When people come across a cluster of bees hanging from a tree branch, fence post, or even their porch railing, the first instinct is often to wait it out, thinking the bees will move along on their own. Unfortunately, this well-intended patience can lead to bigger problems—for you, your neighbors, and most importantly, the bees themselves.
What Is a Swarm?
A bee swarm is a temporary, highly visible gathering of bees, usually forming a dense, hanging cluster. This happens when an established colony becomes too crowded, prompting the queen and a portion of the worker bees to leave in search of a new home. While it may look alarming, a swarm is typically quite docile, as the bees have no hive to defend at this stage.
This is different from a wild hive or an established colony living in a tree hollow, wall, or structure. A swarm is still in transit, deciding on their final location. Swarms are much easier to remove than an established colony, making immediate action the best choice.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Them to Move On
Many assume that a swarm will simply find a new, natural home. While that’s possible, there’s a strong chance they’ll settle somewhere problematic—like inside your walls, a neighbor’s shed, or an attic.
Once inside a structure, removal becomes costly and labor-intensive, often requiring cutting into walls to extract the colony. What could have been a simple, free retrieval turns into an expensive repair job.
Additionally, the survival rate for swarms left to fend for themselves is low. Fewer than 20% survive their first winter due to disease, predators, or exposure. The best way to ensure their survival is to place them in a managed hive, where they have food, protection, and a much greater chance of thriving.
Contacting a Beekeeper: What We Need to Know
If you find a swarm, contact a beekeeper—like me—right away. The sooner, the better. When reaching out, providing the right information ensures a smooth and efficient removal.
📲 For the fastest response, use the live chat on our website—it connects directly to my phone. Just click the chat icon in the bottom right corner of the page to start a conversation.
You can also text our business line for a quick reply.
If you’re unsure whether what you’re seeing is a swarm or an established hive, send a picture—I’ll help you figure it out and get the right solution in place.
1. Pictures Are Key
📸 Send a close-up photo of the swarm to determine its size. This helps me bring the right equipment for safe and efficient transfer.
📍 A wide shot showing the location helps me know if a ladder is needed.
2. Location Details
📍 Exact address or nearest cross streets help me plan a quick route.
🏡 Private property? I’ll need permission to access the area. If it’s not your property and you know the owner, their contact info is helpful.
🚧 Public space? I can usually retrieve it but may need to coordinate access.
3. How Long Has It Been There?
⏳ Swarms are easiest to retrieve within the first few hours. Early retrieval prevents them from selecting a permanent home.
Where I Retrieve Swarms
I provide free swarm retrieval services in:
📍 Joplin, Carl Junction, Webb City, Carterville, Diamond, Neosho, Airport Drive, Oronogo, Duquesne, Carthage, Sarcoxie, Duenweg, Alba, Purcell, Asbury
If you're outside these areas but nearby, reach out—I may still be able to help or refer you to someone local.
What Happens After Retrieval?
Once the swarm is safely removed, I place the bees in a managed hive where they have the best chance of survival. Here's what happens next:
🐝 Queen Evaluation: Swarms are often led by an older or virgin queen. If necessary, I introduce a laying queen immediately to ensure colony stability.
🛑 Mite Prevention: I assess and treat for mites before any brood is present, stopping potential infestations early.
🍯 Feeding & Monitoring: The colony is provided supplemental feed if needed, ensuring a strong start. I also check for any signs of disease.
Over time, the swarm builds up its population, drawing comb and storing food. By retrieving and relocating swarms, we give them a structured environment that greatly increases their survival rate compared to remaining in the wild.
Swarm Retrieval is FREE—Call Before They Move In
Don't wait for the swarm to move on! If they relocate into a wall or attic, removal can become costly and complicated.
If you see a swarm, act fast—it's the best outcome for everyone. Capturing them early prevents infestations and ensures the bees have a safe home.
By acting quickly, you’re helping protect your home, your community, and local honeybee populations. So don’t wait for them to move on—because when they do, it may not be to where you want them.