Swarm Removal

We have compiled a list of local beekeepers who collect swarms. Some of them also perform hive removals from structures. Read on in this section to learn more about bee swarms.

Buncombe County Beekeepers Association
Report a honey bee colony

Honey Bee Helper
William Boeheim - [email protected], 828-273-9142

Reems Creek Apiaries
Wyatt Jenkins - 828-713-6291 - Serving Buncombe, Madison, and Yancey counties. Free swarm catching only.

A Couple of Bees
828-747-0361 - Serving Buncombe, Madison, and Haywood counties. Free swarm catching but there is a fee to remove bees from a structure. Mileage fees may apply beyond the counties listed.  

Frequently Asked Questions about Bee Swarms

Why do bees swarm?

Swarming is the natural means of reproduction of honey bee colonies. There are a number of reasons why a bee hive might swarm, but it commonly happens when there is not enough space for a rapidly growing hive.

During a swarm, the queen bee leaves the colony with a large group of worker bees. Typically about 50-60% of the worker bees leave the original hive location with the old queen while the rest remain in the hive with a new queen. The hive will cluster temporarily until they find a new, permanent home. 

While swarming is mainly a spring phenomenon, usually spanning a two or three-week period depending on the locale, occasional swarms can happen throughout the producing season.

Are bees dangerous when they swarm?

Usually, bees are very gentle and non-aggressive during a swarm. The primary focus of the bees is finding a new home as they do not have honey or larvae to guard. With that being said, it is still important to maintain your distance and try not to agitate the swarm. Under no circumstances should you attempt to spray the swarm with any chemicals or throw anything at the swarm.

Why are the bees clumped up like that?

In a swarm, all of the worker bees gather around a single queen bee in the middle of the ball. The queen is not a strong flyer, so she is resting there while scouting bees are out looking for a new home. It is vital to get a swarm collected as soon as possible. The soffit of your house or inside a wall is the last place you want a colony to choose as a new home!