We will catch swarms free of charge in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. The swarm will be placed into its own hive in one of our apiaries and cared for just as our other hives. We do not charge for the removal as we feel it is a community service. Please call as soon as the swarm has landed, and before it forms a hive. We usually do not remove established bee hives in and on structures, as it can be quite difficult. We will ask for the exact location and height off the ground over the phone. Some situations will make it impossible for us to remove the swarm, such as if it is located in a dangerous or awkward place.

Swarming is a natural reproductive behavior of healthy honeybees. Healthy hives send workers and a queen bee away in search of a new nesting site. They will temporarily land on a tree branch or other structure while they rest and search for a suitable cavity to move to. They may remain clustered in this manner for several days.

Although they can be unnerving to see, swarms are not dangerous. Bees in swarms will only sting if they are harrassed. In fact, while they are swarming honeybees are in their most gentle state because they do not have a hive to defend. Swarms are common during the winter and spring.