Found a Swarm of Honey Bees?
Do you have a swarm of honey bees on your property?
Where to Find Help
Honey Bee Rescue & Removal Services
Some beekeepers may re-locate swarms or accessible honey bee nests for free. For specialised construction, removal & clean-up, there will likely be a charge. Always ask for a quote up front!
Ontario Bee Rescue
Ontario Bee Rescue is a not for profit organization dedicated to saving the honey bees and the humane removal and relocation of honey bee swarms and established honeybee colonies within Ontario, Canada.
Our goal is to have registered beekeepers remove swarms or honey bee colonies from homes, sheds, decks, and other man-made structures. We also collect swarms of honey bees from tree branches, fences, vehicles etc. The collected honeybees will then be relocated to an established licensed apiary where they are able to thrive as beneficial pollinators to the local environment.
Always get a quote! Beekeepers may collect readily accessible swarms for free. Those requiring deconstruction/reconstruction need specialised services and there will likely be a fee.
Local Beekeepers' Associations
Some LBAs will distribute a swarm or colony removal request to their members, who, if interested and available, may be able to follow up.
Other Options
Search the internet for bee rescue, bee removal.
As a last resort, please contact a pest removal service with experience with honey bees & clean up of the nest, comb, honey & bees. Proper clean up is essential. Without complete removal of dead bees, honey and wax, you risk attracting more bees or wasps, or other pests, such as mice, rats, or skunks.
Note: honey bees are not a protected species.
Do Not Spray the Bees
Swarming is an instinctive part of the annual life cycle of a honey bee colony. It provides a mechanism for the colony to reproduce itself. Honey bees in a swarm are generally gentle and not inclined to sting or attack unless threatened. They will usually leave on their own within a day or two for a permanent home.
If you have an accessible colony of honey bees that has permanently settled and you are anxious to have it removed, you can contact a bee rescue service or a local beekeeper who may be able to re-locate the bees. Ask for a quote up front. Some beekeepers may offer their services for free.
Honey bees living within structures require specialised services to clean up honey and wax, open and repair the structure, and remove the bees.
 | Before you call please determine whether your "bees" are, in fact, honey bees.
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| Honey bee nests are generally hidden accessible by a small hole or opening. | Helpful Bee Identification Chart 1 or Chart 2 | This is NOT a honey bee's nest! |
