Report a bee swarm

Have you spotted a bee swarm? We can help safely relocate it.

Call us

What to Do First

Before contacting us or a local beekeeper, please make note of the following details:

  • Exact physical address of the swarm

  • Specific location (e.g. in a bush, tree, on a fence, etc.)

  • Height off the ground (will a ladder be needed?)

  • Approximate size of the swarm (e.g. about the size of a football)

Find a Swarm Collector

Use the interactive map below to locate a beekeeper near you.

  • Click on a pin to view the beekeeper’s name and phone number

  • All swarm collectors are independent volunteers

  • IIf one is unavailable or you're not comfortable, you're welcome to contact another swarm collector or our Swarm Coordinator.

Swarm Coordinator:
Bryan Lang – 021 620 716

BEEKEEPERS

If you want to be listed as a bee swarm collector, you must register here

**You must register with your full street address or you will not be added to the map**

Collecting beekeepers agree to be available during working hours

If you agreed with a customer to collect a swarm but your availability changes, you must pass the details to another beekeeper on the list.

If a bee swarm moves into a building, it is no longer a swarm and a professional service will likely be required. Discuss any resident colonies with the homeowner, but you are not obliged to do anything.

Important Health & Safety Notice

Swarms can carry American Foulbrood (AFB), a serious and notifiable disease.

If you collect a swarm:

  • Keep it isolated in a temporary hive until a full brood cycle has passed

  • Inspect for AFB before combining with other hives

  • Maintain detailed records of each collection

  • This is especially important if bees are gifted or sold to others

These steps align with legal obligations under Assure Quality NZ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you're a registered beekeeper, yes but swarms must be quarantined and observed for disease such as American Foulbrood (AFB) before integration into your apiary.

  • Generally no. Swarming bees are focused on relocation and are not defensive, as they have no brood to protect. However, they may sting if provoked.

  • In Auckland Spring (September to December) is the most common time. Warmer weather and increasing daylight signal bees to expand and reproduce.

  • Swarming is a natural behaviour that allows a hive to reproduce, improve genetic diversity, and reduce disease pressure. A portion of the colony leaves with the queen to establish a new hive.