BEE REMOVAL SERVICES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Table of Content

Bee Removal Services in South Africa

Bee removal services are an integral part of the bee and honey industry in South Africa.

Bees are vital to South Africa’s ecosystems through their role in pollination and biodiversity. However, when colonies settle in residential, commercial, or industrial areas, they can pose safety risks and cause structural problems.
In these cases, professional bee removal services are essential. Unlike pest control companies that may exterminate bees, ethical bee removal focuses on safe relocation and conservation.

This guide provides detailed, up-to-date information on finding reliable, humane bee removal services across South Africa. It also covers regulations, key organizations, and important tips for choosing a service provider.

If you cannot use bee removers, either because there are none near you or you cannot afford them, keep in mind that bee swarms that occur unexpectedly and congregate in places where there is no nesting space (such as under roof overhangs) are probably on the move (swarming) and should move on in a matter of hours or, at the most, a few days.
Swarming bees are on their way to a new nesting place. They are not a threat as they don’t need to defend a hive, but they will attack if you disturb them and threaten the queen. Just keep people and animals away from them.
Read more about swarming behaviour

Importance of Ethical Bee Removal

Ethical bee removal prioritizes relocating live bees to managed hives, apiaries, or suitable habitats.

In South Africa, public awareness about the importance of bees is growing. Many companies now avoid extermination methods and adopt relocation techniques that protect bee colonies.

South Africa’s Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) requires beekeepers and bee removal providers to register under the Agricultural Pests Act.

However, there is no specific licensing for bee removers. Therefore, you must perform due diligence when selecting a service.

Regional Availability of Bee Removal Services

Although some companies claim national coverage, most operate regionally.

Geographical size, local bee species differences, and travel costs make it difficult for single companies to offer truly national services.

Gauteng Province

Gauteng has a high concentration of bee removal providers, especially around Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Bee Removal Expert: Serves Johannesburg, Pretoria, Vereeniging, Benoni, and others. Flat rate pricing. Uses essential oils to encourage bees to leave safely.
The Honey Bee Group: Based in Pretoria. Focuses on relocating entire colonies to a nursing apiary in Cullinan. Registered with DALRRD and SABIO.
Bee Alive: Offers bee removal in Johannesburg and Randburg. Relocates bees without harm.
Save All Bees: Services the greater Gauteng area. Humane practices. Registered with SABIO and DALRRD.
Buzz Bee Removers: Johannesburg-based. Registered with DALRRD and the Bee Removal Association of South Africa (BRASA).
Honey Bee & Bat Removals: Covers Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Vaal Triangle. Focuses on relocation for honey production and pollination.
BeeBru: Provides services in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Emphasizes live relocation.
Urban Bees: Ethical specialists operating in Johannesburg.
Bee Rescue: Johannesburg-based, pricing depends on removal difficulty. Specializes in live relocations.

Western Cape Province

Cape Town is the hub for bee removal in the Western Cape. Many providers are affiliated with the Western Cape Bee Industry Association (WCBA).

The Beekeeper Cape Town: Based in Sunningdale. Registered with DAFF and WCBA.
Byeboerco.za: Services Cape Town, Northern and Southern Suburbs, Cape Winelands, and Boland. Also removes invasive wasps.
Infinity Bees: Operates from Cape Town to the Southern Suburbs.
Bman Bee Removals Cape Town: Specializes in removals throughout the Western Cape.

The WCBA website provides a detailed directory of registered bee removers across the province.

KwaZulu-Natal Province

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is supported by the KZN Bee Farmers Association, which maintains a directory of members.

Bushveld Bees: Specialists in KwaZulu-Natal. Registered with DALRRD, SABIO, and KZN Bee Farmers Association.
The Bee Rescuer: Services Durban, North and South Coasts, and Pietermaritzburg. Offers poison-free removals.
BeeHappy Beekeeping: Based in Durban, offers “Bee Guardian” services.

Other Provinces

Bee removal services are available in smaller numbers in other provinces.

Soetland Byery: North West Province (listed in Bhive’s directory).
Honey Bee Removals Witbank: Operates in Witbank, Mpumalanga.

In less populated areas, consulting Bhive’s directory or contacting local beekeeping associations may be necessary.

Role of Beekeeping Associations

Beekeeping organizations in South Africa support ethical bee removal by maintaining member directories and promoting best practices.

South African Bee Industry Organisation (SABIO): National representative body. Does not remove bees but lists registered members.
Bee Removal Association of South Africa (BRASA): Promotes ethical, humane bee removals. Members follow a strict code of conduct.
Regional Associations:
- Western Cape Bee Industry Association (WCBA)
- KZN Bee Farmers Association
- Northerns Beekeeping Association
- Eastern Highveld Beekeepers’ Association

Membership often signals a provider’s commitment to ethical standards.

Government Agencies

DALRRD: Mandates beekeeper and removal service provider registration. Registration confirms legitimacy but does not guarantee humane techniques.
CapeNature: Provides guidance for bee infestations in the Western Cape but typically does not perform removals.
Municipalities: Some local governments offer advice or referrals to approved removers.

How to Choose a Bee Removal Service

Choosing the right provider requires careful evaluation.

Checklist:

Verify DALRRD Registration: Ask for proof of registration as a beekeeper.
Consult Association Directories: Check SABIO, BRASA, and regional sites.
Understand Removal Methods: Prioritize live removal and full colony relocation.
Review References and Testimonials: Look for independent reviews and client feedback.
Compare Multiple Quotes: Assess services, pricing, and methods.
Be Cautious of Extremely Low Prices: It may indicate extermination rather than relocation.
Check for Insurance: Ensure public liability insurance coverage.
Ask About Prevention: Discuss sealing entry points after removal.

Warning:
Do not attempt bee removals yourself. Handling bees without training and protective equipment is dangerous for both people and bees.

Keep in mind that bees may be swarming and that you may just need a bit of patience before they move on.

Conclusion

South Africa offers a wide network of bee removal services, especially in Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. While no company yet offers full national on-site coverage, regional providers deliver effective and humane services.

Beekeeping associations and government bodies like DALRRD support ethical removal standards through registration and advocacy.

For any bee removal needs, prioritizing humane practices, verifying registrations, and consulting trusted directories will ensure the best outcomes for both humans and bees.