Florida’s mild winters create a unique environment for bees—very different from what beekeepers or homeowners might expect in the northern states. While winter often slows down insect activity across most of the country, Florida bees remain surprisingly active. If you’ve ever wondered whether bees in Florida hibernate, migrate, or simply disappear until spring, this guide explains exactly what happens inside their colonies—and how it affects homeowners.

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Do Bees Hibernate in Florida? The Short Answer: Not Really

Because Florida doesn’t experience harsh freezing temperatures, most bee species do not hibernate the way they do in colder states. Instead, they remain partially or fully active throughout the winter. Honey bees, bumble bees, carpenter bees, and native solitary bees all behave differently—but none enter a true deep hibernation in Florida.

Florida’s winter temperatures typically range between 55°F and 75°F, which is warm enough for bees to continue searching for food, raising brood, and even starting new colonies when the weather is ideal.

How Honey Bees Behave in Florida During Winter

Honey bees are the most active winter species in Florida. Here’s what happens inside a honey bee colony:

1. They Form a Winter Cluster (But Stay Active)

In northern climates, honey bees form a tight cluster to conserve heat.
In Florida, they cluster too—but the cluster is loose, meaning bees move around freely inside the hive.

2. The Queen Continues Laying Eggs

Since Florida doesn’t get too cold, queens rarely stop laying eggs. Instead of the usual January slowdown seen in colder states, Florida colonies:

maintain brood production
continue gathering nectar and pollen
may even start building a new comb

3. Winter Flowers Keep Bees Active

‍ ‍ “Honey bees active near a Florida home’s roof soffit in winter.”

Florida’s diverse plant life provides winter blooms that allow bees to stay productive. Common winter nectar sources include:

Brazilian pepper
Wild mustard
Citrus blossoms
Spanish needle
Clover
Saw palmetto

As long as nectar flows, bees remain on the move.

What About Other Bee Species in Florida?

🟡 Bumble Bees

Bumble bees do not overwinter as a colony. Instead:

The queen survives winter, burrowed underground.
The worker bees die off naturally in late fall.
In Florida, queens emerge earlier than in northern states—sometimes as early as late January.

⚫ Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees are more tolerant of cold weather and commonly:

Hide inside the wooden tunnels they created during warmer months
Sleep through cold spells
Emerge during warm days (common in Florida winters)

They do not fully hibernate but enter a mild dormant state called torpor.

🐝 Solitary Native Bees

Many native bees, such as sweat bees and mason bees, overwinter as larvae inside nests. Florida’s mild temperatures sometimes cause early emergence—creating unexpected winter bee activity around homes.

Why Florida Winters Don’t Slow Bees Down

Florida’s winter climate supports bee activity because:

1. No Long Freezing Periods

Deep freezes kill nectar-producing plants in other states. Florida’s short-lived cold snaps don’t harm most vegetation.

2. Year-Round Nectar Availability

Many ornamental plants and wildflowers bloom all winter.

3. High Bee Population Density

Warm climates enable bees to reproduce nearly year-round, resulting in increased activity levels even during winter.

4. Extended Foraging Season

Bees will fly at 55°F and above, which Florida winter days consistently reach.

Winter Bee Activity Can Lead to Unexpected Hive Problems

Because bees stay active in winter, homeowners often encounter surprise beehives when temperatures drop. Common winter hive locations include:

attic spaces
soffits and eaves
inside walls
rooflines
sheds and garages
old water meter boxes
hollow trees and palms

Florida bees may move into homes during winter because warm indoor spaces provide shelter and a stable temperature—perfect for brood rearing.

Even though winter feels like a quiet season, it’s actually one of the most common times for discovering hidden hives in Florida homes.

Signs of a Winter Bee Hive in Your Florida Home

1. Buzzing or humming noises in the wall

Especially during warm afternoons.

2. Bees entering small holes or cracks

Particularly around rooflines or attic vents.

3. Increased bee activity on warm days

Because winter days often rise above 70°F, bees may suddenly appear.

4. Dark stains or honey seepage

This happens when the honeycomb melts slightly due to attic heat.

5. A sweet smell coming from the walls or ceilings

Fermenting honey has a distinct scent.

If you notice these signs, it’s important to call a professional live bee removal service before the hive grows.

Why You Should Never Seal a Hive in Winter

Many homeowners make the mistake of trying to close off bee entry holes during winter. This causes significant problems:

Bees trapped inside will panic and chew into indoor spaces
Honey and wax melt, attracting ants, roaches, and rats
Dead bees create odor and bacterial growth
The hive may expand into new hidden areas

A live bee removal expert can:

locate the hive
safely remove bees
Extract all honeycomb
seal entry points correctly
prevent future infestations

How to Prevent Bees from Moving Into Your Home This Winter

Even though bees are essential pollinators, you don’t want them nesting inside your home. Here’s how to protect your property:

✔ Seal cracks and gaps early (by fall)

Pay attention to rooflines, soffits, vents, and siding.

✔ Repair damaged soffit boards or fascia

Weak spots are prime entry areas.

✔ Add screens to attic vents

Use small-gauge screens to prevent bee entry.

✔ Keep vegetation trimmed away from structures

Overgrown plants give bees easy access.

✔ Remove old, unused equipment or lawn items

Bees love sheltered, abandoned places.

✔ Schedule a professional inspection

A trained bee removal specialist can detect early hive activity before it spreads.

The Environmental Impact: Why Live Bee Removal Matters

Bees are a necessary part of Florida’s ecosystem. Without them, we’d lose essential pollination for:

fruits
vegetables
native plants
citrus groves
ornamental flowers

Instead of extermination, live bee relocation protects both your home and Florida’s environment. Professional live removal ensures:

Bees are safely relocated
colonies remain healthy
honeycomb is fully removed
Property damage is prevented
local pollinator populations stay strong

At Eco Bee Removal, we relocate bees humanely so they can continue supporting Florida’s fragile ecosystem—even in the winter months.

Final Thoughts: Florida Bees Stay Active All Winter Long

Unlike colder states, Florida stays warm enough for bees to remain active through winter. Honey bees keep raising brood, foraging on warm days, and sometimes building new comb. Other bees slow down, but they don’t fully hibernate. This year-round activity means homeowners must stay alert for winter hive development, especially inside walls and attics.

If you suspect bees are nesting in your home this winter, don’t wait until spring—beehives grow quickly in Florida’s mild climate. Professional live removal keeps your home safe and protects Florida’s essential pollinators.

**‍ ‍ “Hidden honey bee hive inside house wall showing comb structure.”**

Winter in Florida: Do Bees Hibernate or Stay Active?