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Free, humane, by local beekeepers

Bee Swarm Removal in Fresno, California

31 honey bee swarms and colonies have been reported within 16 mi of Fresno, 20 of them in 2026. 7 local beekeepers on the Swarmed network cover the Fresno area and respond to new reports for free.

20
Swarms reported in 2026
31
Swarms on record nearby
7
Beekeepers in range
6 hours
Median beekeeper response in Fresno County

When bees show up in Fresno

Around Fresno, reports peak in March, when about 26% of the year's reports come in. Warmth accumulated so far this year is running about 5% ahead of last year, so colonies are likely to swarm earlier than usual.

Reports near Fresno by month, all years on record.

Recent swarm reports near Fresno

  • September 2026: swarm outdoors, about basketball sizePhoto verified
  • August 2026: swarm outdoors, about basketball sizePhoto verified
  • June 2026: swarm inside a structure
  • June 2026: swarm clustered on a tree or bush, about basketball sizePhoto verified
  • June 2026: swarm clustered on a tree or bush, about basketball size
  • June 2026: swarm clustered on a tree or bush, about basketball sizePhoto verified
  • June 2026: swarm inside a structure, about rugby ball size
  • June 2026: swarm outdoors, about rugby ball size

Locations and reporter details stay private; reports support local swarm research and beekeeper alerts.

How free swarm removal works

  1. Step 1

    Report the swarm with a photo and location. It takes about two minutes and costs nothing.

  2. Step 2

    Nearby beekeepers on the Swarmed network get alerted instantly (7 cover the Fresno area).

  3. Step 3

    A beekeeper claims the report and collects the colony alive, then relocates it to a managed hive.

Fresno bee swarm questions

How much does bee swarm removal cost in Fresno?
A swarm is normally free. Swarmed connects you with 7 local beekeepers covering the Fresno area who collect healthy honey bee swarms and relocate them to managed hives, and they do not usually charge for a swarm resting in the open. Reporting is free, and a contribution to Swarmed is suggested afterwards but never required. It can depend on the situation, though: an unusually difficult retrieval may be quoted, and if the bees have moved into a wall, roof, floor or tree cavity that is an established colony rather than a swarm, known as a cutout, where the comb and honey have to be removed and a beekeeper or removal professional may quote you a fair price.
Is a bee swarm the same as a colony inside my house?
No, and the difference decides whether the job is free. A swarm is a cluster of bees resting in the open, on a branch, fence or post, while scouts look for a new home. It has no comb yet, so a beekeeper can normally collect it quickly and free of charge. Bees flying in and out of a gap in a structure have already built comb inside, which makes it a cutout: paid work that the attending beekeeper quotes directly. Swarmed does not set or take a share of that fee.
When is bee swarm season in Fresno, California?
Around Fresno, reports peak in March, which accounts for about 26% of the year's reports. So far in 2026, 20 reports have come in within 16 mi of Fresno.
How fast do beekeepers respond to swarm reports near Fresno?
Over the last two years in Fresno County, 52% of swarm reports were claimed by a beekeeper, typically within 6 hours of being reported.
Are the bees harmed during removal in Fresno?
No. Swarmed beekeepers collect the colony alive and relocate it to a managed hive where it can thrive, instead of exterminating it. Honey bee swarms are usually docile and removal is safest within the first day or two.

Bee removal in other California cities

Swarm statistics come from reports submitted to Swarmed and are refreshed daily. Last updated September 20, 2026.