Bees are protected pollinators, so a swarm or hive should be relocated, not killed. Here is what to do if bees settle on your Melbourne property.
Bees Deserve Special Treatment
Unlike wasps, honey bees are vital pollinators and are protected wherever possible - so the goal is safe relocation, not extermination. If a swarm lands on your tree or a hive establishes in a wall cavity, the right response is to call a professional, not to spray it.
Swarm vs Established Hive
A swarm is a temporary cluster of bees (often on a branch or fence) that has left an old hive to find a new home. Swarms are usually docile and can often be collected and relocated by a beekeeper within a day. An established hive - inside a wall, roof, or chimney - is more complex, as it contains comb, honey, and brood that must be carefully removed to avoid attracting other pests.
Why You Should Not DIY
- Disturbing bees risks multiple stings - dangerous for anyone allergic, and for children and pets
- Spraying or sealing a wall hive leaves honey and comb that rot and attract ants, cockroaches, and rodents
- Killing bees unnecessarily harms the local pollinator population
How We Handle Bees
Wherever it is viable, we coordinate ethical relocation of swarms and hives through local Melbourne apiarists. For hives inside structures, we safely remove the colony and comb and advise on sealing the cavity so bees do not return.
While You Wait
Keep people and pets well clear, do not throw anything at the bees, and avoid blocking their entry point. For safe bee removal and relocation across Melbourne, call Pest Eraze on 0416 528 547.
What Does Bee Removal Cost in Melbourne?
Ethical bee removal and relocation in Melbourne typically starts from around $199 for an accessible swarm, with established wall or roof cavity hives costing more due to the extra time required to remove comb and honey safely. Because relocation (rather than extermination) is the goal, pricing can vary depending on hive size, location, and access - a phone assessment usually gives you an accurate quote before a technician attends.
Why You Cannot Just Spray a Bee Hive
Spraying a wall cavity hive might kill the bees you can see, but it leaves the comb, honey, and brood behind to rot, ferment, and attract ants, cockroaches, and rodents for months afterwards. It also does nothing for a swarm that has simply paused on its way to a new home. Proper removal identifies whether you are dealing with a temporary swarm or an established colony, and handles each differently - coordinating with local apiarists for relocation wherever possible, which is both safer and better for Melbourne's bee population.
