There's a swarm in my yard!

If you have a honey bee swarm in your yard and need a beekeeper to remove it, Peter may be reached at 206-519-8505, or find the Puget Sound Beekeeper's Association swarm list here.

Gahhhhh there’s a giant cloud of bees in my yard! It’s ok, you’re in the right place. While a large cloud of bees may seem scary, it is thankfully docile, and your local beekeeper can help, once the swarm lands and gathers into a big ball of bees.

• Stay calm

  • A visible swarm is usually docile, as the bees are focused on finding a new home and are unlikely to sting.

• Keep people and pets back

  • Give the swarm space and avoid disturbing it.

• Observe and take photos (if possible)

  • Has the swarm settled somewhere? Your beekeeper will want details on the swarm and it’s location.

• Call a beekeeper

  • Puget Sound Beekeepers Association Swarm List

  • Call or text Peter: 206-519-8505

    • We always come catch any swarms at or near our clients' houses as soon as possible, but are not always available for swarms not related to our bees.

• Describe the swarm

  • Beekeepers will have two main questions: 1) Is what you’re describing actually a honey bee swarm and 2) Is the swarm accessible.

What to Expect

• Swarms that are low and easy to reach are usually straightforward.

• If the cluster is very high, access via a ladder is blocked by branches, or the location is unsafe for other reasons, the answer is likely that we will need to wait until the swarm moves on to someplace more accessible (most likely, this next location will not be in your yard).

• If a swarm moves inside a wall, removal is more complex and will require a specialist (at that point it’s a hive, not a swarm).

Want to learn more about what a swarm is? Read more here.