Honey bees may form swarms after they have recently left their hive and are looking to establish a new home.  Swarms occur most frequently in the spring and may be spotted on tree limbs, in shrubs, on outdoor furniture, on fences, or on any low-to-the-ground object.  It is often best to allow swarms of honey bees to leave on their own.  A swarm of bees will remain clustered until scout bees have located a suitable site for permanent nesting. Typically in two days or less, the swarm will usually break the cluster and fly away.  Avoid killing swarms of honey bees, whenever possible!  If you would like to have a swarm removed, be sure to contact one of the local beekeepers listed below.  They will generally be very happy to remove the swarm for you.

REMOVAL FROM BUILDINGS:  When honey bees establish a nest in your house or other undesirable places, you can either hire professional help (certified pest control operator or beekeeper) or do the job yourself.  Remember that after the honey bees are killed, they must be removed with their comb nest along with honey.  This may involve removing sections of walls, ceilings or foundations and can be a much more than a do-it-yourself project.  Untended honey soon begins to decompose and/or seep out of the comb, causing odor problems, staining walls or ceilings, and encouraging secondary pest infestations by ants, cockroaches, wax moths, flies and dermestid beetles.  Contact the beekeepers listed below for additional information.