Swarms

What is a honeybee swarm?

A honeybee swarm is a natural process by which honey bee colonies reproduce to form a new colony. Swarms can occur most anytime throughout the year but most often occur in late spring or early summer.

 

During a swarm bees fly off as a group and clusters on a tree limb, a shrub, or even on a car's side mirror, nearly any other suitable space. They will remain there for an hour to a few days. During that time, scouting bees search for a new nest site.  When a suitable location for the new colony is found, such as a hollow tree, the cluster breaks up and flies to it.

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People need not be frightened by bee swarms because the bees at this stage of their life cycle lack a hive to defend.  Until they have a new hive, they are not very aggressive. This does not mean that bees will not sting if they are provoked, however. They are just much less likely to sting.

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What do I do if I come across a honeybee swarm?

Although the swarm may be alarming, especially to people who are allergic to bee stings, please do not spray the swarm with an insecticide or attempt to destroy it. This actually may agitate the bees and increase the likelihood of being stung. 

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Honeybee Removal

If you would like to have the swarm captured or honeybees removed, click here to learn more.