Top Bee & Wasp Removal in St Petersburg, Florida Ranked

Discovering a buzzing nest on your property can be unsettling. In St. Petersburg, managing stinging insects like honeybees, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets requires a tailored approach that balances safety, environmental responsibility, and effective pest management. This guide provides a detailed look at local bee and wasp control services, helping you understand the different removal methods, seasonal activity patterns, and what to expect when you need professional assistance. Whether you're dealing with a swarm of beneficial pollinators or an aggressive wasp colony, knowing your options is the first step to a peaceful, sting-free home.

Anti-Pesto Bug Killers Inc

6619 S 78th St Suite 116, Riverview, FL 33578

Anti-Pesto Bug Killers Inc is a family-operated pest control company serving Tampa, FL, and the surrounding Hillsborough County areas including Riverview, Brandon, and Plant City. Established in 1988, they provide comprehensive pest management services targeting over 25 common pests such as ants, cockroaches, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, and wasps. Their termite control includes baiting, liquid treatments, and both tenting and no-tent options for drywood termites. Anti-Pesto also offers ongoing mosquito control and rodent exclusion services with attic cleaning and re-insulation options. They provide same-day service for calls before noon on weekdays.

5.0

921 Reviews

Phoenix Pest Management and Wildlife Control

705 Live Oak St Ste G, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Phoenix Pest Management and Wildlife Control provides pest and wildlife removal services in Tampa, FL. They handle a variety of pests including cockroaches, ants, rodents, bees, and wasps, as well as wildlife such as rats, squirrels, and raccoons. The company also offers restoration services to repair damage caused by animals and protect properties from future invasions. Owner Steve Barker has about 20 years of experience and started the business in 2012, serving the Greater Tampa Bay area with eco-friendly pest control products and permanent exclusion materials.

5.0

465 Reviews

HomeTeam Pest Defense

310 1st St NE, Ruskin, FL 33570

HomeTeam Pest Defense provides pest control services in St Petersburg, FL, specializing in managing ants, roaches, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and more. Their comprehensive approach includes exterior inspections, cobweb and wasp nest removal, conventional treatments, and the use of the Taexx® pest control system when available. They also offer termite control with soil treatments, baiting systems, and borate wood treatments for new construction. The company serves multiple nearby communities and focuses on protecting homes from a wide range of pests common in Florida's environment. Their technicians are trained and background-checked to ensure dependable service.

4.9

1.7k Reviews

Tier 1 Pest Solutions

3902 Corporex Park Dr Suite 450, Tampa, FL 33619

Tier 1 Pest Solutions is a pest control company based in Tampa, FL, providing residential and commercial services. They offer comprehensive pest management including ant, rodent, termite, mosquito, and bee/wasp control, treating both interiors and exteriors. Their certified technicians use eco-friendly and family-safe products to deliver tailored solutions that address specific pest issues effectively. With over three years of experience and more than 10,000 pest problems resolved, Tier 1 Pest Solutions emphasizes safe, thorough, and reliable pest prevention and elimination methods.

4.9

1.5k Reviews

Anti-Pesto Bug Killers Inc

13596 66th St N, Largo, FL 33771

Anti-Pesto Bug Killers Inc is a family-owned pest control company serving Tampa, FL, and the surrounding Pinellas County area. Since 1988, they have provided pest control services for homes and businesses, addressing common pests such as ants, cockroaches, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, bees, and wasps. Their offerings include termite baiting and liquid treatments, comprehensive rodent removal and damage repair, and seasonal mosquito control with monthly treatments. They also provide same-day service if contacted before noon.

4.9

1.3k Reviews

See more providers in St Petersburg, FL

Understanding Your Stinging Insect Problem

The first step in any successful removal is proper identification. The strategy for handling a honeybee colony is vastly different from that for a paper wasp nest, and misidentification can lead to unnecessary harm to beneficial insects or increased danger.

Honeybees are crucial pollinators and are generally not aggressive unless their hive is threatened. A swarm-a large cluster of bees hanging from a tree branch-is simply a colony in transit and is typically temporary and less defensive. An established hive inside a wall or attic, however, contains honeycomb, brood, and a permanent colony that requires careful extraction ¹.

