Bee removals
If you notice bees on your property, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible to minimise cost and disturbance to you and stress to the bees.
We conduct two broad types of removals: swarms and established colonies.
Swarms
What is a swarm? Swarms generally occur in Spring and early Summer, when a colony of bees decides to split into two. The queen bee leaves the hive with about half the bees (the remaining bees will raise a new queen). The swarm will generally settle nearby before sending out scout bees to look for a new home.
What to look for: A group of bees huddled on a bush or tree (but they can land anywhere – even on your car!). You might also see a cloud of bees in the air or hear a loud hum before seeing them land.
When to contact us: Immediately. This is the perfect time to catch the bees, before they decide to move into your letterbox or compost bin!
What is an established colony? Sometimes a swarm of bees will move into a parrot/possum box, water meter, compost bin, house wall or some other space that isn't ideal. Once settled, they will begin building comb for raising baby bees and storing food.
What to look for: Bees regularly coming and going to a particular location (e.g. compost bin). You may also smell honey on a warm day.
When to contact us: As soon as possible. A strong colony can quickly build a huge amount of comb in favourable conditions. Nests that are left to their own devices will also send out future swarms which may in turn establish elsewhere on your property.
Established colonies
Callout fee: $80
Swarm – easy to access: flat rate $80
Swarm – difficult access: job specific – please contact us for a quote
Possum/bird boxes: flat rate $180
Established colonies – easy access (e.g. water meter, compost bin, letterbox, etc): $80 callout fee plus $190 for the first hour, $100/hour after that
Established colonies – difficult access (e.g. house walls, chimney, etc): job specific – please contact us for a quote
Removal times will depend on how much comb that the bees have built (the longer they've been there, the more comb) and the size of the space that bees have to work in. Please contact us and we will happily provide an estimate of the time that a job is likely to take.
Note that the callout fee applies in all cases, including false alarms e.g. the swarm leaves of its own accord and you don't notify us at least 30 minutes prior to our arrival, you have European wasps instead of bees, or we determine that you don't have an active nest on your property (it's nice to have some peace of mind if you notice bees hanging around!). In the case that you did have wasps rather than bees, we would refer you on to a wasp exterminator.
Removal costs
All rescued bees will be taken to our apiary. Here, we provide aftercare before rehoming them.
What happens to the bees?
Request a bee removal
Complete the form below and we'll be in touch. Please note that we service Canberra and surrounds only (subject to biosecurity restrictions). Alternatively, text or call 0424 273 134 or email us on cbrbeecollective@gmail.com