Honeybee Swarms
What is a swarm and why do honeybees do it?
Swarms are a honeybee colony's natural method of reproduction. When the colony becomes overcrowded in the original hive, the worker bees prepare by raising a new queen; once the new queen reaches a certain stage in development, the existing queen and about half of the workers leave the colony in a cloud. They will settle temporarily in a nearby cluster, which could be in a bush or tree, or on a BBQ grill, car, bench, or other near-by structure. While clustered, scout bees venture out to find a new home. Once they identify suitable locations, the scout bees present their selections to the swarm. After the bees choose their preferred option, they fly off to their new residence. Swarming typically occurs from early to mid-April (sometimes late March) through mid to late June (and occasionally later).
If you spot a honeybee swarm, there is no need to panic. The best course of action is to contact a beekeeper for help with swarm collection (see list below) — please DO NOT CALL an exterminator. You can also choose to leave the swarm alone; within 1-2 days, it will likely disperse on its own. Occasionally, the bees may settle in the walls of a dwelling or outbuilding, accessible through a hole in the siding or around chimney flashing. If a honeybee colony makes your home their residence, it can cause significant damage. Bee removal services for colonies in dwellings are handled by a select group of beekeepers. This type of removal, often referred to as a 'cut-out', involves considerable work and typically incurs a fee. Homeowners must also arrange for immediate repairs of the damaged area, as it will have an appealing odor that attracts other scout bees. We've witnessed situations where a new swarm of bees has taken up residence in a recently cut-out area due to a lack of timely repairs.
Bee removal services for structures can be complicated and often require carpentry work. Expect this service to have a fee. If you have honeybees in your walls, you can reach out to these beekeepers to discuss removal options:
Patti Wills: 703-297-2429*
Haymarket Hives: 703-304-5494* (ask for Jeff)
Darrell Thompson: 810-513-5354* (Stafford/Fauquier border; will travel 30-45 min)
For swarm collection (when bees are seen clumped together in an exposed area), please reach out for assistance:
Fern Hill Apiary - Donielle & Mike Rininger: 540-317-1170 (serving Central & Northern Fauquier County and nearby) - please complete this swarm collection request form
Shelly Shell: 571-445-0991- (swarms only - available in Culpeper County)*
More information is available, including contacts for others who assist with swarm removal and/or cut-outs, through these websites:
Beekeepers of Northern Shenandoah / Prince William Regional Beekeepers Association
*Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by or of Fern Hill Apiary.
Have a swarm? Call/Text us!
Swarms are not aggressive and very beneficial. Please DO NOT spray a honeybee swarm with insect killer or call an exterminator - instead, contact a beekeeper, like us!
Call/text us at 540-317-1170 or complete this form (form preferred as it provides us with all the needed details). Let us know where you're located, how accessible the swarm is, how long it's been there, and your contact info so we can get in touch.
Video: Why There's no Need to Panic Over a Swarm of Bees
Honeybee Swarm Photos
