Miami Beach

Please make sure you hire a certified Pest Control Operator (PCO) for your bee issues. Due to the ever expanding presence of Africanized bees in Florida, the state recommends a PCO for eradication of bees in and around homes. The African honey bee is considerably more defensive of the bee hive than the European honey bee.

Call Florida Bee Removal, Inc. whether you need bee removal services, or perhaps you have a bee swarm or yellow jacket nest on your property and would just like additional information. We have been in the bee removal business over 50 years and enjoy every adventure. You are never a bother to us, we love the phone to buzz for bees!

If you are located in Florida, you come into contact with bees. It’s just a fact of life. Sadly, you don’t know if you’re dealing with aggressive bees or non-aggressive bees until it’s too late. At Florida Bee Removal, our experts are highly qualified and properly trained in safe, effective bee removal techniques. We offer same-day service at a fair price. When we can safely and effectively perform it, Florida Bee Removal prefers to practice live bee removal of the bee hive if at all possible. When we have safely removed the live bees from your property we turn them over to a local beekeeper so they may be safely managed. Our goal is not to exterminate bees, rather remove the danger of the bees from your property and keep them in their natural habitat so they can continue benefit our evironment. Other stinging and aggressive insects such as wasps and yellow jackets must be exterminated and removed from the site.

Bee Removal ~ Yellow Jacket Removal ~ Wasp Removal ~ Hornet Removal

The State Of Florida has determined that eradication of wild bees is the safest method of Honey Bee control. However, there is no current rule/law requiring feral bee colonies (Those having no bee keeper) to be automatically killed. When eradication is deemed necessary, licensed pest control operators only are certified to apply appropriate products onto a bee infestation. The most comprehensive solution, to unwanted bee hives, is to employ an entity skilled in determining if a bee issue should be eradicated or relocated. The entity should be both certified in General Household Pest control and experienced in apiculture (Honey bee expert ).

Relocation of a bee colony involves removal of both bees and combs from one location ( deemed unwanted or unsafe ) to a more desirable ( safer ) habitat. One must bee safe in this procedure—being careful not to endanger people, pets, and property. Relocation requires more time to accomplish than eradication and therefore, demands a higher fee. About three-fourths of relocated bee colonies abscond ( swarm away ) soon after removal from their original hive site. These absconders could swarm to an undesirable location—complicating matters

Bee pests and pathogens (germs) are a constant threat to our Apian friends. In some areas of Florida, Honey bee losses continue to escalate. Rogue use of pesticides, exotic pests, and poor bee keeping management threatens to further reduce bee colony numbers. Less pollinators can result in less food for man. Without sufficient crop reproduction, we could be forced onto an unsavory diet of carrots and potatoes. Food prices would go out of sight. It is therefore important to save bee colonies whenever possible.

*The State of Florida recommends that all bee colonies not managed by beekeepers nesting in close proximity to areas frequented by people or domestic animals be eradicated by a licensed and insured Pest Control Operator or removed by a registered beekeeper for purposes of public safety.*

FLORIDA BEE REMOVAL 2016

This year looks to be especially busy for bee removal calls.  Please hire a licensed and insured company for your bee removal, as bee swarms may be agressive. This unfortunate person in Florida already found out how aggressive a bee swarm can be this year. In addition, please don’t take it upon yourself to remove the bees, as these people were injured in April of 2015 while being to close to a bee hive.

Bee removal or relocation becomes necessary when bee swarms suddenly appear on trees, in containers, or around structures. Also, established bee colonies, with combs, need removal when they interfere with normal human activities.

In the fall of 1962, several of us young lads discovered honey bees, nesting high in a majestic Hickory tree. We fabricated some protective clothing and, with the aid of a cross-cut saw, brought down the splintering tree along with the bee colony. For several hours, there was a great deal of befuddlement and misbehavior. Upon our return, the following morning, the bee colony had formed a swarm upon a tree limb. A gunney sac was used to encase the bees and branch, upon which they had landed. A local farmer bequeathed to us an old weather-worn bee hive, in which we introduced the swarm. We placed a pane of glass under the telescopic lid of the hive body. This made viewing safer as we watched honey bees store nectar, pollen, and other provisions from late fall plants.

