Are Busy Bees Causing a Nuisance?

Options for ​​Bee Removal

Bees are like nature's superheroes. They zoom around from flower to flower, helping pollinate blossoms and stimulate plants to produce fruits and seeds. They're essential to keeping the environment healthy and diverse and also making yummy honey. So, in a nutshell, bees are awesome, and life wouldn't be very good without bees.

That's why we're taking a new approach at Spiderman SE and promoting bee relocation wherever possible. With two qualified beekeepers on the team, we've put in the time to learn more about bees, and now you can benefit from our knowledge and guidance (and the bees will, too!).

Some Bee Facts

The bees you mostly see in suburban gardens are not native to Australia. They are an introduced species called the European or Western honey bee and were introduced into Australia in the early 1800s. Native Australian bees don't live in colonies and don't produce copious amounts of honey like European bees.

Aren’t Bees Endangered? Why Extermination Isn’t the End of the World

It’s a common misconception that European honey bees are endangered. While there are global concerns about declining bee populations, these concerns usually focus on native bees and wild pollinators, not European honey bees. In reality, European honey bees, which are most commonly found in swarms and hives, are not native to Australia and were introduced for agricultural purposes. Their populations are thriving.

In fact, European honey bees are bred and managed extensively by beekeepers for honey production and pollination services. Their population is stable, and in some cases, they can even outcompete native bee species and disrupt local ecosystems.

While we always aim to relocate bee swarms when possible, there are situations where extermination may be the only option. This could be due to safety concerns, such as when bees have made their way inside walls or roofs, or simply because relocation isn’t within the budget. If extermination is the best or only solution, rest assured it won’t negatively impact the overall bee population, especially since European honey bees aren’t endangered and are widely managed.

We prioritise responsible pest management and always strive to find a solution that balances environmental protection with safety. When relocation isn’t possible, extermination is a practical and responsible choice for your property and peace of mind.

Curious about why we can’t always save every bee? Discover the truth about feral honeybees and why relocation isn’t always the answer. Click here to learn more.

What Spiderman SE Can Do

A standard swarm collection usually involves at least two visits.  Sometimes, it can be straightforward to relocate the bee colony by finding the Queen bee and placing her inside a specially designed box called a nuc (nucleus hive) that allows the rest of the bees to enter.  They will follow where she goes, so they all relocate safely into the box over time, and we can return to collect the box after dusk.  We will quarantine the nuc at a separate site for at least two months to monitor the bees' health and check for pests and diseases before adding them to our very own apiary at Spiderman SE headquarters.

As a last resort, we can blow insecticide powder into the colony, killing the bees.  We always prefer not to do this if possible, but we understand that sometimes there is no other choice.

Whether the colony has been removed or destroyed, it is imperative that all wax combs are thoroughly removed or access to the location is blocked.  This proactive measure is essential to prevent the return of new bee swarms attracted by the scent of the comb.  If the bee nest is inside a wall cavity, your roof or some other hard-to-reach place, we suggest contacting a handyperson or decorator to advise how to reduce damage to your property.  We are happy to work alongside them, using our expertise to remove the comb and any workings while they use their expertise to take care of any repairs.

The time required for bee removal and treatment, as well as associated costs, can vary significantly based on the complexity and location of the bee infestation.  Factors such as the size of the nest, accessibility, and the overall complexity of the removal process may influence the duration and associated charges.

What You Can Do

If the swarm is on public property, such as a tree on a public footpath or at a park, you can call the council, who will arrange to deal with the bees.  However, if the swarm or nest is on your property, it's up to you to deal with them, so keep reading to see what you can do.

Stay Calm and Keep Your Distance

Bees in a swarm are usually not looking to sting, but it’s best to keep children, pets, and anyone with allergies well away from the area.

Avoid Trying to Remove the Swarm Yourself

Swarms can be unpredictable, and handling bees without the proper knowledge and equipment can be dangerous.  It’s best to leave the removal to professionals who know how to relocate them safely.

Don’t Use Insecticides or Sprays

Store-bought sprays or insecticides can harm bees, the environment, and potentially you.  In some areas, killing bees without a professional is also illegal, so it’s important to let us handle the situation safely and legally.

Contact us for Professional Assistance

At Spiderman SE Eco Pest Management, we’re fully trained and equipped to relocate bee swarms safely.  Call or email us, and we’ll assess the situation to provide the best solution, whether relocating the swarm or exterminating it if necessary.  You can help us by taking a few detailed photos and sending them to hello@spidermanse.com along with answers to the following questions:

1. How long have the bees been there?  i.e. hours, days, months, years?
2. How big is the swarm?  i.e. 20 bees trying to get into wall vents, a football-sized bunch, a basketball-sized bunch, or two basketballs?
3. How high are they?  i.e. below 2m, 5m in a tree?  (if higher than 3.6m, work from heights regulations require an EWP)
4. If a swarm, what are they attached to?  i.e. a wall, door, bush, tree, fence?
5. If an established hive, what are they going into?  i.e. an old speaker, chair, cupboard, wall, bird box?
6. Is it your property, or public land or a neighbour's?

We’re here to help keep you, your property, and the bees safe.  Whether the swarm can be relocated or needs to be exterminated, we’ll find the best solution for your situation.