What To Do If You Find a Honey Bee Swarm

Have you ever seen a honey bee swarm? Seeing hundreds of bees clumped together on a tree, shrub, fence, house, or other object can be both fascinating and scary. If you’re like me, it can also be intimidating! 

Swarms are part of the natural life process for honey bees. Essentially, it’s a response to a overcrowding of the colony. The bees eventually outgrow their current living space, so they leave with the queen to find a new place to live. You typically can find swarms in late spring and early summer. 

A few things to note about honey bee swarms:

• Swarms are temporary and will likely move on shortly if you ignore them. They typically stay in one place for an hour to a few days, depending on the weather. 
• Bees in swarms are vulnerable. The queen bee is typically with the swarm, and the colony needs her to survive. If something happens to the queen, the other bees will die.
• Swarms are not dangerous. While swarming, bees are focused on finding a new home and simply surviving. They are not interested in attacking people, as they do not have a hive to protect.

What should you do if you find a honey bee swarm?

1. The number one thing to do is to remain calm. If you see a swarm, refrain from panicking, and just leave it alone. Do not try to knock it down. This will only stir up the bees. 
2. It will be tempting to spray the swarm with a pesticide. Remember that honey bees are our friends, and we do not want to kill them. If you spray them with a pesticide, the bees cannot be saved.
3. If you want the swarm removed, contact your local Extension Office. They can find a local beekeeper to safely catch and remove the swarm. You want to leave this task up to someone who is experienced and knowledgeable!