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Don't Panic, It's a Swarm!

What to Do When You Spot a Bee Swarm

It’s a warm spring afternoon, you step outside—and there it is: a buzzing, swirling cloud of bees gathered in a tree branch, mailbox, or even your porch railing. Before panic sets in, take a breath and read on. What you’re seeing is a bee swarm—a natural, fascinating, and usually harmless part of the honeybee lifecycle.

At Waterford Bee Company, we get a lot of questions this time of year about swarms, so here’s what you need to know—and what to do if you come across one.



🐝 What Is a Bee Swarm?

A swarm is a honeybee colony’s way of reproducing. When a hive becomes crowded, the queen and about half of the worker bees will leave to find a new home. Before settling down permanently, they stop and cluster together—usually on a tree branch, fence post, or another solid surface. This cluster protects the queen while scout bees go off in search of a suitable new location.

Swarming typically happens in late spring through early summer, especially on warm, sunny days after a stretch of rainy weather.


🐝 Are Bee Swarms Dangerous?

Not usually! Despite the intimidating sight of thousands of buzzing bees, swarms are surprisingly docile. Because they’re between homes, they’re not defending a hive, honey, or brood. They’re focused on protecting their queen and finding a new nesting site, not attacking.

Still, you shouldn’t approach or disturb a swarm—especially if you're allergic or unsure of the situation.


🐝 What Should You Do If You Find a Swarm?

  1. Stay Calm and Keep Your DistanceDon’t try to spray, swat, or move the bees. Just observe from a safe distance.

  2. Keep Pets and Children AwayWhile bee swarms are not aggressive, they can be startled by loud noises or rapid movement.

  3. Contact a Local Beekeeper or Swarm CollectorMany beekeepers (like us!) are happy to collect swarms to safely rehome them in new apiaries. Check your local beekeeping association or conservation group for a list of swarm responders.

    👉 If you're in Southeast Wisconsin, [contact Waterford Bee Company]—we can often help or refer you to a trusted local swarm catcher.

  4. Don’t Spray Them!Please don’t use insecticides or call a pest control company. Honey bees are vital pollinators, and swarms are a sign of a healthy colony doing what nature intended.


🐝 Why We Love Swarms

To a beekeeper, a swarm isn’t a nuisance—it’s a miracle of nature. It’s also a chance to capture and care for a new colony of bees. Catching a swarm means giving those bees a safe home and continuing their important role in pollinating the food we all depend on.

If you're curious, ask your local beekeeper if you can watch the swarm collection. It's an awe-inspiring process and a great opportunity to learn about bee behavior up close.


Remember: Swarms are temporary. If left alone, most will move on within a day or two. But it’s always best to have a beekeeper check things out and give the bees a safe home.

Thanks for helping protect our pollinators—and for making room for nature's most important little workers.

Would you like a downloadable flyer version of this post for community boards or events? I can create that next!

 
 
 
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