Free, humane, by local beekeepers
Bee Swarm Removal in San Mateo, California
80 honey bee swarms have been reported within 25km of San Mateo, 32 of them in 2026. 31 local beekeepers on the Swarmed network cover the San Mateo area and respond to new reports for free.
When swarms happen in San Mateo
In San Mateo County, swarm season peaks in May, when about 31% of the year's swarms are reported. Warmth accumulated so far this year is running about 13% ahead of last year, so colonies are likely to swarm earlier than usual.
Reports near San Mateo by month, all years on record.
Recent swarm reports near San Mateo
- June 2026: swarm outdoors
- June 2026: swarm clustered on a tree or bush, about tennis ball size
- June 2026: swarm clustered on a tree or bush, about tennis ball size
- May 2026: swarm inside a structure
- May 2026: swarm outdoors, about beach ball or larger size
- May 2026: swarm clustered on a tree or bush, about beach ball or larger size
- May 2026: swarm inside a structure, about beach ball or larger size
- May 2026: swarm clustered on a tree or bush, about rugby ball size
Locations and reporter details stay private; reports support local swarm research and beekeeper alerts.
How free swarm removal works
- Step 1
Report the swarm with a photo and location. It takes about two minutes and costs nothing.
- Step 2
Nearby beekeepers on the Swarmed network get alerted instantly (31 cover the San Mateo area).
- Step 3
A beekeeper claims the report and collects the colony alive, then relocates it to a managed hive.
San Mateo bee swarm questions
- How much does bee swarm removal cost in San Mateo?
- Nothing. Swarmed connects you with 31 local beekeepers covering the San Mateo area who collect healthy honey bee swarms for free and relocate them to managed hives.
- When is bee swarm season in San Mateo, California?
- In San Mateo County, swarm reports peak in May, which accounts for about 31% of the year's swarms. So far in 2026, 32 swarms have been reported within 25km of San Mateo.
- How fast do beekeepers respond to swarm reports near San Mateo?
- Over the last two years in San Mateo County, 97% of swarm reports were claimed by a beekeeper, typically within 24 minutes of being reported.
- Are the bees harmed during removal in San Mateo?
- 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 June 13, 2026.