  As Indian Summer faded, the arrival of cold weather caused the bees to become less active. There was very little left to do other than to snuggle with their honey. This adventure took place over 50 years ago and, I assure you, the pleasure of working with bees has increased over the years.

  Once again, it is early February. A brisk, bracing breeze greets the fiery sunrise across the Green Swamp. Blossoming red and golden Maples hum with bee visitors stocking up on early provisions of nectar and pollen. This bounty will soon be followed by Florida Willows adding to the build-up period.

  By February 15^th, Florida Bee Removal will be called upon to resolve bee swarm issues from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale and within  the cities of Tampa Bay . The degree of reproductive swarming will depend upon the success of the late winter build-up. It is not unusual to receive over 20 bee swarm concerns on a warm mid-February afternoon.

There are thousands of commercial bee colonies, now placed in close proximity to millions of acres of citrus. The nectar flow, from this source, often drips from the trees and bees can be heard humming among the blossoms. When the bee hives become heavy, with stored honey and replete with thousands of young worker bees, the issuance of reproductive swarms may number in the hundreds.

  The bee swarms, if true to nature, will follow observable behaviors: 1- approximately ½ of bees in a colony, along with the old queen, swarm away to establish a new family; 2- The swarm alights upon a plant or structure; 3- search bees investigate and evaluate potential nesting sites; 4- a location is chosen and the bee swarm alights near the portal of the selected void or space; 5- the domestic crew does a final inspection; 6- the bee swarm takes possession of the new home; 7-the bees, full of honey, secrete beeswax and fashion it into comb; 8- the old queen deposits eggs into the comb until she is replaced due to declining productivity; 9- field worker bees gather nectar, pollen, propolis, and water; 10- nurse bees care for developing brood and finally,  11- Florida Bee Removal is called to deal with bees that are inconveniently located.

  Since 2015 was a busy year, Florida Bee Removal has been able to invest in new technologies and has improved its bee control procedures. We can be Johnny-on-the-spot when called upon for both routine and emergency bee service. We offer free bee removal advice and free bee removal estimates. Florida Bee Removal dba Apian Services is looking forward to sharing your bee removal adventures in 2016

2016 marks the beginning of our 55th year in the adventurous pursuit of bee removal and relocation.  I still remember well those indian summer days of fall in North Carolina.  Asters and goldenrods lingered still along rural roadsides and abundantly in meadows and on hillsides.  This rich floral display was the bees’ final banquet prior to winter.  Drifting red and yellow leaves would soon litter the forest floor turning brown and crunching beneath our feet.

Here, In Florida, bees work year-round storing tons of honey and providing pollination of crops.  In late September, brazilian pepper trees bloom profusely.  This attracts beekeepers from other states as well as local apiarists.  In the presence of thousands of bee hives, bee swarms are apt to appear on any day.  Bee swarms take residence in structures, trees, and in containers.  Some of these are accessible enough to relocate.

Pepper nectar produces yellow honecomb.  The honey itself has a bitter aftertaste but is excellent for use in baked products.  Since bees are valuable to out survival, Florida bee removal attempts to relocate honeybee colonies whenevr feasible when our customers call for bee removal services.  As our bee removal business has been in our family for generations we are prepared to take care of off of your bee removal issues both now and in the future.

Our Winter Season..

Florida Bee Removal Adventures have begun to diminish as an arctic cold front sweeps across the United States.  Florida bee keepers will not feel the effects of frigid weather as much as others.  This means that many migrant keepers of bees will be wintering their hives here in central and southern Florida.  Florida Bee Removal will continue to be called upon for isolated bee and wasp issues for which we are happy to respond to.  

Bee colonies need ample honey stores in order to overcome the cold of winter. Bees radiate heat when they consume sufficient honey. This radiant flow keeps their brood ( baby bees ) warm as well as themselves. Bee keepers often supply their colonies with sugar syrup when honey supplies are low. Bees will freeze to death when they run out of fuel.  

