Bee Cluster on Your Property? What to Do in North Carolina

Seeing a cluster of bees on your property can be alarming, but it's often a natural phenomenon known as swarming. Honey bee swarms are typically docile and pose little threat, but it's crucial to handle the situation correctly.

What is a Bee Swarm?

A swarm is a large group of honey bees, usually numbering between 10,000 and 50,000, that has left their hive to establish a new colony. This usually happens in the warmer months, but in milder climates like North Carolina, it can even occur during a warm spell in January. The bees will cluster together, often on a tree branch or building, while scout bees search for a suitable new home.

What to Do When You Find a Swarm

• Stay Calm: Swarming bees are usually gentle, as they don't have a hive to defend.
• Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain at least 10-15 feet away from the cluster.
• Keep Children and Pets Indoors: Ensure they don't disturb the bees.
• Do Not Disturb the Swarm: Avoid spraying water or other substances on the bees.

Contact a Local Beekeeper

The best course of action is to contact a local beekeeper who can safely remove the swarm. Many beekeepers are happy to collect swarms as a way to expand their apiaries and contribute to bee conservation. Oftentimes, this removal is free, as beekeepers value the opportunity to acquire new bees.

How Swarmed Can Help

Swarmed connects people who find honey bee swarms with local beekeepers willing to collect them. Our network makes it easy to report a swarm and quickly find a nearby beekeeper who can assist.

Even if you aren't sure if it is a honey bee swarm, report it anyway! Our AI can help identify the insect, and we will connect you with the right resources.

Distinguishing Swarms from Established Colonies

It's important to differentiate between a swarm and an established colony. A swarm is a temporary cluster, while an established colony has built comb within a structure like a wall or tree. Removing established colonies often requires specialized services and may involve a fee from the beekeeper.

Protect honey bees and support your community by reporting swarms through Swarmed. Find a local beekeeper who can safely relocate the bees.

Report a bee colony (opens in a new tab) to help bees and your community!