Reported a Bee Swarm in Louisiana? What Happens Next

You've Done the Right Thing

By reporting a honey bee swarm in Louisiana, you have taken a vital step toward protecting these essential pollinators and ensuring community safety. Whether you're in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, or Shreveport, your report initiates a process that connects local beekeepers with honey bees in need of a new home. This guide explains what you can expect after you submit a report through the Swarmed network.

The Immediate Response: Alerts and Updates

Once you submit a swarm report using our platform, our system immediately goes to work. Here’s the process:

1. Confirmation Email: You will receive an email confirming that we have received your report. This email includes a unique link to your report page, where you can view updates or add more information if needed.
2. Beekeeper Notification: Our system instantly sends an alert to registered beekeepers in your specific area. Beekeepers near you in Louisiana receive a notification with the location and details you provided.
3. Claiming the Swarm: An available beekeeper will “claim” the swarm through the platform. When this happens, you will receive another email update letting you know that help is on the way. The beekeeper will typically reach out to you directly by phone or text to coordinate the rescue.

Understanding the Beekeeper's Assessment

A responding beekeeper needs to assess the situation to determine the safest and most effective method for removal. They will likely ask you a few questions:

• Where exactly are the bees located (e.g., on a tree branch, a fence post, the side of a building)?
• How high off the ground is the cluster?
• How long have the bees been there?
• Have the bees entered a wall, an attic, or any other structure?

Your answers to these questions are critical, as they help the beekeeper distinguish between a simple swarm collection and a more complex colony removal.

Swarm Collection vs. Established Colony Removal

In the world of beekeeping, not all bee removals are the same. Understanding the difference is especially important in Louisiana, where environmental factors and the presence of overly defensive bees can complicate removals.

Honey Bee Swarm

A swarm is a temporary, transient cluster of bees. It consists of a queen and several thousand worker bees that have left their original hive to find a new home. They often rest on a branch or other surface for a few hours or up to three days while scout bees search for a suitable permanent location.

• Behavior: Bees in a swarm are typically docile. They have filled up on honey before leaving their old home and have no brood or food stores to defend.
• Removal: This is what beekeepers call a "swarm collection." It is usually a straightforward process that involves gently encouraging the bees into a box.
• Cost: Because swarms are valuable to beekeepers and relatively easy to rescue, swarm collection is often free.

Established Colony (or Hive)

An established colony is one that has already moved into a permanent home and started building wax comb. This could be inside a wall, an attic, a shed, or a hollow tree. They are no longer just resting; they have begun raising young (brood) and storing resources.

• Behavior: Bees in an established colony are defensive. They will actively protect their home, brood, and honey stores.
• Removal: Removing an established colony is a complex process known as a “cutout.” It requires carpentry skills and specialized equipment to open the structure, carefully remove the comb, and then repair the damage.
• Cost: A cutout is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and carries a higher risk. For these reasons, a cutout is a paid service. Beekeepers will provide a quote based on the complexity, location, and time required. This can range from $200 to over $800.

The Louisiana Factor: Why Some Removals Require a Fee

Louisiana's warm climate and diverse flora make it an active state for honey bees. While a state like Nevada might see just over 102 reported swarms in a season, Louisiana's environment supports a high volume of bee activity. This includes a significant presence of overly defensive, or Africanized, honey bees.

Removing an established colony of highly defensive bees is a hazardous job that requires expertise and protective gear. A beekeeper must account for the increased risk, the specialized labor of accessing the colony within a structure, and the cost of any necessary repairs. When a beekeeper provides a quote for a cutout, they are pricing a professional service that ensures the bees are removed safely and your property is respected.

By using the Swarmed network, you are connected with local experts who can properly identify the situation and advise on the safest course of action, whether it's a free swarm collection or a quoted cutout service.

Your Report Makes a Difference

Every swarm report contributes to a larger effort to protect honey bees. These pollinators are crucial for Louisiana's agriculture and ecosystems. When you report a swarm, you prevent it from being unnecessarily exterminated and give it a chance to be relocated to a managed apiary where it can thrive.

By taking a moment to report a honey bee swarm, you are taking a crucial step in protecting these vital pollinators and supporting your local beekeeping community. If you see a swarm in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, or anywhere in between, please help by providing details to our network. Report a honey bee colony in Louisiana today at https://beeswarmed.org/report-bee-colony (opens in a new tab).