Free, humane, by local beekeepers
Bee Swarm Removal in Columbus, Ohio
205 honey bee swarms have been reported within 25km of Columbus, 135 of them in 2026. 48 local beekeepers on the Swarmed network cover the Columbus area and respond to new reports for free.
When swarms happen in Columbus
In Franklin County, swarm season peaks in May, when about 47% of the year's swarms are reported. Warmth accumulated so far this year is running about 39% ahead of last year, so colonies are likely to swarm earlier than usual.
Reports near Columbus by month, all years on record.
Recent swarm reports near Columbus
- June 2026: swarm outdoors, about basketball size
- June 2026: swarm outdoors, about beach ball or larger size
- June 2026: swarm outdoors
- June 2026: swarm outdoors
- June 2026: swarm outdoors, about rugby ball size
- June 2026: swarm inside a structure
- June 2026: swarm inside a structurePhoto verified
- June 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 (48 cover the Columbus area).
- Step 3
A beekeeper claims the report and collects the colony alive, then relocates it to a managed hive.
Columbus bee swarm questions
- How much does bee swarm removal cost in Columbus?
- Nothing. Swarmed connects you with 48 local beekeepers covering the Columbus area who collect healthy honey bee swarms for free and relocate them to managed hives.
- When is bee swarm season in Columbus, Ohio?
- In Franklin County, swarm reports peak in May, which accounts for about 47% of the year's swarms. So far in 2026, 135 swarms have been reported within 25km of Columbus.
- How fast do beekeepers respond to swarm reports near Columbus?
- Over the last two years in Franklin County, 74% of swarm reports were claimed by a beekeeper, typically within 66 minutes of being reported.
- Are the bees harmed during removal in Columbus?
- 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 Ohio cities
Swarm statistics come from reports submitted to Swarmed and are refreshed daily. Last updated June 13, 2026.