Spring brings an abundance of phone calls with often panicked people wondering what to do about masses of bees that have moved into their neighborhoods. The arrival of a swarm of bees isn’t really great cause for alarm. Swarming is a natural means of colony reproduction. That’s how bee populations expand and move into new areas. Honey bees swarm when their hives become congested due to the rapid buildup of bees and stored food as temperatures warm in the spring. Swarms are usually gentle and beekeepers may come collect them to build up their own apiaries.

To learn more about swarms and what to do if a swarm moves into your yard or neighborhood, click this link - Bee Swarm - to view a seven-minute narrated PowerPoint.

If you would like additional information, read Removing Swarms and Established Colonies from Private Property written by Eric C Mussen, Extension Apiculturist at UC Davis.

I hope you find this information helpful. Don’t hesitate to contact me at scmueller@ucanr.edu if you need additional information.