A bee swarm is a natural, temporary stage in the life cycle of a honeybee colony, representing a period of reproduction when the original hive becomes overcrowded. This large cluster of bees, often appearing as a dark, buzzing mass, is usually the former queen and up to half of the worker bees leaving to find a new home. Because they have gorged themselves on honey and have no established hive or brood to defend, swarming bees are generally docile and focused solely on relocation. The primary goal when encountering a swarm is to ensure safe, non-lethal removal to protect both people and these important pollinators.
Immediate Safety Protocols
The first step upon discovering a bee swarm is to remain calm and immediately create distance. Swarming bees are not typically aggressive, but rapid movements or a perceived threat can provoke a defensive reaction. Move slowly and deliberately away from the area where the bees have gathered.
Maintain a safe buffer of at least 50 feet between the swarm and any people or pets. Quickly move inside a building or vehicle, taking children and animals with you, and close all doors and windows. Do not panic or make loud noises, as the vibrations and sudden activity can agitate the bees.
The swarm is a temporary stop while scout bees search for a permanent cavity. They are carrying a supply of honey for the journey, which makes them less inclined to sting. Keep the area around the swarm clear and wait indoors for professional help.
Distinguishing a Swarm from an Established Hive
Identifying whether you are dealing with a temporary swarm or a permanent hive is fundamental to safe removal. A swarm appears as a dense, exposed ball or elongated cluster of thousands of bees, often hanging from a tree branch, fence post, or side of a building. This cluster has no visible honeycomb or wax structure and usually remains in that spot for only a few hours to a few days.
An established hive indicates that the bees have already settled into a permanent, protected location and begun building their colony. Hives are typically found in sheltered, dark cavities, such as within a wall void, an attic, a chimney, or a hollow tree. The presence of a constant, steady stream of bees flying in and out of a small opening signals an established hive.
The behavior of the bees also differs significantly. While swarms are relatively quiet and passive, an established hive will be actively defended and exhibit more aggressive behavior, especially if the entrance is disturbed. If the cluster has been in the same location for more than three days, or if you see visible comb or hear buzzing inside a structure, you are likely dealing with a fully established hive.
Contacting the Right Specialist
The nature of the bee activity determines the type of specialist you should contact, prioritizing the preservation of the colony. For a temporary swarm, the first call should always be to a local beekeeper or a beekeeping association. These specialists are equipped to safely collect and relocate the swarm, often for free or a small fee, as they acquire a new colony for their apiary.
When contacting a beekeeper, provide specific information to help them prepare the right equipment. Describe the swarm’s size, its exact location, and how high off the ground the cluster is. Quick reporting is beneficial because beekeepers prefer to collect swarms before the bees begin building comb or move into an inaccessible location.
Pest control operators should only be contacted as a last resort, primarily for established hives that cannot be humanely accessed and removed by a beekeeper. Established hives deep inside a structural cavity often require demolition and may involve chemical intervention for complete removal. Pest control is necessary when the established colony poses an immediate structural or health hazard.
Actions to Strictly Avoid
When a swarm is present, several instinctive reactions must be avoided, as they will only aggravate the bees and increase the risk of stings. These attempts at DIY removal will only provoke the entire colony, causing the bees to become highly agitated and defensive. Any disturbance makes them more likely to sting and far more difficult for a professional beekeeper to safely collect.
Prohibited Actions
- Never attempt to spray the swarm with water from a hose or any other liquid.
- Do not use insecticides, pesticides, or other chemical sprays, which are toxic and will kill the bees unnecessarily.
- Avoid throwing objects at the cluster or poking it with sticks.
- Do not attempt to smoke the bees out.