BEEKEEPERS' SOCIETY
of South Australia (BSSA)

Swarms

Help with bee swarms

Swarming Bees

Swarming is a natural instinct of a colony of bees to leave its hive and establish another colony elsewhere. The normally occurs mainly in the spring and early summer months. When this happens some of the bees will swarm out of the hive will take to the wing and fly to a new temporary location on a post, tree or fence in your backyard.

Once the swarm of bee has landed and settled on the tree, it is made up of a tight ball of bees, around that is a one meter or more wide body of fly bees. Also foraging bees flying to and from, colecting nectar and water).

Precautions should be taken, some possible include:

Swarming bees are generally not inclined to sting provided they are left alone.

Stay inside till the swarm has clustered and most of the bees have stopped flying, watch for foraging bees flying to and from the swarm as they may not see you and get caught in your hair or clothing.

Wear footwear to protect your feet in case some bees have landed on the ground.

What not to do

Do not attempt to move the swarm by hosing it, throwing stones at it, or shooting it with guns. This action will only aggravate the bees and encourage them to sting in defence.

Removal of swarms

Do not attempt to remove a swarm yourself.

If bees found on private property, please contact your local Council. Most have a "Swarm Removal List" or a Community Information Directory which lists community based organisations.
[Beekeepers Swarm List]

OR Phone numbers are available at local Council office.
OR Have it removed by a registered pest control operator.

Beekeepers removing swarms may charge a fee for removal, which is less than typically charged by a pest controller. Bees removed by a beekeeper are typically relocated and not killed if possible, which is better for the bees.

If bees are present on Council land including the road verge and are causing a hazard please contact the Council.