I am a newbee, for sure, but one thing I know is that if a colony sets up in a spot, there WILL be a new colony back within a year without ridiculous sealing off of the area, and all areas around that. I have that to thank for now having established colonies. Can you access the hive if you cut into sheetrock/plaster? Have you tried to listen with a stethascope to isolate the hive? Wherever the hive has been built is all going to have to be replaced anyways (Or sealed super super good!!!), so you may as well try to save the colony. If you can break/cut into the wall, save the main brood area (give the least brood comb area to the homeowner for some honey and comb, which scores points and help them feel better about the damage and cost!). Keep the comb as intact as possible, zip tie or tie to an empty frame or 5, and put them in a box. Sorry to all you that have been doing this a LOT longer than I, but I saved a couple colonies this way, and they are thriving. Yes, there are definately casualties, but it keeps the colony going. Don't know if I am speaking out of turn, but I find the feral hives (and offspring) the most docile! You likely won't find the Queen...though if you set the box outside the area, she MAY join them, though doubtful. If not, they will have a new Queen in a few weeks. It may not be the way it is 'supposed' to work, but it has worked for me! I wish you luck, and hope you can keep the colony alive. Bee well! Keep us posted please!
Also, being in the Miami area, the wintering is not so much a factor for me, so pay attention to folks closer to your area for that....forgot to take that into account on my reply. I take it waiting 'till your spring flow is out of the quesion? Bummer!