Need a swarm removed?

Swarms settle in a "bivouac" before moving on to a permanent colony site.

Swarms settle in a “bivouac” before moving on to a permanent colony site.

Central Coast Beekeeping Alliance coordinates the capture of swarms and wild hive removals in San Luis Obispo county, using the expertise among our membership. If you have spotted a honeybee swarm, please fill out the form below or call our swarm dispatch coordinators.  Please have the following information ready:

  1. Swarm location Provide the exact address, where you see the swarm (in a plum tree about five feet above the ground on the northend of the property about 10 feet from the road)
  2. Swarm Description Is the swarm free-flying or is it in a structure (a building, water main box)? How long has the swarm been there (swarms often fly away between 24-48 hours? How large is the swarm (grapefruit, football, large watermelon)? If in the air, how high is the cluster (e.g is a ladder required)?
  3. Swarm Photos Please take a picture of the swarm to show the size and a picture to show the location.

For South county and coastal areas call: Bruce Terry at (805) 459-0762
For North County swarms call:  Tim Ball at (805) 714-7142
Bruce and Tim maintain a database of beekeepers seeking free flying swarms and are in contact with the professionals which extract established colonies.

 

Swarms are easily and safely captured by beekeepers. Swarms are the natural way bees expand their numbers.

Swarms are easily and safely captured by beekeepers. Swarms are the natural way bees expand their numbers.

What is a swarm?
Honeybee swarms are not dangerous. When a colony is too big, the old queen takes half of the bees to a new home.  The queen is not a strong flyer and so the swarm will take a rest temporarily in a “bivouac.” When bees are in their “bivouac”, they are easily and safely collected.

Report Swarms online — Fill out and submit this form.