Bee swarm collection call-outs

Homeowners, schools, councils, small businesses and property managers who want a swarm removed safely without killing the bees.

A call-out fee per swarm, sometimes with a travel charge. The collected bees can also stock your own hives or be sold as nucleus colonies to other beekeepers.

• Hands-on beekeeping experience
• Staying calm with the public and with bees
• Identifying honeybees versus native bees and wasps

• Beekeeper registration rules differ by state and territory, so check with your state's primary industries or agriculture department
• Public liability insurance, and check whether your policy covers working at customers' properties
• Bee stings and allergies: get medical advice and carry safety gear
• Make sure the insects are honeybees and not protected native bees; check what is allowed locally
• Working from ladders or in trees adds risk, so only take jobs you can do safely

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on your boxes, protective gear and insurance. These are estimates, so get a quote for public liability cover, including work at customers' properties.

Beekeeper registration rules differ by state and territory, so check with your state's primary industries or agriculture department. Also check public liability cover, and make sure the insects are honeybees, not protected native bees, and what's allowed locally.

Monthly revenue is typically around $100 to $1,000, depending on how many call-outs you get and the season. It's estimated at 4 or more hours a week, which suits a side hustle. Only take jobs you can do safely.