Swarming is a natural instinct of a bee colony, and a part of their reproductive cycle, leaving the hive to establish another colony elsewhere.We have members who can help relocate a swarm as individual beekeepers. They do not represent the BSSA in any way.Beekeepers may charge a call-out fee, an hourly rate, or a flat rate for their time and travel costs, which is less than typically charged by a pest controller. Charges should be negotiated before the work commences. Some collectors may ask you to sign a simple agreement that protects them from liability. Beekeeper swarm collectors will not remove or extract wasp nests.If you have a wasp nest, call an exterminator. These images are examples of wasp nests. Bees will never nest in the ground. Below are examples of swarms of bees. If you see a ball of bees hanging from a branch or any other structure, this is a swarm. If they’re undisturbed, they’re not aggressive! Swarm collector names, numbers & service areasPlease note that the BSSA does not endorse any particular swarm collector listed here. Members of the BSSA may have their details advertised on other swarm collecting sites, however they do not represent the BSSA. * indicates that the collector is able to do more difficult removals. |
ADRIAN MAKAROWSKY
| JOSH D’AMBROSIO
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About Bee SwarmingOne of the main reasons for bees swarming is overcrowding of the hive due to the queen laying more eggs due to warm weather and an increase of resources. Honey bees are the only type of bees that swarm. Swarming season can begin as early as August and run through until February, March. The queen and anywhere between 5,000 to 20,000 worker bees will leave the hive and land in gardens, or sometimes in even more obscure places; a post, tree or fence in your backyard. Once the swarm of bees has landed and settled, they will form a tight ball around the queen, keeping her warm and ensuring she is safe. Foraging bees may be flying to and fro collecting nectar, water and looking for a more permanent home. WHAT TO DO
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