Bee removals increase in Cape Coral as experts advise caution

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

With an increase in bee removals in Cape Coral, experts are advising residents to consider their response carefully to ensure the safety of both people and bees.

Nathan Veilleux, a field supervisor for Tony's Pest Control, emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence between humans and bees.

"We generally try to do everything we can to make sure that, you know, the bees and people can live peacefully together," Veilleux said.

Veilleux, who is part of a team that removes various critters, including bees, explained that bees often crawl into tight spaces to create hives, especially during cold weather when they cluster in or around homes. He advised homeowners to inspect areas like soffits and any holes where pipes or electrical lines enter the house.

Jason Thomas, a beekeeper, noted that bee swarms are often discovered in bushes, on palm trees, or on roofs, prompting people to seek beekeepers on social media.

"So lots of times when bees swarm, that's when people find them at their house. They'll find them in bushes, on palm trees, on the roof. You know, they'll put on Facebook. Hey, I'm looking for a beekeeper. A lot of people say, oh, leave me alone. They're going to go somewhere else. Lots of times they do. Most often they don't," Thomas said.

Despite it not being swarm season, Thomas has been busy, having completed eight removals in Lee County just over the weekend. He urged people to contact beekeepers instead of using pesticides, which can harm entire colonies. Bees play a critical role in the ecosystem, pollinating about one-third of the crops we consume.

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