When bee removal activities slow down, an occasional adventurous opportunity may present itself. I recall such an event in the winter of 2011. U.S. Sugar Corporation employed “The Bee Sting Operation” to remove 20 bee hives from several farm structures.  The location was approx. 30 miles south of Clewiston, their headquarters. The Bee team cut and exposed the bee colonies while extracting a 55 gallon container of honey along with about 100 pounds of honeybees.  

On our way back north to Clewiston, we were surrounded by thousands of  acres of sugar cane ripened beneath the Florida sun.  Overhead, a pair of eagles soared and an osprey flew across a waterway ,sporting a fish in its talons. The team members were inspired by the wild beauty of  this place as we celebrated our bee adventure with a deep sense of accomplishment.

2017 Bee Removal

Florida honeybee populations were adversely affected this period by several factors:  loss of nectar flow, storms, and exotic pests; to name a few.  These conditions contriuted to diminished bee colony numbers which resulted in loss of income to beekeepers.

Florida beekeepers depend upon spring honey flows to bolster their investment income for the year.  2017 was a failure for orange blossom honey.  Palmeto and gall berry sources did not adequately produce in the late spirng.  Much of the summer was devoted to recouping losses by splitting bee colonies and the feeding of sugar syrup and pollen supplements.  

During the height of a promising orange blossom season (March-April) high winds descended upon the Highland Ridge, dislodging blossoms from the citrus trees.  Hurricane Irma destroyed nearly half of the bee colonies in Southwest Florida, bringing with it high winds and intense flooding.  Honeybees suffered losses from Little Hive Beetles, Tracheal Mites, Braula Fly, and Foulbrood (both American and European).

The majority of wild bee colonies are those which have swarmed and relocated from commercial hives.  When bees and beekeeper suffer losses, the need for bee removal services diminishes.

2017 was below average for bee colony survival.  This was reflected in less bee removal for Florida Bee Removal, Inc even though our Google listings were promoted near the top of page 1 for most Florida cities.

This past winter season (2018) marks our 56th year of honeybee culture.  During these years, thousands of bee colonies have been relocated from trees, within structures, from containers, and a myriad of other habitats.  Our years of association with bees and their keepers, have provided a deep appreciation for the benefits that honeybees deliver to us and our environment.

In Florida, as January’s cool wind meets the fiery sunrise, the hardy maples offer an early feast of rich pollen and nectar.  February 2018 went on record as one fo the mildest in history.  Bees relished the abundance of fragrant Florida willows and oak pollen.  As a result, bee colony strength showed great improvement from the previous year.  March presented with windy days of cooler temperatures.  However, there were periods of warmth which contributed to nectar and pollen production.

Winter is the season that is best suited for relocating commercial beehives.  Beekeepers move thousands of hives to citrus groves, blueberry fields, and various other crops.   Citizens calls for bee removal services are usually down during this time frame. In view of positive honeybee buildup, feral bee swarms can be expected to appear extensively during the summer and fall.  When feral swarms appear, Florida Bee Removal is prepared to respond quickly for safe relocation/removal.

Bee Relocation

Honeybee removal and relocation is a professional craft; learned by years of hands-on experience.  The ideal practicioner has training in how to recognize structural voids, bee and wasp identification, the proper use of bee control methods, and a superior ability to interact with customers.

Florida Bee Removal (Apian Services) has over 50 years of honeybee management experience.  Our owner first began relocating bee swarms at age 17 (1962) – see history of bee removal on our website.  Our technicians receive on-going instruction on best practices for bee and wasp control. Wasps are usually exposed but bees generally prefer voids in trees, structures, and containers.  In many situations, honeybees can be safely relocated to farms.  Eradication is permitted when unwanted races of bees are encountered.  Live bee removal is allowed and preferred by Florida Bee Removal.

Apian Services is available 24/7.  Our office staff is courteous and knowledgable on bee and other stinging insect issues.  Feel free to call us for a consultation or bee removal service anytime.  We are a family business offering career opportunities to any wishing to make bee removal and relocation their life’s pursuit.

