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Winter across most of the country means one thing: bees go quiet. But in Orange County, our warmer winters tell a very different story.
Instead of clustering deep in the hive and going dormant, bees here often stay active well into winter, seeking shelter inside structures — including walls, ceilings, garages, attics, vents, and rooflines.
For homeowners, that means winter isn’t the break-from-bees season you might expect.
Understanding why this happens — and how to address it safely — can help you protect your home while still preserving California’s essential pollinators.
For foundational behavior insights, see:
Why Bees Stay Active in Orange County Winters
Unlike regions with freezing temperatures, OC experiences:
daytime highs in the 60s and 70s
mild nights
extended sunlight
blooming plants even in December
These conditions mean bees don’t fully shut down — they simply slow down.
This mild climate encourages bees to:
continue foraging
maintain hive activity
split off and create new colonies late in the year
seek warm, protected spaces for shelter
And unfortunately, your walls or attic often fit their needs perfectly.
For more on seasonal bee behavior, see How Bees Prepare for Fall and Why Conservation Is Critical for the Fall Harvest.
Why Bees Choose Walls and Attics in Winter
Bees love environments that are:
✔️ warm
✔️ dark
✔️ protected
✔️ structurally sound
✔️ slightly hollow
Attics and walls provide:
stable temperatures
zero wind exposure
insulation from rain
hidden space to build comb
As covered in How to Maintain Your Home’s Structural Integrity Despite Bees and Wasps, bees are highly attracted to small gaps, cracks, soffits, vents, and rooflines — especially when looking for safe winter shelter.
Even a gap the width of a pencil is enough for hundreds of bees to enter.
Signs You Have a Hidden Hive Indoors
Here are the most common winter warning signs seen throughout Orange County:
1. Buzzing Sounds in Walls or Ceilings
It often sounds faint — like electrical humming — but grows louder over time.
2. Bees Entering Rooflines or Vents
Watch for activity around:
attic vents
eaves
siding cracks
chimney gaps
stucco fractures
3. Warm Spots on Walls
Large colonies generate heat.
If a patch of wall stays warm even on a cool day, bees may be inside.
4. Honey or Sticky Stains
Honey can seep through drywall if the hive grows large enough.
5. Random Bees Inside the Home
A few bees inside during winter is not normal.
It often means a hive is forming behind the walls.
Why Hidden Hives Are a Big Problem in Winter
1. Honeycomb Can Melt and Cause Damage
Even in winter, Orange County heat can warm attic areas enough to melt honey inside the walls, causing:
mold
stains
structural damage
rodent attraction
2. Bees Can Become Defensive Indoors
As explained in Why Bee, Yellow Jacket, and Wasp Removal Should Be Left to the Experts, bees behave differently when trapped or disturbed inside structure cavities.
3. Hives Expand Quickly
Even in winter, bees can build comb rapidly if temperatures stay mild.
4. DIY Removal Makes Things Worse
DIY attempts usually:
scatter bees deeper into walls
kill bees unnecessarily
leave honey behind
cause reinfestation in the same spot
For the most important mistakes to avoid, see Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Attempting DIY Bee Removal.
Why Professional Bee Removal Is Essential in Winter
Proper winter hive removal requires experience, protective gear, and equipment the average homeowner doesn’t have.
Professional removal ensures:
✔️ the queen is located and safely secured (when possible)
✔️ the entire colony is removed
✔️ all honeycomb is extracted
✔️ entry points are sealed
✔️ the hive does not return
✔️ structural damage is prevented
This is especially important since winter colonies are often quieter — making them harder to detect until the hive is huge.
For details on why the queen is critical to removal success, see The Life of a Queen Bee: Why She’s the Key to Relocation Success.
Why The Bee Man Is the Best Bee Removal Company in Orange County
When it comes to winter hive removal, The Bee Man leads the industry because:
✔️ 30+ years of expert hive removal experience
✔️ Orange County’s highest-rated bee and wasp removal team
✔️ Same-day or next-day service
✔️ Safe, humane relocation whenever possible
✔️ Full attic, wall, and structural hive extractions
✔️ Specialization in winter hive activity — a unique OC issue
✔️ Family-owned, reliable, and trusted by thousands
✔️ No toxins used for bee relocations
✔️ We fix and seal the entry points so bees don’t return
Winter hives are some of the most challenging to remove — but The Bee Man does it safely, efficiently, and with full respect for both your home and the pollinators.
How to Prevent Winter Hive Activity in Your Home
1. Seal Entry Points
Before winter deepens, examine:
rooflines
vents
attic screens
siding gaps
chimney caps
stucco cracks
This is the best prevention strategy.
2. Avoid Leaving Sweet Scents Outside
Holiday baking attracts bees, as covered in How Holiday Baking Attracts Bees & Wasps.
Never cool pies or treats near open windows.
3. Keep Attics and Garages Dry
Bees avoid overly damp spaces.
4. Use Weatherstripping Around Doors
This reduces both bee and wasp entry.
5. Call at the First Sign of Activity
Waiting until spring means the hive will triple in size.
Final Thoughts
Winter in Orange County doesn’t stop bee activity — it changes it.
Instead of swarming outdoors, bees look for warm, protected spaces like attics and walls. Hidden hives can grow quickly, cause damage, and become dangerous if not handled properly.
Professional removal is the safest and most effective solution — and The Bee Man is the best bee removal company in Orange County for a reason.
Spot winter bee activity? Hear buzzing in the walls? See bees near attic vents?
Call The Bee Man at (949) 455-0123 for safe, fast, expert bee and wasp removal.
