In order to obtain the honey and the bees, the tree often had to be cut down and the honeycomb removed, in the process destroying the hive, so it’s not something that should be done today. Harvesting a “wild” bee tree was the way many local people used to get honey and new colonies of bees. Often, they’ll build their hive in a hollow tree deep in the forest. Honeybees remain wild enough to survive on their own, and they can do so miles from the orchards and other food sources with which we associate them. Honey bee nests are generally hidden accessible by a small hole or opening.Honeybees have been domesticated for millennia, but they don’t always rely on the housing beekeepers provide them in exchange for harvesting their honey. While bumblebees, carpenter bees, mason bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets are important pollinators, most beekeepers will not assist with their removal. Honey bees living within structures require specialised services to clean up honey and wax, open and repair the structure, and remove the bees.īefore you call please determine whether your 'bees' are, in fact, honey bees. Some beekeepers may offer their services for free.

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. They will usually leave on their own within a day or two for a permanent home.

Honey bees in a swarm are generally gentle and not inclined to sting or attack unless threatened. It provides a mechanism for the colony to reproduce itself. Swarming is an instinctive part of the annual life cycle of a honey bee colony. Thank you for your interest in saving honey bees and other pollinators. Note: honey bees are not a protected species.ĭo Not Attempt to Remove Bees Yourself Unless You Are an Experienced Beekeeper. 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. Īs a last resort, please contact a pest removal service with experience with honey bees & clean up of the nest, comb, honey & bees. Search the internet for bee rescue, bee removal. Some LBAs will distribute a swarm or colony removal request to their members, who, if interested and available, may be able to follow up. Those requiring deconstruction/reconstruction need specialised services and there will likely be a fee. 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.Īlways get a quote! Beekeepers may collect readily accessible swarms for free. We also collect swarms of honey bees from tree branches, fences, vehicles etc. Our goal is to have registered beekeepers remove swarms or honey bee colonies from homes, sheds, decks, and other man-made structures. 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. 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! Do you have a swarm or nest of honey bees on your property? Where to Find Help

Honey bee nest in house