Bee Swarm on Your Property? What to Do in January 2026

Finding a cluster of bees on your property can be surprising, especially in January.

What is a Bee Swarm?

A bee swarm is a natural event where a honey bee colony splits, with the old queen and a large group of worker bees (typically 10,000-30,000) leaving the original hive to find a new home. These swarms are usually temporary, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. The bees will cluster together, often on a tree branch or bush, while scout bees search for a suitable new nesting site.

Why Report a Swarm?

• Protect Honey Bees: Honey bees are vital pollinators, and their populations face many challenges. Reporting a swarm gives them a chance to thrive.
• Support Local Beekeepers: Beekeepers are always on the lookout for swarms to expand their apiaries. Your report helps them rescue these bees.
• Potentially Free Removal: In most cases, beekeepers will collect a swarm for free. They want these bees! This saves you the cost of potentially unnecessary (and harmful) extermination.

What to Do If You Find a Swarm

1. Stay Calm: Swarming bees are usually docile. They're more concerned with finding a new home than stinging.
2. Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain at least 10-15 feet away from the swarm.
3. Report the Swarm: The most important step! Report the swarm to Swarmed. Visit https://beeswarmed.org/report-bee-colony (opens in a new tab) to submit your report. Provide as much detail as possible, including location, size, and a photo if you can safely take one.

What Happens After You Report?

Swarmed connects you with local beekeepers who are ready to rescue the swarm. A beekeeper will contact you, assess the situation, and safely relocate the bees to a new hive. It's a win-win for everyone: you, the bees, and the beekeeper!

Is it Really a Swarm?

Not sure if it's a swarm of honey bees, wasps, or something else? Report it anyway! Swarmed's AI-powered system helps identify the insects and ensures the appropriate assistance is provided, even if it's not honey bees.

What About Established Hives?

It's important to distinguish between a swarm and an established hive. If the bees have already moved into a structure like a wall or shed and built comb, it's considered an established hive and requires a different approach. Established hive removals (cutouts) usually involve a fee because of the labor and expertise required.

Ready to Help?

See a cluster of bees? Report swarms to help bees and your community!