We are in the process of training our youngest grandson, Luca.  We are working fervently to have Luca prepared to handle your bee issues by 2036.  In the meanwhile, call our current team of bee professionals for all of your bee removal issues.

Bee & Stinging Insect Removal

The cities surrounding Tampa Bay have a large population of bees, yellowjackets, and wasps.  These stinging insects are valuable to our ecosysytem.  Problems exists when they invade human habitations and their property.  Each bee and wasp project calls for a custom evaluation and remedy.  However, removal and relocation is the most desirable method of control.

Polistes (wasps) construct paper nests, most often along the eaves of buildings and in shrubbery.  However one particular species, polistes annularis, prefers the shade of tree branches overhanging Florida rivers and streams.  In the summer of 2002, our bee specialists took a trip down the Rainbow River in search of these wasps.  Soon after launching from K.P. Hole, hundreds of wasp nests were sighted.  Us, bee and wasp removers, we were considering harvesting some of these specimens for use in anti venom therapy.  Since we had not bought our removal and relocation equipment, harvesting was delayed for a future adventure.  It appears likely, that a river traveler would encounter stings from these wasps.

Did you know?

*Even if you are not allergic to bees, there are easily 5, 10, even 1000 times the amount of bees needed to kill a full grown adult in any given infestation. Bee removal of this infestation at your home or business is necessary for everyones safety.

*Often confused with bees, yellow jackets are much more aggressive, and most reported “bee stings” may in fact be yellow jacket stings. Yellow Jackets are easily provoked and unlike bees, they will attack in force chasing the perceived threat for large distances. The easiest and safest option for bee removal and yellow jacket removal is to hire Florida Bee Removal. If you’re determined to do it yourself, know that the likelihood of getting stung is high. Compared to the larger barbs in honey bees, yellow jackets have lance like stingers with small barbs and are capable of stinging repeatedly.

*Honey bees will often form waxen nests attached to tree limbs and structures (referred to as “exposed colonies”).
Recently, a basketball-sized bee colony was discovered hanging from a tree limb in Bradenton, Florida
(see the story and photos here with Tiffany Tompkins at the Bradenton Herald). This bee relocation was accomplished using a cardboard box and a laundry bag. After the bee box reached the apiary (bee yard), it was shaken into a wooden box of frames containing wax foundation. Within a few days, it is hoped that the bee colony will store lots of honey and become better suited for managed bee manipulations.

*A male honey bee is known as a drone. His job is to chase down a queen bee and inseminate her. The egg-bearing queen can then lay either fertile or sterile brood. A drone bee results from a non-fertile egg. Therefore, a drone bee has grandparents and a mother but no father.

*Africanized bees often enter European colonies to mingle and mate with them. Such mating results in more hybrid bees having African genes and tendencies dominating over European ones. An entire colony may suddenly take on aggressive and short-tempered behavior thus prompting your call for bee removal.

*Simply exterminating a bee hive in a structure without removing the hive will cause bees to re-colonize at that location due to the honey and pheremones left attracting other bees. Call Florida Bee Removal to make sure the job is done right!

*Africanized bees behavior is thought to be aggressive by many, however the africanized bee behavior is actually defensive. They react to invasion of their environment and defend themselves when necessary. Attacks occur when people are too close to a nesting colony of africanized honey bees. They do not sit around and plot attacks on humans. Let Florida Bee Removal take care of your bee issue before they colonize on your property.

*Did you know there are more than 300 types of honey in the U.S.? The flavor of the honey differs based on the nectar source visited by the bee.

* The african honeybee sting is no worse than other bees, but it is much more agressive with a tendency to send much more attackers when a threat presents. Did you know the africanized honeybee is less desirable as a commercial honeybee? This is because they produce less honey and have a habit of leaving the hive to pursue a threat. None the less, Florida Bee Removal attempts to perform live bee removal whenever possible.

Are yellow jackets bees?

