Content updated: June 1st, 2026

Key takeaways

  • Bee season typically begins in the spring when temperatures rise and flowers begin to bloom, prompting bees to emerge in search of nectar and pollen.
  • Bees are most active during the spring and summer months, especially during the daytime when they forage for food and care for the hive.
  • Some bees become more aggressive in late summer and early fall, when food sources become scarcer.
  • Many bee species enter a dormant state called diapause during winter, while honey bees remain active inside their hives to stay warm.
  • Large numbers of bees swarming around your property during bee season may require professional bee control.

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Bee season begins when temperatures rise and flowers start to bloom, bringing bees out in search of nectar and pollen. For homeowners, this can also mean increased bee activity around yards, gardens, and homes.

So, when is bee season, and when are bees most active? Understanding bee behavior, including whether bees hibernate during winter, can help you prepare for seasonal activity and know when it may be time to address a bee problem around your property.

Bee on a flower

What season do bees come out?

Bee season usually starts in the springtime, when temperatures start to rise and flowers begin to bloom. This is when the bees come out of hibernation and start buzzing around in search of food and water. Bees are able to sense when it is time to come out of hibernation due to changes in temperature and light. The bee season usually lasts throughout the spring and summer months until the weather starts to get colder again in the fall.

Bees working together

What time of year are bees most active?

Bees are generally most active during the spring and summer months when the weather is warmer. During bee season, bees are busy collecting pollen and nectar to bring back to their hive. However, some bees may also become more aggressive during the late summer and early fall when resources become scarce. As for swarming, this typically occurs in the spring when a colony grows too large, and a new queen bee is born. When the weather starts to get colder, bees will begin to store food and prepare for winter hibernation.

Daytime activities

Bees are most active during the daytime. They usually start their day as soon as the sun rises and spend most of their time collecting nectar, pollen, and water. They also build and repair their hives, communicate with each other by movement and pheromones, and take care of their young ones. Additionally, bees play an essential role in pollinating flowers and producing honey. All in all, bees lead a busy and productive life during bee season which is essential to the ecosystem.

Bee on a yellow flower

Do bees hibernate?

While some species of bees hibernate after bee season ends, there are a variety of ways these insects can survive the winter months. The majority of bee species enter a state of dormancy called diapause. During this time, they go dormant and no longer forage, feed, or reproduce. Honeybees, on the other hand, do not hibernate and will spend most of the winter in their hive, clustering together in their hives to keep warm. Other species of bees, such as bumblebees, hibernate underground during the winter months.

When you should call professionals

While bees are important for pollination and honey production, they can become a nuisance during bee season. If you notice a large number of bees swarming around your property, it's time to call Terminix. Our technicians have the knowledge, experience, and proper equipment to remove bees safely. Don't let a bee infestation ruin your enjoyment of the outdoors this season - schedule bee control with Terminix and let us take care of the problem for you.