May Brings Honey Bee Swarms: Your Guide to Safe Reporting

May marks a peak period for honey bee swarms across the Northern Hemisphere. As spring progresses, established bee colonies naturally expand, and when they outgrow their current home, a portion of the colony will leave with the old queen to find a new residence. This natural process is called swarming.

Understanding Honey Bee Swarms

When bees swarm, they form a temporary cluster, often on a tree branch, fence post, or even a car. This cluster can contain usually between 5,000 and 20,000 bees. Despite their imposing appearance, swarming bees are generally docile. They are engorged with honey for their journey and have no hive or brood to defend, making them less likely to sting unless directly provoked. A swarm is a temporary stop for a colony, typically lasting 24 to 72 hours while scout bees search for a permanent home.

Swarm vs. Established Hive: Knowing the Difference

It is crucial to differentiate between a temporary swarm and an established colony that has built a hive in a structure:

• Swarm: A transient cluster of bees hanging together, usually in the open. They have not yet built comb. Local beekeepers are generally happy to rescue these swarms at no cost, as they are valuable additions to an apiary.
• Established Hive: Bees that have moved into a wall, roof, chimney, or tree cavity and have begun building wax comb, storing honey, and raising brood. These bees are defensive of their home. Removing an established hive, known as a "cutout," requires specialized skills, tools, and often carpentry work. Beekeepers will provide a fair quote for this service, which can range from $200-$800+ depending on complexity and repairs needed.

What to Do When You Find a Swarm

If you encounter a honey bee swarm, follow these steps to ensure safety and protect the bees:

1. Maintain Distance: Keep at least 10-15 feet away from the swarm. Keep children and pets indoors.
2. Do Not Disturb: Avoid spraying water, throwing objects, or attempting to remove the swarm yourself. This can agitate the bees and make rescue more difficult.
3. Report the Swarm: Swarmed connects you with local beekeepers ready to rescue honey bee swarms. Reporting is free to use, and our platform helps identify if you have a swarm or an established colony. Even if you are unsure whether the insects are honey bees, wasps, or bumblebees, report it anyway; Swarmed's AI helps with identification and provides appropriate guidance.

Reporting a swarm helps local beekeepers protect these vital pollinators, contributing to the 150+ million bees rescued through Swarmed and saving beekeepers over $500,000 in replacement costs. Our network includes nearly 10,000 beekeepers ready to respond.

Help Protect Honey Bees Today

Your quick action can make a significant difference. If you find a honey bee swarm, report it immediately to connect with a local beekeeper who can safely rescue them. Reporting a swarm on Swarmed is completely free. If you'd like to support the platform and help us keep connecting communities with local beekeepers, a suggested contribution of $12 goes a long way.

Report a swarm and help protect honey bees in your community: https://beeswarmed.org/report-bee-colony (opens in a new tab)