Many customers call in daily with what they have identified as a bee problem. This couldn’t bee farther from the truth! We soon find out they have actually got a yellow jacket problem. Yellow jackets are mistakenly called bees because they look very much the same when flying around your yard, but they are really wasps. The yellow jackets’ closest relative is the hornet. Unlike the honey bee, the yellow jacket does not have hair on its body for carrying pollen like the bee does.

Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets are an infrequent uninvited inhabitant in and arouns Florida homes and businesses. They are classified as wasps (vespula) but differ in several ways from bees: 1. Yellowjackets are usually black and yellow-striped with smooth bodies. Bees are hairy and brown. 2. Wasps feed their brood on masticated insects. Bees feed their larvae on pollen, honey, and royal jelly. 3. Yellow Jackets fashion paper nests. Their nurseries consist of a series of combs separated by pedicles (stem-like structures) with brood facing downward. Bees secrete wax with which they engineer their combs. The cells have a hexagonal shape and slant slightly upward. Combs face outward. There are exceptions to most generalities. For example: Bald faced hornets are black with white markings. They are more closely related to yellow jackets than hornets. Nest construction and feeding habits are similar to wasps. However, their nests are generally aerial. Yellow Jackets can be found in most regions of the world. They vary in size, coloration, and habitat. However, they are often discovered as in-ground colonies, in attics, walls, wrapped up in old carpets, discarded containers, and attached to palm trees-to name a few possible habitats. Over the past 50 years, I have been called upon to remove hundreds of yellow jacket nests. Some species have been observed to construct nests as large as the bed of a full-sized pickup truck. I removed an aerial colony in Lakeland that contained over 200 pounds of brood. It was attached at 10 feet in a Pineapple Palm, along the south shore of Scott Lake.

Yellow jacket nests can be eradicated and removed at anytime of the day using safe and successful methods, appropriate for the situation. In our formative years, a few vain attemptes were encountered resulting in painful stinging incidents. Our current procedures protect the public and devices have been engineered to get the bee or yellow jacket removal done quickly. In overview wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and bees are all closely related (Order-Hymenoptera). They defend their nests by injecting venom into their enemies. All perform useful activities to earth’s environment. They pose a threat to humans and their property when they inadvertedly locate in close proximity. Florida Bee Removal – Apian Services is here to assist civilization in the safe removal of stinging insects.

CITUS GREENING ( Huanglongbing—HLB ) WHAT IT PORTENDS FOR HONEY PRODUCTION AND BEE POLLINATION IN FLORIDA

ANALYSIS BY: RAYMOND MILLS-BEE KEEPER BS USF

HLB IS A BACTERIAL DISEASE, CARRIED BY A SMALL INSECT ( Asian Citrus Psyllid ) . IT CAUSES DEFORMED AND UNPALATABLE FRUIT IN CITRUS TREES, A CHIEF SOURCE OF NECTAR AND POLLEN FOR HONEY BEES. ONCE A TREE HAS BEEN INFECTED, DEATH IS ASSURED WITHIN A FEW YEARS. SINCE THIS DISEASE PRESENTS AN EMINENT THREAT TO BOTH CITRUS AND ITS BEE VISITORS, PESTICIDES HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED FOR CONTROL AND TREATMENT OF HLB.

POLK AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES HAVE LONG BEEN LEADING PRODUCTION REGIONS OF CITRUS WHERE BEE KEEPERS HAVE TRADITIONALLY PLACED THOUSANDS OF BEE HIVES AND PRODUCED TONS OF DELECTABLE ORANGE BLOSSOM HONEY. BEE HIVES ARE ALREADY PRESENT, IN LARGE NUMBERS, ALONG THE HIGHLAND RIDGE, WHICH ORNATES SUCH CITIES AS: LAKE ALFRED, HAINES CITY, DAVENPORT, WINTER HAVEN, AND LAKE WALES. BESIDES LARGE GROVES, RESIDENTIAL AREAS ARE ALSO IN THE WAKE OF THIS THREAT TO CITRUS AND BEE POLINATORS.

