Swarm Rescue

The Bee Guild trains members on the techniques to capture swarms including communication and safety concerns.  The trained Bee Guild members volunteer to capture honey bee swarms on private or public property–in most cases for free. If you have a swarm on your property, don't panic. Bee swarms are a natural response to an overcrowded hive and half or more of the colony depart to look for a new nesting cavity. With no brood nest to defend they are at their calmest. A swarm may cluster for a few hours or a few days before flying off to their forever home.

Contact a beekeeper to relocate the swarm before the bees set up their colony in a wall, chimney, irrigation box,  or tree limb. (For these circumstances, see Bee Removal Specialists below.) 

Not sure if you're looking at bees, wasps or yellow jackets? A honeybee swarm is an obvious thing, but solitary insects may take a bit of sleuthing. Honey bees are not yellow. It is helpful to do a little research to identify the critter before you call (insect pictures can be found at https://www.insectidentification.org/). Text a photo to the beekeeper, if possible.

How to Contact a Beekeeper to Remove a Swarm

• Scroll down to the list below of Bee Guild members (All members listed have been trained in swarm capturing.)
  
• Call the beekeeper closest to your location. 
  
• If you cannot make direct contact, leave a message and continue calling through the list until you find someone to assist. 
• Do not spray or douse the cluster as you may injure the bees. 
  
• Enjoy the spectacle and wait patiently until a beekeeper can assist you. 
  
• If you are satisfied with the swarm service provided consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Bee Guild!
  

For swarm assistance in neighboring counties, click here.

BEe REmoval Specialists

If you have honeybees (not wasps or yellow Jackets) in a wall or in a structure on your property, please call a professional to safely remove the bees. As a courtesy, below is a list of member beekeepers who are experienced, licensed, insured, and charge a fee for service

Swarm Reporting for Neighboring Counties