Bee Swarm Removal:
What To Do and How

Bee swarm removal is not something for the unequipped to try themselves, but that does not mean you have to call in the pest control company or the bee exterminator!  It’s possible to have bees removed humanely and often even free of charge - some beekeepers do not charge for this service.

So, before calling in some-one to remove and destroy the swarm, please read the following free information and advice - you may save the bees, remove them, and save your money too!

 A bee swarm is a fascinating sight, although it may unnerve some people!  A dense cloud of bees whirling into the air - even on a warm sunny day, can cause panic.  However, the first point to note is that a bee swarm is NOT looking to attack you. The bees are merely looking for a new place to make a home. In doing so, a honey bee swarm may rest in a particular place whilst scout bees go off to find a suitable place to make a permanent nest.

Although the bees are NOT looking to sting you, they can become aggressive if they feel under threat.  Keep your distance and you should not be bothered by the bees.

If the swarm is not in an inconvenient place and you are able to ‘sit it out’ then do so.  Sometimes, you don't need to do anything. Simply leave the bees alone, and give them a wide berth.  Your main job then is to relax and keep calm - if you can, enjoy the opportunity to observe nature at work - you can learn more about swarming bees on this link.

In any event, whatever you decide to do, it's best to keep children and pets away.  After a while, the swarm may move on by itself - usually within a  day or two.

However, if the bees are definitely in an inconvenient place and are causing concern, it is best to act sooner rather than later.  Please  take note of the guidance below.

Bee Swarm Removal: What to do, and what not to do

• Firstly, do NOT spray a pesticide or any other chemicals. This could provoke the bees, and is completely unnecessary. Also, given the difficulties faced by all bees including honey bees, let's take care to preserve the ones we have, and if possible see if they can be relocated rather than destroyed.
  
  
• Do not throw sticks, rocks or other items at the swarm in an attempt to drive it away!  You'll only aggravate the bees!
  
  
• Do not attempt any other methods of 'bee control'. 
  
  
• Locate a local beekeeping group and contact them.  After all, they are the ultimate experts at bee swarm removal!
  
  These people can sometimes be located via a beekeeping association, and sometimes they even have Facebook pages.
  
  List of beekeeping associations in North America. 
  
  Beekeeping associations in other countries and regions can be found on the internet.


• Enquire whether any members of the beekeeping group would like to remove a swarm. If not, ask about suitable forums where you could enquire further, or whether they know of anyone who can help, whilst saving the bees at the same time.
  
  
• Some beekeepers may charge for honey bee removal, others will do it free of charge, but you should confirm in advance.  The beekeeper may take the swarm and start up a new colony in a vacant hive, and will benefit from the bees. 
  On the other hand, they may be doing you a favour, by taking the bees for you, and then finding a home for them.  They may incur expenses, such as fuel costs, not to mention their time.  
  
  Try to find some-one as near to your location as possible.  Please be respectful since you'd have to pay a pest controller anyway!  
  
  
• If you cannot find a local beekeeping group, it's worth asking around, since not all beekeepers are members of associations.  If you are having difficulty finding a group, it may be useful to speak with a local farmer.  Some farmers have contacts with beekeepers who offer their hives for pollination services, and so they may have contacts with beekeepers who may be keen to increase their number of hives.
  
  
• If you are still having difficulty locating a beekeeper to help you, then contact a national beekeepers association (rather than local), who should hopefully have more contacts.  Ask if they could put a note on their forum/facebook page.
  
  
• A last desperate measure to find a beekeeper is to seek out a supplier of local honey, or beekeeping supplies near you, as they are bound to have some contacts.

  It is a good idea to exhaust your possibilities of enlisting the help of a beekeeper
  

  Why?
  

  Because they will remove the bees safely, humanely, and sometimes free of charge.  On the other hand, they may have different advice.