THE APPLICATION OF PESTICIDES, BOTH TO SOIL AND FOLIAGE, PRESENTS A DANGER TO BEE POLLINATORS AND THE BEE HIVES TO WHICH THEY MAY TRANSPORT TOXINS. TO LESSEN THE PROBABILITY OF BEE DEATHS, PESTICIDES SHOULD NOT BE APPLIED JUST PRIOR TO OR DURING BLOOMING. REMOVAL OF AFFECTED TREES AND REMOVAL OF BEE HIVES, FROM HLB-INFECTED AREAS SHOULD BE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED.

HLB IS A MORE SERIOUS THREAT THAN PREVIOUS PATHOGENIC INFECTIONS, SUCH AS: CITRUS CANKER. WITH THIS NEW THREAT, INCREASED HONEY BEE LOSSES CAN BEE ANTICIPATED UNTIL A CONTROL CAN BE FOUND AND POSSIBLE REMOVAL OF ITS SEVERE EFFECTS.

LEARN MORE——–CITRUS GREENING—UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA—EFFECTS ON HONEY BEE

Here is an interesting link talking about citrus greening and pesticides and the effect on the bees.

Another media story of honeybees being lost due to pesticides in orange groves.

---

Bee Removal entails a blending of apian and construction skills, learned primarily by hands-on experience. A bee removal specialist has to know how to expose bee colonies within a structure, a tree, or container. In addition, recognition of bee and wasps species, along with the potential danger they pose, is essential in making a professional decision as to how the bee or wasp issue should be resolved.

---

EXPOSED BEE COLONIES

Occasionally, a honeybee swarm will elect to construct its wax net from a tree limb or upon a structure.  Exposed bee colonies exhibit unique issues not usually found with bees in wall voids or contained, unexposed to the elements.  Exposed bee colonies are more protective oftheir nest since the beehive is very vulnerable to predators, and honeycombs are subject to being dislodged in high wind conditions.

Disturbed honeybees often attack in large numbers, sensing that surrounding people and animals have threatened them.  Many times, there will be two issues to control-bees on the ground and bees remaining on comb remnants in the tree or structure.

Fallen honycombs, from exposed bee colonies, pose an immediate danger.  An Issue, such as this, can be safely handled by contacting the professionals with over 50 years experience – Florida Bee Removal.

---

LOCAL BEE STING EMERGENCIES

On the 26th of June, 2017, a call was placed to Florida Bee Removal by the Hendry County Sheriff’s Department.  The deputy was requesting assistance in extricating a 67 year old man from a swarm of bees.  The man was stung more than 100 times and needed to be removed from the bee attack.  The local fire department used foam to disable teh swarm while they removed the victim to safety.

Today, most fire departments have procedures in place to effectively deal with honeybee and wasp attacks.  However this has not always been the case.  About 10 years ago, some young boys were riding dirt bikes near a bee yard in St Petersburg, Florida.  One of the riders slid into a beehive, toppling it.  Before emergency services arrived, the boy was covered with mad bees.  The ambulance crew bravely rescued the victim and they were also stung many times.

Bee stings are painful.  However, one sting can be fatal to the 1-2% of victims who may experience anaphylactic shock which can shut off breathing.  Others may be affected with excessive swelling or local infection.

For removal of nuisance or dangerous honeybee/wasp issues, call upon Florida Bee Removal to attend to your safety needs throughout Central and South Florida.

***Honey Bee Emergency Response Training is available through UF/IFAS 850-674-8323 FIRE/RESCUE, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT are encouraged to attend.

In addition to bee removal, we are licensed to remove and eradicate rats, mice and other pests in south and central Florida.  Visit our website for contact information.

Winter Haven – 863-670-2337 ( BEE 7 )Orlando – 407-417-2337( BEE 7 )  Kissimmee – 407-417-2337 ( BEE 7 )

Ocala – 352-895-2337 ( BEE 7 )St. Petersburg -727-484-2337( BEE 7 )  Sarasota- 941-457-2337 ( BEE 7 )

Bradenton- 941-457-2337( BEE 7 )