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Bee swarm in your yard? You probably don't need us.
Swarming is natural and temporary, and swarming bees are usually at their calmest. Most swarms leave on their own within a day or two. Here's how to tell a swarm from a nest that needs to come out.
What a swarm is
A swarm happens when a colony gets too big. Part of the bees leave with their queen to find a new home. While they rest, often on a tree branch, fence or mailbox, scout bees search for a permanent spot.
Swarms are generally harmless. The bees are focused on protecting their queen and finding a new home, not on stinging. They're not defending a hive or brood, so they're usually at their most docile.
Most swarms move on within 24 to 48 hours. Because they don't build comb or make honey yet, they don't damage your home or landscaping.
The 48-hour rule
A ball of bees on a branch, fence, car or mailbox is almost always a swarm resting. Keep people and pets back and check again in a day or two. If they're gone, you're done.
If they're still there and going in and out of a wall, roof or shed, they've moved in. That's a nest, and it's time to call.
Swarm or nest? How to tell
| Swarm | Nest (established hive) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it appears | Suddenly, as a large moving cloud of bees | Grows over time |
| Where | A dense ball hanging from a branch or surface | Inside walls, attics, sheds or other sheltered spaces |
| Comb | No visible comb, wax or hive | Comb inside, with bees going in and out of one opening |
| Behavior | Calm | Defensive; bees guard the area |
| How long | Usually gone in 1 to 2 days | Stays and can cause structural damage |
| What to do | Usually nothing. Keep people and pets back. | Needs professional removal |
Quick check
Not sure what you're looking at? Answer three questions.
For a swarm, just wait
- Keep kids and pets away from the cluster
- Don't spray it, hose it or throw things at it
- Check again tomorrow. Most are gone within 48 hours.
Call us if they move in
Bees going in and out of a wall, soffit, roof, chimney, meter box or shed have started a nest. That won't leave on its own, and it's easier to remove the sooner it's caught.
Swarm questions
Do I need to call someone for a swarm?
Usually not. Most swarms rest for a few hours to two days while scouts find a new home, then leave on their own. Keep people and pets back and let them go.
Should I spray a swarm?
No. Swarms are at their calmest and will leave by themselves. Spraying can make them defensive, and it kills bees that were about to move on anyway.
When is it more than a swarm?
If you see bees going in and out of a wall, soffit, roof, chimney, meter box or shed, they have moved in and started building comb. That's a nest, and it won't leave on its own.
The swarm went into my wall. What now?
Call soon. A colony that just moved in has little comb, so the opening and repair are smaller than they will be in a few weeks.
Bees going into your wall or roof?
That's a nest, not a swarm. Call for a free estimate and a firm, flat-fee price.