Bees in South East Queensland: What to Do When You See a Swarm

Spring and early summer in South East Queensland bring not only warm weather and blooming gardens but also an increase in bee activity. At this time of year, we often get called to homes and businesses in Childers, Bundaberg, Gin Gin, Woodgate, Maryborough and surrounding areas about bees swarming or establishing hives in and around buildings.

Why Are Bees More Active in Spring & Summer?

Bees become more noticeable during warmer months because colonies are at their peak. With plenty of flowers and food sources available, hive populations expand quickly. When a colony becomes too large, it will naturally split—this is when bee swarms occur.

Why Do Bees Swarm?

Swarming is the natural way bees reproduce and spread. A swarm happens when the queen leaves the hive with thousands of worker bees to find a new home. While swarms may look intimidating, they are usually less aggressive during this stage because they are focused on finding a new nesting site.

However, swarms often settle in inconvenient places—like trees near homes, roof cavities, sheds, or even inside wall voids.

What Should You Do If You See a Swarm?

• ✅ Stay calm and keep your distance – Do not disturb the swarm or try to remove it yourself.
  
  

• ✅ Keep children and pets away – Bees can become defensive if they feel threatened.
  
  

• ✅ Call a professional – Pest control experts can assess the situation and safely manage the swarm.
  
  

Why We Don’t Kill Bees First

Bees are vital pollinators, and they play an essential role in our environment and food production. At CB Pest Control, we always work with highly trained bee experts and beekeepers to try and relocate the colony safely wherever possible.

Only if relocation is not possible—and the bees pose a risk to people—do we move to elimination, using safe and controlled methods designed to minimise risk to the property and residents.

Using Technology for Safe Bee Removal

One of the challenges with bees is when they establish a colony inside wall cavities or roof spaces. Instead of damaging your property to locate the hive, CB Pest Control uses thermal cameras to detect the exact location of the colony. This allows us to take precise action while avoiding unnecessary property damage.

Protecting People and Property

Our goal is to keep you, your family, and your property safe while respecting the important role bees play in nature. By combining modern technology, expert techniques, and collaboration with local beekeepers, we provide a solution that is safe, effective, and environmentally responsible.