Free Bee Removal in Calgary
Hi,
My name is David, and I’m a licensed & registered beekeeper in Calgary, AB.
Got Bees?
If you've found bees like these, call or text me ASAP: 
(Text a pic!), or please consider contacting the Calgary District Beekeepers Association's Swarm Catcher service
When a colony of honey bees has grown beyond the capacity of their hive, the queen leaves the hive with roughly half of the workers and leaves behind a new queen and the other half of the workers. This is called a "swarm", which occur mostly in spring and early summer when a colony is growing and they need more space. Swarms are the natural way that bees use to ensure the survival of the species.
Prior to settling into a new home, these swarms will sometimes gather in a cluster, often in a tree. These swarms of bees are no threat to humans. They are simply trying to find a new home. Swarms don't care about you, unless they feel threatened.
In fact, all of those bees filled (filled!) their bellies with honey before setting out on the trip, and so not only are they not looking for trouble, they're also sluggish because of the extra weight they're carrying.
Swarm colonies are the start of a brand new independant colony. Unfortunately, with our extreme winters, they won't survive unless they find (or are put into) a suitable home, but beware; Capturing a swarm is not for the faint of heart.
If you know of a swarm; I will remove the bees in a safe manner. Not only will you not pay anything, you'll get some free honey out of the deal too.
Just call or text me: .
Are they already settled?
If you've found bees that already seem to be living inside a building, I probably cannot help, and you should consider contacting the District Beekeepers Association regarding their Swarm Catcher service.
Are you sure they're honey bees?
If it’s hairless, it’s a wasp/hornet. (call these fine folks)
Is the nest round/egg-shaped, and paper-like? wasps/hornets again!
If it’s very furry with hunched shoulders, it’s a bumblebee. (harmless!)
If it’s slightly furry, with a long tube-like shape, then it’s a honey bee!:
| Honey Bee | Bumble Bee | Wasp | Hornet | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Appearance | Fuzzy | Very fuzzy | Very slick; not fuzzy | |
| Demeanor | Curious | Lazy, almost drunk | Jerks | Assholes |
| Stinging | Can only sting once | Can sting over and over again |
Do sting over and over again |
|
| Likelihood to sting | Only if they feel threatened | Rarely ever stings | Stings without warning or reason | |
| Pollination | Expert pollinator | Expert pollinator | Not a pollinator | |
| Nest Location | Trees, walls, boxes, etc | Usually in the ground | In trees, on buildings, underground, wall voids | |
| Nest type | Wax | "Clumps of eggs stuck together with goo" | Usually paper-like | |
| Diet | Feed on nectar and pollen. | Feed on nectar and pollen. | Feed on other insects, nectar and fruit. |
|
| How best to handle |
Call or Text Me! |
Just leave them be |
Burn them. Burn them all, straight to hell! ;) (I recommend these folks) |
|
Just call or text me
When you contact me, I will need at least one photo or video of the bees. I will also want to know:
- Location in the city of the swarm (address, or at least area of the city)
- Location on the property of the swarm (on the ground, in a tree, in a roof, etc?)
- When did you first notice the bees, and what have you noticed about them?
I will not come without photo confirmation.
