Swarm Calls
See a Swarm?
Honey bee swarms are a natural part of colony reproduction — when a colony grows large, the old queen leaves with about half the bees to find a new home. They cluster temporarily on a tree branch, fence post, or building while scout bees look for somewhere permanent. Don't panic — swarming bees are gentle (no honey or brood to defend) and almost always move on within a day or two.
What to Do
- Don't spray them. Pesticides on a swarm kills tens of thousands of beneficial pollinators that aren't actually a threat.
- Confirm they're honey bees. Honey bees are about half an inch long, fuzzy, and golden-brown. Yellowjackets and wasps are smooth and shiny. (See "Honey Bees vs. Wasps" below.)
- Take a photo if it's safe to do so — helps the responding beekeeper plan equipment.
- Contact us at info@example.invalid with the location, height, and how long they've been there.
- Keep your distance until a beekeeper arrives — give them about 10 feet of space.
Honey Bees vs. Wasps
Most calls we get aren't actually honey bee swarms — they're wasps, yellowjackets, or hornets. Here's how to tell:
Honey bees 🐝
- About 1/2 inch long, fuzzy, golden-brown
- Cluster on branches, fences, or walls
- Generally gentle when swarming
- Make wax hives in cavities (wall, tree hollow)
Wasps / Yellowjackets ⚠️
- Smooth, shiny, often bright yellow-and-black
- Paper nests in eaves, ground holes, attics
- Aggressive, especially in late summer
- Beekeepers don't relocate these — call pest control
Want to Collect Swarms?
Members in good standing can join the swarm-call rotation. We ask for:
- Current club membership
- Some experience handling bees, or willingness to go out with a mentor your first few times
- Equipment to capture and transport a swarm (we'll help you put a kit together)
Email info@example.invalid to get on the list.