Best Management Practices for Live Bee Removals in Florida: A Beekeeper's Guide

Feral colonies of honey bees can be found across the state of Florida. When these colonies nest in close proximity to humans or domestic animals, they can pose a stinging threat and may be considered a nuisance and possibly a threat to animal or public health. A property owner or authorized agent who finds a nuisance colony of honey bees must decide whether to deal with it through removal (keeping the bees alive) or eradication (killing the bees). This decision to remove or eradicate feral colonies lies entirely with the owner/authorized agent of the property on which the bees are found. It is important to note, however, that some municipalities and homeowner associations have specific formal codes related to the removal of honey bees in natural settings and in structures. Moreover, honey bees may need to be removed or eradicated when they are found nesting in close proximity to places where humans or domestic animals frequent.