Report a SWARM

REPORT A SWARM

1: ARE THEY HONEY BEES?

If you encounter a swarm of bees you should first and foremost develop a safety plan. Avoid the area and keep children and pets away from the swarm or colony. Honey bee swarms are a common occurrence in Spring and Summer and are a very natural and wonderful part of the honey bee life cycle. In most cases local beekeepers will be quick to help with swarm removal at no cost. The first step will be making sure you are dealing with an actual honey bee swarm and not another insect.

Some links that may help:

PNW Common Wasps

Bees and Wasps | Washington State Department of Health

Differences Between Bees and Wasps: What You Need to Know Carolina Honeybees

Once you are sure that you do indeed have a honey bee colony that you want removed please contact a Central Oregon Beekeeping Association member from the appropriate list below!

PLEASE NOTE: COBKA members & contacts listed are not vetted. COBKA makes no statement regarding the competence, experience, or background of those listed. Please exercise your own discretion & caution when contacting & working with individuals from our lists.

Not in Central Oregon? Use the Oregon State Beekeepers Swarm List or Search for "Honey Bee Swarm Removal" with your City and/or State. You will likely find a beekeeper near you, willing to help!

Simple Swarms

Colonies easily accessed and removed without major efforts.

"There's a swarm of honey bees hanging from my tree!"

Medium Level Removals

Cutout/trapout removals from structures.

"They're about 30' up..." or "They are in a tree that's going to be cut down!"

Advanced Removals

May require a contractor and removal fees.

"Oh no! There are honey bees in MY WALLS!"

Are you new to beekeeping and interested in observing and assisting a more experienced beekeeper?

Join the "Members New to Swarms" list:

Members New to Swarms

Are you an experienced beekeeper/swarm wrangler interested in including a newer beekeeper in your swarm call?

Here is a list of interested newbies:

Members new to Swarms - Directory

Members: Add your swarm photos here!

To add yourself to the COBKA swarm list(s):

*You can edit your selections at any time

1. Log into your account and click on "View Profile" at the top right of the page.

2. Click "Edit Profile"

3. Towards the bottom you will see a selection of groups to choose from. **Make your selections and make sure to click "Save" at the top.

*Remember that Bee Removal is very different from swarm capture and may require structural work (builder/contractor). Please do not sign up for more than the "Simple Swarm" lists if you are unable to assist with cutout/trapout or structural colony removals.

**If you need to arrange for an experienced beekeeper to assist you please do so before signing up for swarm calls.

If your information does not show on the list - please repeat step one and check your privacy settings. Make sure your Name and Phone are "PUBLIC" Contact us if you have any issues.