Swarm Collectors

Information provided by the Finger Lakes Beekeepers Club

What is a swarm?
Swarming is nature's way of increasing the number of honey bee colonies in the world. Swarms usually are seen in May or June. When airborne they seem huge but generally range in size from a football to a basketball. Some are much larger. Honey bee swarms are usually very docile, not having a home to defend. They often are observed in transit. These migrating swarms are very desirable to beekeepers who like to collect swarms. Once they take up residence in a wall or chimney, they are much harder to deal with. Many beekeepers do not have the skill or inclination to tackle the removal of bees from such predicaments.

Ultimately, if honey bees get into your walls, you may have to call an exterminator. Bees, once on your property, belong to you and you can do with them what you see fit. They are not an endangered species, nor is it illegal to kill them if they become a nuisance. We hope you will give our beekeepers a chance to rescue them, however. Please do not call beekeepers about hornets, wasps, bumble bees, carpenter bees, yellow jackets, termites or spiders. Honey bees are recognized by their small size and their downy appearance. Other insects may be similar in color.

Primary Contacts

The most current list of beekeepers statewide, listed by county, who will remove swarms or do cutouts was initiated and compiled by Cornell’s Dyce Lab, is: https://pollinator.cals.cornell.edu/resources/removing-your-swarms/

Last updated August 4, 2023