BIG COUNTRY BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION
BEE REMOVAL
BEES IN THE WRONG PLACES
A honey bee colony sometimes take up residence in problematic locations; inside house walls, in attics, in or under eaves, sheds, barns, machinery and trees too close to your home, or work space.
Bees are among the hardest working creatures on the planet providing the important ecosystem service of ensuring pollination and thus reproduction of many cultivated and wild plants.
Bee populations have been declining over recent decades due to habitat loss, intensive farming practices, changes in weather patterns and the excessive use of agrochemicals such as pesticides. This in turn poses a threat to a variety of plants which is crucial for food production, human livelihoods and biodiversity.
We remove and relocate bees, in a kind and ethical manner; please consider live bee removals, before attempting to kill them.
HONEY BEE SWARMS
Swarming occurs for one of two reasons. Either the hive has become too crowded so they split into two groups (or more), with one group remaining in the existing hive. Or they abscond. In this case, all bees including the queen abandon the existing hive completely due to lack of food or water, parasite or disease infestation, or frequent disturbance by humans or animals, weather changes, or poor ventilation.
The queen will find a nearby tree, or structure, land, and emit pheromones that signal the workers to cluster around her.
Typically, swarms only stay in one place for a few hours or maybe a day, but some swarms may remain for several days, until they find a suitable new location.
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If you see a swarm and it's not in a problematic location, leave them alone, and do not attempt to spray them with water or pesticides.
If they are problematic, please contact us.
JOIN THE BEE REMOVAL TEAM
If you would like to join the BCBA bee removal team, or would like to learn more, or even observe a live bee removal, please contact us below for more details.
HONEY BEE REMOVALS
When a bee colony is situated in a problematic space, they will need to be removed and relocated for their chance of survival.
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Removals can be divided into two categories: swarm removal and established colony removal. A swarm removal is often a simple process, dependent on its location. If bees have been in a place for longer than a week, they are established, and the longer they have been there, the bigger the colony will be. Removals of this nature require skill, knowledge and experience, especially if the colony is deep within a difficult to access structure, that may also require a cut out.
The more complex, the greater the fee to perform the removal will be.
Each bee removal is unique, and will require full assessment of the beekeeper. Bee removals typically range from $50- $1000. For more details regarding why beekeepers charge a fee, click on the button below. ​
We have compiled a Vetted Bee Removal List and a Member Market Supply List from members of our association. The contacts on this list have volunteered their information and want to serve your needs. If you are a member and would like to be added to one of the lists, please contact Crissy Ward, and she will add you. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
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Disclaimer: We believe these individuals uphold the values of BCBA. However, we are not liable for how they run their business.
