If you’ve lived in Phoenix for more than a year, you know our city doesn’t follow the same seasonal rules as other places. And neither do our bees.

Unlike colder regions where bee activity is mostly limited to spring and summer, bee season in Phoenix stretches much longer, often beginning in late February and sometimes stretching well into November. Thanks to the region’s warm climate and abundant desert flora, bees are practically year-round guests here.

And while bees play a vital role in pollination and plant health, they can also pose risks, especially when hives go unnoticed or when Africanized (aggressive) bee colonies move in. Knowing what to expect each season can help you stay safe, protect your property, and avoid costly infestations.

Let’s break it down.

 

Bee Season in Phoenix – What It Actually Looks Like

You might assume bees are just active in spring, but in Maricopa County, the combination of mild winters, flowering plants, and urban water sources means bees have a longer window of activity than almost anywhere else in the U.S.

Here’s how bee behavior changes through the year, and why it matters for homeowners, hikers, and backyard gardeners alike.

 

 

Spring (March – May): The Start of Bee Swarm Season

Spring in Phoenix is buzzing, literally. As temperatures rise and flowers start blooming across places like South Mountain, Arcadia, and Desert Ridge, bee colonies begin to emerge from their winter slowdown.

What to Watch For

• Increased buzzing in gardens or yards
• Swarm sightings (clusters of bees in flight or resting on trees, fences, or buildings)
• Hive activity in walls, eaves, sheds, or attics

This is also when bee swarming season begins, which means existing colonies are splitting and sending out scouts to find new homes. If your property has small cracks, open vents, or cluttered outdoor spaces, it might be on their radar.

“Last April, we saw a swarm settle on our lemon tree,” says Carlos G. from Ahwatukee. “Thankfully, Spark Pest handled it before they built a hive in our patio roof.”

 

 

Summer (June – August): Peak Activity & Aggression

By summer, bee colonies are well-established and in full force. And if they feel threatened, they’re not shy about defending their hive.

What to Watch For

• Highly active flight paths around flowers or pool areas
• Bees entering and exiting the same wall crack repeatedly
• Aggressive behavior near a suspected hive

Africanized bees, which are common in Phoenix, are especially active during this time and more likely to sting when disturbed. If you see bees coming and going from a hidden area of your home, don’t investigate it yourself; call a pro.

 

 

Fall (September – November): Pre-Winter Foraging and Nesting

Fall is often overlooked, but it’s still a critical time in bee season for Phoenix. Colonies are preparing for cooler months and may seek out warm, enclosed areas to ride out the winter, like your attic.

What to Watch For

• Bee traffic near eaves or rooflines
• Nests forming in sheds or garages
• Diminishing flower activity, but persistent bees

Don’t let your guard down just because temperatures are dropping. Bees are still on the move, especially in East Valley neighborhoods like Mesa, Chandler, and Queen Creek, where vegetation can stay active longer due to irrigation.

 

 

Winter (December – February): Are There Bees in Winter in Phoenix?

Yes, bees in winter in Phoenix are still around; they’re just less visible.

While colonies do slow down in colder temperatures, Phoenix winters aren’t truly cold enough to shut down bee activity completely. If the temperature rises above 55°F, especially on sunny afternoons, you might still see foragers out collecting pollen from citrus trees, rosemary, or other winter bloomers.

What to Watch For

• Bees active around warm spots like brick walls or chimneys
• Hives hidden in attics or wall voids
• Swarms on unseasonably warm days

If bees have already established a hive inside your property, they won’t leave on their own just because it’s winter. Many infestations are actually discovered during this slower season when buzzing becomes audible through walls.

 

 

Why Year-Round Awareness Matters

Waiting for “bee season” to take action isn’t a safe bet in Phoenix. Because of the climate, bees can be active year-round. And infestations, especially those in hidden areas, can grow quickly and quietly until they become a serious hazard. Keeping an eye out in every season, especially during the transitional months, can help you avoid costly damage and risky stings.

 

 

When to Call for Bee Removal or Inspection

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to bring in professionals like Spark Pest Control:

• Persistent bee presence in one area
• Visible hive or swarm
• Buzzing inside walls
• Previous hive location that wasn’t properly cleaned or sealed

Don’t wait for stings or structure damage to act, the earlier the intervention, the easier (and safer) the fix.

 

 

Don’t Let the Seasons Catch You Off Guard, Spark Pest Can Help

Whether it’s spring swarms, summer stings, or winter surprises, bee behavior in Phoenix can be unpredictable. That’s why Spark Pest Control offers year-round inspections, humane removals, and prevention strategies designed specifically for the desert climate. Schedule your seasonal checkup today and keep your home bee-free, no matter the month.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is bee season in Phoenix?

Bee season typically starts in March and can last through November due to Phoenix’s warm climate and extended blooming periods.

2. Are bees active during winter in Phoenix?

Yes. While they’re less active, bees can still be seen foraging on warmer winter days and may remain inside established hives.

3. What attracts bees to homes in Phoenix?

Bees are drawn to Phoenix homes by several factors. Unsealed openings like vents and wall voids provide nesting sites, while readily available water sources, such as leaky hoses or pools, offer hydration.

4. What’s the best time to remove a hive?

Early spring or late fall are ideal times because hives are smaller and bees are less aggressive. But if there’s an active hive, removal should be done immediately.

5. Are Africanized bees common in Phoenix?

Yes, Africanized honey bees are common in Phoenix and surrounding areas of Arizona. They are known for being more defensive and aggressive than European honey bees, particularly during the hotter summer months.

6. How can I prevent bees from nesting on my property?

Seal cracks, maintain your yard, and avoid planting high-nectar flowers near your home. Regular inspections help too.

7. What does a bee swarm look like?

A swarm appears as a dense cluster of bees flying or resting in a mass on a branch, wall, or other surface, usually for a short time while searching for a nesting site.

8. Can bees damage my home?

Yes, bees can cause significant damage to your home. Honeybee hives built within walls can become extremely heavy (up to 80 pounds or more), leading to structural weakening and potential collapse of walls, ceilings, or even roofs.

9. Is it legal to remove bees myself in Arizona?

While not illegal, DIY removal is discouraged due to safety risks, especially with Africanized bees. Professional removal is safer and more effective.

10. How do I know if I have a hidden hive?

Discovering a hidden beehive in your home requires a combination of careful listening and observation. A persistent buzzing sound from within walls or ceilings, particularly during warmer periods, is a strong indicator.