Bee Swarm Collection Services – A Public Service by BSSA

The BSSA Swarm Collector's list includes experienced beekeepers skilled in swarm collection and, in some cases, more complex bee removals. Their goal is to relocate bees alive, only resorting to extermination in exceptional circumstances where complexity, accessibility, or human safety is at risk.

Swarm Collectors are independent beekeepers, not employed by the Society, and do not pay for listing. Most collectors charge a fee for their services, and councils generally do not cover costs for bees on private property. Collecting a swarm or removing bees from structures over an extended period requires specialised skills, equipment, and time—similar to hiring a pest exterminator, except the bees are usually preserved.

One of the main reasons for bees swarming is overcrowding of the hive. As the weather warms and nectar and pollen become more abundant, the queen lays more eggs, causing congestion within the colony. Honey bees are the only type of bees that swarm.

Swarming season typically runs from August to March. During this time, the queen and anywhere between 5,000 to 20,000 worker bees will leave the hive, often landing in gardens or more unusual locations such as trees, fences, or posts. After landing, the bees form a tight cluster around the queen to keep her warm and safe, while foraging bees search for a more permanent home.

Swarming bees are generally peaceful if left undisturbed. Move slowly around them and avoid spraying or swatting. It can be helpful to take a close-up photo of the swarm, as this will assist the beekeeper in assessing the situation. Additionally, inform them of how long the bees have been present.

You do not need to wait 48 hours before contacting a beekeeper. Swarms are actively seeking a new home, and delaying action increases the chance they'll settle in cavities around your property.

Typical Swarm Collection Process:

A standard swarm collection involves at least two visits. The beekeeper will relocate the swarm into a bee box, leaving it nearby until all the bees have entered, usually by dusk. The box is then collected, and the bees are cared for by the beekeeper. It may take up to a year for the colony to develop to the point where honey can be harvested. Some swarms may also require disease treatment or supplementary feeding, further delaying their development.

If you're dealing with scout bees investigating your home (walls, vents, etc.), a heavy-duty mosquito repellent containing 40% DEET can be applied sparingly to the areas where they are entering. Avoid spraying the bees directly. If needed, a swarm collector might be able to assist with this and may leave a bee box to capture the swarm if it arrives.

Pricing Guide (minimum 2 visits, depending on time and distance):

• Easy: $150 - $250 for a basic ground-level swarm in a bush.
• Medium: $200 - $400 for assistance preventing scouts from getting into your home.
• Medium: $250 - $400 for more complex swarms (e.g., 2-6m high).
• Complex: $300 - $1,000+ for bees established for several weeks (e.g., in chimneys, walls, barrels).

Do’s and Don’ts:

Remember, much of our food is derived from European plants, which need well-managed European bees for pollination. Poorly managed and feral European bees can be a nuisance and may compete with native bees. The BSSA supports the responsible management of European honey bees. Don’t worry, bees in a swarm are not aggressive and are unlikely to sting unless provoked.

DON’T:

• Attempt to move the swarm by hosing it, throwing stones, or poking a stick at it.
• Spray the swarm with insecticide, as it can make the bees sick or kill them.
• Assume they are wasps—bees and wasps can look similar.
• Try to remove a swarm yourself.

DO:

• Stay inside until the swarm has clustered and most of the bees have stopped flying. Foraging bees may not see you and could get caught in your hair or clothing.
• Wear footwear to protect your feet, as some bees may land on the ground.
• Check the BSSA Swarm Collector list (below) for an experienced beekeeper who can safely collect and relocate the swarm.
• Contact your local council if bees are found on public property or a road verge.

Swarm Collection Process & What You Need to Know:

Before contacting a Swarm Collector, please SMS answers to the following questions, as it helps the beekeeper assess the situation:

1. Your first name and suburb.
2. How long have the bees been present (hours, days, months, years)?
3. Approximate size of the swarm (e.g., 20 bees, football-sized, basketball-sized)?
4. How high are the bees (e.g., below 2m, 5m in a tree)?
5. Where is the swarm located (e.g., wall, bush, tree, fence)?
6. If an established hive, what structure are they in (e.g., speaker, cupboard, wall)?
7. Is this on your property, public land, or a neighbour's property?

Interactive Map & Swarm Collector Contact Information:

The interactive Google map below shows the base locations of all Swarm Collectors. Click on a pin to see the collector’s name and mobile number. If you experience issues using the map on your device, try clicking the "Full Screen View" option in the top-right corner. Use two fingers to zoom in on mobile, or hold Ctrl with +/- on a computer. 

The table below the map lists the names, mobile numbers, and base suburbs of Swarm Collectors, sorted from north to south. An asterisk (*) next to a surname indicates the collector is able to handle more difficult removals.

Questions to Ask a Swarm Collector:

• Will all the bees be removed? How do you ensure none are left behind?
• What measures will be taken to prevent the bees from entering a neighbour’s property or returning to mine?
• Where will the bees be relocated?
• Can you suggest ways to prevent future swarms from returning?

The BSSA expects its Swarm Collectors to maintain professional standards. Failure to do so may result in their removal from the list. If you'd like to provide feedback on your experience with a Swarm Collector, please email office@bees.org.au.