Africanized Honey Bees in South Florida
Safety-first guidance. Africanized honey bees are established in our region — send a photo and keep your distance.
7 AM – 7 PM, 7 days a week · Emergencies: call now
Safety first
- Do not disturb the nest, spray, or seal the entrance.
- Keep kids and pets inside. Take a photo only from a safe distance.
- Live honey bee removal in Florida is done by FDACS-registered beekeepers. Call 954-547-9951.
What Are Africanized Honey Bees?
Africanized honey bees are hybrids of African Apis mellifera scutellata and European honey bees. They spread north from Brazil and are established across South Florida, including Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
They look like other western honey bees. You cannot reliably tell them apart from a phone photo — only genetic testing can confirm. Treat defensive colonies with caution and call professionals.
How Are They Different From Other Honey Bees?
A single sting is not more venomous than a European honey bee sting. The difference is nest defense: Africanized colonies may respond to less disturbance, send more bees, pursue farther, and stay agitated longer.
Leave the nest alone. Do not spray, knock, or seal the entrance. Keep people and pets clear, and call us so we can assess from a safe distance.
What to Do If Bees Attack
UF/IFAS and FDACS advice for a stinging event: get to shelter first. This is not a DIY removal guide.
Step 1: Run to enclosed shelter
Move in a straight line to a building or vehicle and close the doors and windows. Do not stand still and swat.
Step 2: Cover your face
Protect your face, nose, and mouth while you run. Bees often target the head.
Step 3: Do not hide in water or brush
Do not jump into water or hide in bushes. Seek an enclosed space instead.
Step 4: Get help, then call us about the nest
Call 911 for a severe allergic reaction. Keep your distance from the nest and call 954-547-9951 for live removal.
How We Approach These Calls
Live honey bee removal in Florida is performed by FDACS-registered beekeepers. When a colony can be reached safely, our work is live removal, comb cleanup, and relocation to our farm.
Highly defensive colonies need extra care on access and timing. We assess from your photo and on site before work begins. Emergencies: call now.
Sources
Need Help Now?
7 AM – 7 PM, 7 days a week. Emergencies: call now, or text us a photo.