Bee Swarm Removal in Washington, District of Columbia

When swarms happen in Washington

In District of Columbia County, swarm season peaks in April, when about 50% 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 Washington by month, all years on record.

Recent swarm reports near Washington

• June 2026: swarm outdoors, about rugby ball size
• May 2026: swarm outdoors, about rugby ball size
• May 2026: swarm clustered on a tree or bush, about basketball sizePhoto verified
• May 2026: swarm inside a structure, about beach ball or larger size
• May 2026: swarm outdoors, about basketball sizePhoto verified
• May 2026: swarm clustered on a tree or bush, about basketball sizePhoto verified
• May 2026: swarm outdoors
• April 2026: swarm clustered on a tree or bush, about basketball sizePhoto verified

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 (31 cover the Washington area).

3. Step 3

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

Washington bee swarm questions

How much does bee swarm removal cost in Washington?

Nothing. Swarmed connects you with 31 local beekeepers covering the Washington area who collect healthy honey bee swarms for free and relocate them to managed hives.

When is bee swarm season in Washington, District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia County, swarm reports peak in April, which accounts for about 50% of the year's swarms. So far in 2026, 16 swarms have been reported within 25km of Washington.

How fast do beekeepers respond to swarm reports near Washington?

Over the last two years in District of Columbia County, 86% of swarm reports were claimed by a beekeeper, typically within 3 hours of being reported.

Are the bees harmed during removal in Washington?

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.