Wasps, Yellow Jackets, and Hornets are predators and can be highly aggressive, especially in late summer and fall. Paper wasps build the familiar open-comb, umbrella-shaped nests. Yellow jackets often nest in the ground or inside wall voids, and hornets construct large, enclosed football-shaped nests. These insects typically require extermination rather than relocation due to their aggressive nature and lack of benefit to the ecosystem ^{2 3}.

Professional Removal Services: What St. Petersburg Offers

St. Petersburg residents have access to specialized professionals for every type of stinging insect issue. Companies generally fall into two categories: pest control exterminators and live bee removal specialists.

Live Bee Removal & Relocation

This is the preferred and often required method for honeybee colonies in Florida. Specialists, such as local beekeepers or companies like Florida Bee Removal, Inc. and Noble Nectar Apiaries, focus on saving the colony ^{4 5}. The process involves:

• Safely vacuuming or collecting the bees.
• Cutting out the wax comb and brood.
• Relocating the entire colony to a managed apiary where they can continue pollinating. Professionals performing live removal must be registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) ⁶. This service protects vital pollinators and is often the only way to prevent future problems, as leftover honey and wax in walls will attract new swarms and other pests.

Wasp, Hornet, and Yellow Jacket Extermination

For aggressive species, pest control companies provide extermination services. The process usually involves:

• Applying insecticidal dust or spray directly into the nest entrance.
• Returning after 24-48 hours to physically remove the deceased nest.
• Sealing entry points to prevent re-infestation. Many companies offer warranties or can add stinging insect control to a quarterly maintenance plan to keep your property protected ³.

Where to Look for Nests

Stinging insects seek quiet, protected areas sheltered from rain and wind ⁷. Regular inspections of these common nesting sites can help you catch a problem early:

• Bees: Look for activity around tree hollows, inside walls (especially near soffits or siding gaps), chimneys, attics, and under sheds or decks ^{1 8}.
• Wasps & Yellow Jackets: Check under eaves, awnings, and roof overhangs; behind shutters; inside attics, garages, and sheds; within outdoor furniture, grills, or play sets; and in ground holes (a common yellow jacket site) ^{7 9}.

Seasonal Activity in Florida's Climate

St. Petersburg's warm weather allows for year-round insect activity, but behavior peaks during specific seasons ¹⁰. Understanding these patterns helps with prevention and timing your response.

• Spring (March-May): This is peak swarming season for bees. Overcrowded colonies split, sending a swarm to find a new home, which is why you may see large clusters on trees or structures ¹⁰. Queen wasps emerge from hibernation and begin building new, small nests.
• Summer (June-August): Colonies grow to their largest populations. Bees and wasps are highly active foraging, and nests become more obvious. The risk of encounters is high as people spend more time outdoors ^{11 12}.
• Fall (September-November): This period can be the most dangerous. As natural food sources decline, stinging insects become more aggressive in search of sugars and carbs, leading to a noticeable "fall frenzy" ¹³. Wasps are particularly bothersome at outdoor gatherings.
• Winter (December-February): Activity slows but doesn't always stop in Florida. Most wasps die off, leaving only fertilized queens to hibernate. Bee clusters remain in their hives but may fly on warm days ¹⁴.

Cost of Bee & Wasp Removal in St. Petersburg

The price for professional removal in St. Petersburg varies significantly based on the insect species, nest size, location, and any necessary repairs ^{15 16}. It's highly recommended to get multiple free inspections and quotes ¹⁷.

Why Professional Help is Recommended

Attempting a do-it-yourself removal is risky. Without proper protective gear, identification, and techniques, you risk severe stings and allergic reactions. Professionals have the experience to:

• Correctly identify the species and choose the appropriate method.
• Safely access the nest, whether it's high on a ladder or inside a wall.
• Ensure complete removal to prevent the problem from recurring.
• Handle insecticides safely and effectively.
• Perform live bee removals in compliance with state regulations ^{18 6}.

Frequently asked questions

Sources