Specialist Removes 3 Million Bees From Florida Home

The 3 million-plus bees were removed earlier this year from a 6-feet high by 2-feet wide hive that had been built in a Miami during the past two years.

“It was the perfect situation for the bees,” Valero said. “You had a hollowed wall with many holes in it. The bees built the nest between the walls of the house and the sheet rock. The owner had let the problem go for a long time – maybe a year to a year-and-a-half.”

Valero carefully ripped apart the wall and proceeded to remove the bees and hive from the property. He said the bees produced 65 pounds of honey, which he later sold.

A skilled beekeeper with 18 years of experience, Valero has carved out an impressive business niche for himself. In addition to bees, Valero will remove/relocate just about anything — raccoons, possums, gators, snakes, roosters, ducks, etc. But about 80 percent of his business is bee removal, earning him a reputation as one of Florida’s top bee specialists. Valero takes on jobs others — including many pest management professionals — won’t touch. In fact, Valero sometimes gains business from other PCOs who will refer potential customers to him.

Since Valero mostly removes and relocates the bees — as opposed to killing them — he has been able to set up honey-producing colonies on his property. He first began making honey for friends and family and then began selling it. The end result has become a nice, profitable business in which other family members are involved.

Valero also uses his bee knowledge as caretaker for the bee-life exhibit at the Miami Zoo.