European Honey Bee Control in Helotes, TX
Helotes homeowners usually meet honey bees in one of two ways: a hanging cluster the size of a football on a branch, fence or eave in spring, or a steady line of bees flying in and out of one gap in the siding, soffit or brick. The first is a swarm that will usually leave by itself; the second is a colony that has moved in and gets harder to deal with every week. Either way, don't spray, seal or hose them. For a colony, or a swarm that won't move on, phone or text (210) 281-1064 or set up a visit through online booking.
Swarm or colony? #
A swarm is a resting group looking for a new home. AgriLife's swarm fact sheet says swarms aren't normally aggressive, though they may sting someone who gets close, and that they often move on within a few hours. AgriLife's ENTO-080 says they usually leave within 48 hours. Swarm season in Texas runs about March through July and can run longer.
A colony has built comb and settled in. B-6118 puts a colony at 20,000 to 90,000 bees, and Insects in the City estimates a roof-soffit colony likely holds 30,000 or more. ENTO-080 is blunt about timing: the longer you wait, the harder the job.
Warm Bexar County winters keep bees busy #
Helotes is in Bexar County, and bees here don't always slow down for winter. In January 2017, AgriLife's Bexar County entomologist told AgriLife Today that a warm winter had bees much more active than normal. Bees working around your eaves in January aren't a sign something is wrong with them.
In late summer you may also see bees at a pool or birdbath. ENTO-080 says they come to drink and then move on; that alone doesn't mean a colony is in your wall.
"European" is only a guess #
European and Africanized honey bees look the same to anyone without a microscope or a DNA test. AgriLife assumes most wild Texas colonies carry some African genes, so treat a feral colony in Helotes with caution even if it seems calm. Our Africanized honey bee page for Helotes covers what to do if bees turn defensive.
How bees get into a house #
ENTO-080 lists the usual gaps:
- holes where pipes or wiring pass through a wall
- cracks around window frames and knot holes in siding
- brick weep holes and the joint where wood meets brick
- chimneys without a cap
To keep them out, caulk gaps, screen vents with mesh finer than 1/8 inch, cap the chimney, and keep trash covered so sweet scraps don't draw foragers.
Who may remove honey bees in Helotes? #
Texas allows two groups to remove bees for pay: registered beekeepers, who can't use pesticides, and licensed pest control professionals. TAIS says there's no such thing as a Texas bee removal license.
TAIS keeps a county-by-county removal list; on November 13, 2026 it showed 28 Bexar County beekeepers, none endorsed by TAIS. The 78023 ZIP stretches well beyond the city, with most of it outside any town, so if your property is outside Helotes city limits, confirm your county before calling from the list. Where it's practical, a beekeeper may be able to take a colony alive, though ENTO-080 notes live removal takes longer and can cost more.
Two more points: only a state apiary inspector may destroy a managed hive without the owner's permission, and the Texas A&M Honey Bee Lab says honey bees aren't a protected species.
Why the comb has to come out #
Killing a wall colony isn't the end of the job. Comb left behind can leak fermenting honey, stain walls and ceilings, smell, and draw ants, cockroaches, carpet beetles, wax moths and rodents. Old comb can also attract the next swarm. ENTO-080 adds that large colonies may need a second treatment, because brood can keep emerging for up to 10 days.
How Pest Trappers handles honey bees in Helotes #
The technician confirms they're honey bees, finds the entrance and estimates where the comb sits, then explains your options, including referral to a beekeeper when that fits. Products are used strictly by label, and comb removal and repair are part of the conversation from the start. Pricing follows the inspection. The work is done by Pest Trappers LLC (TPCL #0887549).
More background is in the European honey bee guide, and the Helotes town page covers the other bees and wasps around town.