Swarm Removal & Colony Extractions
For most people, a swarm of bees looks scary, but there is no need to worry.
Report A Swarm
What is a swarm?
Swarming is the natural process by which honey bees propagate. Established colonies send out a swarm of bees when it has become too crowded. A group of bees from the colony, with a queen, take off from the crowded hive and swarm to look for a new home. This group may be as small as a golf ball or as large as a couple of basketballs, but is generally the size of a football. Before finding a place to relocate and establish a new home, they come to rest anywhere from five minutes to a week in one location, generally clustering together on a branch, bush, tree or some other kind of structure like walls, chairs, fences, and sometimes even cars or trailers.
Report swarms for help!
We have several beekeepers in Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties who can help with swarms and extractions from more permanent structures. Please fill out the information on the right, and you will be contacted by a beekeeper shortly.
Neuse Regional Beekeepers Coverage Area
What to do if you spot a swarm?
If a swarm has recently arrived on your property, they aren’t going to bother you if you don’t disturb them. Swarms are typically gentle since they do not have a permanent home or resources to protect. Please do not spray them with anything, do not throw anything at them, and do not call an exterminator. As beekeepers, our interest is in protecting honey bees. Generally, swarms can be removed free of charge by local beekeepers who will ensure that the bees are relocated and cared for properly. However, if the bees have taken up permanent residence in a structure on your property, an extraction may be necessary. Extractions are more involved and time consuming than removing a swarm that hasn’t created a home in a permanent structure.