Swarm Removal Near Me
Found a ball of bees in your yard or on a fence? That's a honeybee swarm. Local beekeepers collect them for free and give them a safe new home — swarms peak in May and June, but colonies relocate and abscond right through the season.
Primary swarm season has passed for 2026 — but local beekeepers still relocate stray colonies and cutouts through fall. Call one before reaching for a spray can.
Wait! Don't Call an Exterminator
- Swarms are peaceful. They are looking for a new home and have no hive to defend.
- Beekeepers do it for free. Most beekeepers will collect a swarm at no cost to the homeowner.
- Humane removal. Beekeepers relocate the bees to an apiary where they can thrive and pollinate.
Find a Swarm Collector by Region
Swarm Removal FAQs
Is it really free?
For honeybee swarms hanging on a branch or fence, most hobbyist beekeepers will collect them for free because they value the bees. However, removals from *inside* walls or structures (cut-outs) are skilled construction work and usually require a fee.
Will the bees sting?
Honeybees in a swarm are at their most docile. They have no honey or brood to defend and are focused solely on their queen. While you should still keep a safe distance, they are not aggressive.
How long will they stay?
A swarm is temporary. They may stay for a few hours or a few days while scout bees look for a permanent home. It is best to call a beekeeper as soon as you see them.
What if they are wasps?
Beekeepers generally only collect honeybees. If you have a yellow jacket or hornet nest, you will likely need to call a pest control professional. Honeybees are fuzzy and tan/golden; wasps are smooth and bright yellow/black.