Looking to relocate bees. Preferably without getting stung.

July 29, 2010 8:06 PM

Apparently I have bees in my backyard and I would like to find them a new home. I've heard that beekeepers are sometimes on the lookout for hives, especially if they're easy to get at. But how do I find an interested beekeeper is the question....

I'm located in the Fraser Valley east of Vancouver and all my Google-fu shows me is a few local keepers. Is there any organization I should contact, or do I just start calling these guys and go "Hey, I got bees, you want 'em?"

posted by barc0001 to Home & Garden (9 answers total)

Basically, yes, you should just start calling them and saying "Hey, I got bees, do you want them?" A beekeeper is the best resource to start with, so even if they don't want your bees, they'll have a much better idea of what you ought to do.

You could also call these guys -- Bellingham Bee-Friendly Bee Removal -- and ask them if they know anybody in your area. They're also probably pretty hooked into the bee-home scene.

Thank you for not killing the bees!
posted by Made of Star Stuff at 8:14 PM on July 29, 2010 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I bet if you call these guys, they can hook you up with someone.
posted by jquinby at 8:15 PM on July 29, 2010 [1 favorite]

Best answer: This is actually one of the things craigslist is great for. I knew someone who called in a keeper to relocate a swarm ball found on my college campus, which was in a fairly small town. The bee keeper had posted his cell phone number on craigslist, just for this purpose. Grabbed a cardboard box, and flew over in his pickup truck.
posted by fontophilic at 8:24 PM on July 29, 2010

I realize that you live not in Chicago, but I bet if you contact someone on this list they can send you in the right direction.
posted by bibliogrrl at 8:46 PM on July 29, 2010

I've also seen posts on craigslist for free bee swarms that were later marked "Thanks, but swarm has been picked up!", so it gets takers at least some of the time. I do know that it's easier to get swarms removed than bees that are living in an old shed or the like. Again, thanks for not calling the exterminator! The world needs bees!
posted by troublewithwolves at 9:40 PM on July 29, 2010

Response by poster: Craigslist is actually a great idea I would never have thought of, but sure enough there's a listing in the area looking for bees, so I'll try them out. If not, the BC Beekeepers site is my next stop. Thanks everyone!
posted by barc0001 at 9:42 PM on July 29, 2010

Around here, the fire department keeps a list of local beekeepers.
posted by mudpuppie at 10:40 AM on July 30, 2010

Yes, just call any local beekeepers. If you can't find them, call the Parks Dept, and they'll help hook you up.
posted by Eshkol at 2:29 PM on July 30, 2010

State University Agricultural Extension Offices often maintain a list of beekeepers as well.
posted by Cordelya at 5:22 PM on August 1, 2010