Swarm Removal
What Is a Swarm?
Swarming is your honeybees’ way of expanding and relocating when their hive becomes overcrowded. The
bees will temporarily gather in a dense cluster—often on a tree branch, fence, or similar surface—while scout
bees search for a new home. Swarming bees are typically calm because they’re not defending a hive
What Should You Do?
- Stay calm and observe from a safe distance. Swarms are generally docile, but any bee can sting if provoked.
- Note important details: Where is the swarm? How high off the ground? How large is it?
- Take a clear photo if it can be done safely—this helps confirm they are honeybees and not wasps or hornets.
- Do not spray or use pesticides—chemicals can harm beneficial pollinators and may make them aggressive.
- Contact us or another local beekeeper promptly. If we’re unavailable or the swarm is in a location beyond our reach (generally more than 10 feet high), we can help connect you with another beekeeper who has the right equipment.
Important to Know
- If bees have moved into a wall, roof, or other structure and begun building comb, they’re no longer considered a “swarm” but an established colony. Removing them at this stage is more complex, can take significantly more time, and may involve additional costs.
- We do not provide structural bee removals ourselves, but we’re happy to refer you to a trusted beekeeper experienced in this type of work.