Honeybee swarm collection on call

Homeowners, schools, parks, small businesses and property managers who want a swarm gone safely and don't want the bees killed.

A call-out fee or flat price per swarm, plus extra for hard-to-reach swarms. Collected swarms can also become new colonies for your own hives or be sold to other beekeepers.

• Beekeeping experience and calm handling of bees
• Telling honeybees apart from wasps and bumblebees
• Clear phone manner with worried callers

• Beekeeper or apiary registration and disease inspection rules, which vary by province, so check with your provincial apiarist
• Commercial general liability insurance that covers bee work
• Stings and allergic reactions: carry proper protective gear and never work alone if you are allergic
• Work at height from ladders, so only take swarms you can reach safely
• Swarm season is short in most of Canada, so income is seasonal

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on the protective gear, boxes and hive equipment you already own. Check whether your commercial general liability insurance covers bee work.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $1,500, depending on how many calls you get and take. Swarm season is short in most of Canada, so income is seasonal and works best as a side hustle.

Check beekeeper or apiary registration and disease inspection rules with your provincial apiarist, as they vary by province. Also check insurance that covers bee work, and only take swarms you can reach safely from a ladder.