May 1, 2025 – Honey bees are important pollinators in agriculture and natural ecosystems, but they can become a nuisance or even a hazard when they establish colonies inside buildings. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides guidance on safely managing and removing honey bee colonies from structures while preserving their ecological value whenever possible.
Honey bees typically enter buildings through small openings in walls, roofs, soffits, or chimneys. They are attracted to sheltered spaces such as wall voids, attics, or hollow areas where they can build comb and raise their young. Once established, these colonies can be difficult to detect at first, but over time, signs such as increased bee activity near an entry point, buzzing noises inside walls, or honey seeping through surfaces may become apparent.
AgriLife Extension recommends several steps for managing bee colonies in buildings. First, it is important to confirm whether the insects are indeed honey bees and not wasps or other species. Honey bees are generally non-aggressive unless provoked, but their presence inside a home or business still poses risks, especially to people with allergies.
If removal is necessary, AgriLife strongly encourages contacting a professional beekeeper or pest control expert with experience in bee removals. In many cases, local beekeepers are willing to relocate the colony without killing the bees, helping preserve local pollinator populations. This process often involves opening the structure to remove both the bees and the honeycomb. Leaving behind comb and honey can lead to future infestations, bad odors, and damage from melting wax or fermenting honey.
After removal, sealing all potential entry points is critical to prevent re-infestation. Structural repairs may be necessary, especially if the colony has been in place for a long time. Bee-proofing techniques include screening vents, sealing gaps with caulk, and maintaining buildings to limit access to voids and cavities.
In Texas, wild honey bees are protected under certain conditions, and local regulations may apply when handling or relocating colonies. For residents unsure how to proceed, the Texas Apiary Inspection Service offers lists of registered beekeepers and hive removal specialists by county.
Overall, AgriLife Extension emphasizes a balanced approach to managing honey bees in buildings: protecting public safety while preserving these vital pollinators whenever feasible.
For more information on this or any other agricultural related topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected]
