Free, humane, by local beekeepers
Bee Swarm Removal in Des Plaines, Illinois
68 honey bee swarms have been reported within 25km of Des Plaines, 16 of them in 2026. 23 local beekeepers on the Swarmed network cover the Des Plaines area and respond to new reports for free.
When swarms happen in Des Plaines
In Cook County, swarm season peaks in September, when about 30% of the year's swarms are reported. Warmth accumulated so far this year is running about 38% ahead of last year, so colonies are likely to swarm earlier than usual.
Reports near Des Plaines by month, all years on record.
Recent swarm reports near Des Plaines
- June 2026: swarm outdoors
- June 2026: swarm clustered on a tree or bush, about basketball sizePhoto verified
- June 2026: swarm clustered on a tree or bush, about basketball sizePhoto verified
- May 2026: swarm clustered on a tree or bush, about rugby ball sizePhoto verified
- May 2026: swarm clustered on a tree or bush, about rugby ball sizePhoto verified
- May 2026: swarm clustered on a tree or bush, about beach ball or larger sizePhoto verified
- May 2026: swarm inside a structure
- May 2026: swarm inside a structure
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 (23 cover the Des Plaines area).
- Step 3
A beekeeper claims the report and collects the colony alive, then relocates it to a managed hive.
Des Plaines bee swarm questions
- How much does bee swarm removal cost in Des Plaines?
- Nothing. Swarmed connects you with 23 local beekeepers covering the Des Plaines area who collect healthy honey bee swarms for free and relocate them to managed hives.
- When is bee swarm season in Des Plaines, Illinois?
- In Cook County, swarm reports peak in September, which accounts for about 30% of the year's swarms. So far in 2026, 16 swarms have been reported within 25km of Des Plaines.
- How fast do beekeepers respond to swarm reports near Des Plaines?
- Over the last two years in Cook County, 54% of swarm reports were claimed by a beekeeper, typically within 19 minutes of being reported.
- Are the bees harmed during removal in Des Plaines?
- 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 Illinois cities
Swarm statistics come from reports submitted to Swarmed and are refreshed daily. Last updated June 13, 2026.