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Honey Bees

Identification, Habits, and Control
Closeup photo of a Carpenter Ant on white background

About Honey Bees

Species: Apis mellifera
Honey bees are beneficial insects known for their role in pollination and honey production. They are commonly found around flowers, gardens, and agricultural areas, where they collect nectar and pollen. While they are an important part of the environment, honey bees can become a concern when they establish hives in or around structures. Colonies may form inside walls, attics, chimneys, or other protected spaces, where they can grow over time if not addressed.

How to Identify Honey Bees

Size

  • About 1/2 inch long

Color

  • Golden brown with darker bands

Identifying Characteristics

  • Fuzzy body adapted for pollen collection
  • More rounded and less sleek than wasps
  • Slower, steady flight pattern
  • Often seen moving between flowers

Where You’ll Find Them

  • Gardens, flowers, and landscaping
  • Tree cavities and natural hollows
  • Inside walls, attics, or chimneys
  • Around rooflines, siding, and structural openings

Behavior and Risks

Honey bees are social insects that live in organized colonies, often containing thousands of individuals. They build wax comb structures in protected areas where the colony can grow and store food. Homeowners often first notice consistent bee activity in a specific location—such as bees entering and exiting a small gap in a wall, roofline, or structure. Over time, this activity becomes more concentrated as the hive develops and expands.

Unlike wasps or hornets, honey bees are generally not aggressive and typically sting only when they feel threatened. Most encounters occur when people unknowingly get too close to a hive or disturb the area where bees are active.

When hives are located inside structures, they can create additional concerns. As colonies grow, wax comb and honey accumulate within walls or enclosed spaces. If left unaddressed, this buildup can lead to structural issues, staining, or attract other pests. Because honey bee colonies can persist and expand over time, repeated activity in the same area often indicates an established hive rather than temporary presence.