What’s the difference between a honey bee swarm and a hive?

A swarm is a temporary cluster of bees (often on a limb, fence, or structure) looking for a new nesting spot. A hive/colony is established in a cavity (wall void, soffit, chimney, tree hollow) and contains comb and brood.

Where do honey bees commonly nest around homes in Greenville, NC?

Common nesting locations include wall voids, soffits, attic spaces, chimneys, and occasionally hollow trees close to the structure—especially during spring swarming season.

Who do I call for honey bee help in Pitt County?

For local help in Greenville and Pitt County, call/text D & D Pest Control Co. at (252) 523-8255 to evaluate the situation and recommend safe next steps.

Honey Bees

Q: Are honey bees aggressive?

Honey bees are usually calm and focused on foraging. They may sting to defend a hive or if handled or trapped. Keep distance and avoid vibrations near a suspected colony.

Q: Can I remove a honey bee hive myself?

DIY removal is not recommended. It can be unsafe and often leaves comb/honey behind, which may cause odors, staining, and secondary pest issues. A professional can identify the species and recommend safe removal or referral for relocation when appropriate.

Honey bees are vital pollinators in Eastern North Carolina, supporting agriculture, gardens, and natural ecosystems. While they are generally non-aggressive and highly beneficial, honey bees can become a concern when they establish hives inside homes, walls, chimneys, or other structures where human activity is high.

Scientific Classification

Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Apidae
Scientific Name: Apis mellifera

Overview

Honey bees are social insects that live in highly organized colonies made up of a queen, workers, and drones. In Eastern North Carolina, honey bee activity increases during spring and summer when flowering plants are abundant. One fascinating fact is that a single honey bee colony can pollinate millions of flowers each day, making them essential to food production and biodiversity.

Quick Facts & Identification

Size: Approximately 1/2 inch long
Color: Golden brown with black bands
Features: Hairy bodies, pollen baskets on hind legs, translucent wings

Life Stages / Castes

Queen: The sole egg-laying female in the colony
Workers: Sterile females that forage, defend the hive, and care for young
Drones: Males whose role is to mate with a queen

Scientific Name & Lifespan: Apis mellifera – Workers live about 5–6 weeks in summer, queens can live several years.

Behavior & Habitat

Honey bees are social and cooperative by nature. They feed on nectar and pollen from flowering plants and convert nectar into honey for food storage. In Eastern NC, they prefer hollow trees, wall voids, attics, and chimneys when natural nesting sites are limited. Swarming is most common in spring as colonies reproduce.

Signs of a Honey Bee Colony

Large numbers of bees entering and exiting a single opening
Visible honeycomb inside walls or structures
Buzzing sounds coming from walls or ceilings

Why Honey Bees Choose Your Property

Honey bees are attracted to sheltered cavities, warmth, and nearby food sources such as flowering plants. Structural gaps, unused chimneys, and wall voids provide ideal nesting locations, especially in rural and suburban areas of Eastern North Carolina.

Risks & Concerns

Health Risks: Honey bees typically sting only when threatened. Stings can be dangerous for individuals with bee sting allergies.

Property Damage: Over time, honeycomb and stored honey can cause staining, odors, and moisture damage inside walls if a colony is not properly removed.

Prevention Tips

Seal cracks, gaps, and openings in siding and soffits
Install chimney caps and vent screens
Address existing voids before swarming season
Maintain regular exterior inspections

Control & Treatment

Honey bees are a protected and beneficial species, and extermination is not recommended. DIY removal attempts can be dangerous and often fail. Professional honey bee removal focuses on safe relocation and proper exclusion to prevent future colonies. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) ensures the bees are handled responsibly while protecting your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are honey bees aggressive?

No. Honey bees are generally calm and sting only when defending their hive.

What is the difference between honey bees and wasps?

Honey bees are fuzzy, collect pollen, and pollinate plants, while wasps are smooth-bodied predators.

Can I remove a honey bee hive myself?

DIY removal is not recommended due to safety risks and potential structural damage.

Do honey bees damage homes?

They do not chew wood, but honey and wax buildup can cause long-term issues if left untreated.

Call to Action

If you suspect honey bees have established a colony in or around your home, contact D & D Pest Control Co. for professional guidance and safe solutions.

Phone: (252) 523-8255
Website: https://ddpestcontrol.com