of the bee life cycle. It occurs when a colony becomes too large, and a portion of the bees—including the queen—leave to find a new nesting site.
This usually happens during March through June, the height of swarm time in Florida. The warm temperatures, increased daylight hours, and availability of nectar-rich flowers during spring create the perfect environment for bees to reproduce and expand.
During swarm season, it’s common to see large clusters of bees hanging from trees, fences, or even your home’s exterior. While this can look alarming, swarming bees are generally not aggressive, but they should never be disturbed.
🏡 How Bee Season Affects Florida Homeowners
If you live in Florida, bee season isn’t just a seasonal curiosity—it’s something that can directly impact your home and safety.
Common Problems During Florida Bee Season:
Hives in Walls or Attics: Bees often nest in enclosed areas, including wall voids, soffits, and roof spaces.
Increased Buzzing and Bee Sightings: Frequent bee traffic around your home or garden can indicate a nearby hive.
Stings and Allergic Reactions: While bees aren’t usually aggressive, proximity increases the risk of accidental encounters.
Because Florida’s bee season is long and intense, homeowners should be especially cautious from March through August, when activity peaks.
🕵️ Signs You May Have a Bee Infestation
Knowing the signs of a possible hive can help you act before the situation becomes dangerous. Be alert to:
Buzzing Sounds: Persistent buzzing from walls, ceilings, or vents
Bee Clusters: Bees swarming or clustering around a specific spot
Dark Spots or Sticky Walls: Honey can seep through drywall if a hive is well-established
Increased Bee Sightings: Frequent bee activity near one side of your home
Visible Entry Points: Gaps in siding, holes near the roof, or broken vents
If you notice any of these signs during Florida bee season, it’s important not to try DIY removal. Not only can it be dangerous, but it may also harm protected species like honey bees.
🔍 What Attracts Bees to Your Property?
During bee season, your property can become a prime target if it offers food, water, and shelter. Bees are drawn to:
Eco-friendly live bee removal
Flowering plants and gardens
Standing water (bird baths, ponds, leaky faucets)
Unsealed trash cans with sugary residues
Exposed wood or wall voids for nesting
To make your home less attractive to bees, focus on reducing these elements, especially during peak swarm months in Florida.
✅ What Homeowners Can Do to Prepare
Being proactive is the best way to avoid bee problems during the long Florida bee season.
🧰 Preventive Tips:
Seal Entry Points: Check for gaps in siding, roofing, or eaves and seal them with caulk or mesh.
Remove Attractants: Avoid overwatering plants, emptying standing water, and keeping trash bins sealed.
Maintain Landscaping: Trim trees and bushes to eliminate potential swarm landing zones.
Inspect Regularly: Especially in early spring, check around your property for increased bee activity.
Call Professionals: If you suspect a hive, contact an eco-friendly bee removal service before the problem grows.
♻️ The Importance of Humane Bee Removal
Not all bees are pests—many are essential pollinators, especially honey bees. Honey bees are legally protected in Florida, and it's illegal to kill them without proper permits.
Choosing live bee relocation over extermination is not only more ethical but also helps protect Florida’s fragile pollinator population. Many professional bee removal companies, like Eco Bee Removal, specialize in safe, eco-friendly bee removal and relocation, especially during high-activity months.
🐝 Bee Season & Public Safety
Bee season is not just a residential concern—it affects schools, parks, and businesses too. Swarms near public spaces can lead to emergency calls, especially when people feel threatened or have allergies.
If you notice a hive in a public or commercial area, it's essential to call professionals trained in safe swarm handling and bee removal, rather than spraying chemicals or using home remedies.
🌞 Final Thoughts: Staying Safe During Bee Season in Florida
Bee season in Florida spans most of the year, with the most intense activity from March through August. Swarms, hive building, and foraging can lead to increased encounters with these important but sometimes problematic insects.
As a homeowner, being aware of bee activity months, understanding swarm behavior, and taking early action can help prevent infestations. Most importantly, remember that bees play a critical role in Florida’s ecosystem, so whenever possible, opt for humane relocation rather than extermination.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Florida bee season runs from February to November, with peaks in spring and early summer.
Swarm time is most active between March and June.
Be vigilant for signs like buzzing walls, visible clusters, or dark honey stains.
Avoid DIY removal—always choose professional, eco-friendly solutions.
Protect your home while supporting pollinator conservation.
📞 Need Help with a Bee Problem?
If you suspect a beehive or swarm on your property, don’t wait. Contact Eco Bee Removal for fast, safe, and environmentally responsible service across Florida.
📍 Serving areas including Miami, Sarasota, Orlando, Fort Myers, and more.
👉 Visit Our Website | 📞 (888) 282-1886
