Found a Swarm of Honeybees?
Don't panic, and please don't spray them! We can help relocate them safely.
What Is a Swarm?
A swarm is a natural process where a colony of honeybees splits and a large group of bees leaves with the queen to find a new home. You'll typically see them clustered on a tree branch, fence post, or the side of a building. They usually look like a large ball or beard of bees.
Are They Dangerous?
Swarming honeybees are generally very docile. They don't have a hive to defend, so they are unlikely to sting. However, it's best to keep children and pets away and contact us for assistance.
What Should I Do?
- Don't spray them, honeybees are valuable pollinators
- Keep your distance, give them space and keep pets away
- Contact us, a beekeeper from our club will come collect them for free
- Note the location, the more details you can provide (height, accessibility, how long they've been there), the better
Contact Us About a Swarm
Use the form below to report a swarm. Include a photo and description of the location so we can get a beekeeper to you quickly.
Swarm FAQ
Is there a charge for swarm removal?
No, our beekeepers volunteer their time to collect swarms at no cost to you.
What happens to the bees?
The beekeeper will place them in a hive box and give them a new home. The bees will continue to pollinate in our community.
What if the bees are inside a wall or structure?
That's a "cutout" rather than a swarm, which is more complex. Contact us and we can discuss options.
How quickly can someone come?
We try to respond within a few hours. Timing can vary based on beekeeper availability.