What To Do If You See a Swarm of Bees (And When You Need Bee Removal)
What To Do If You See a Swarm of Bees
Every spring and summer, people across Tennessee discover large clusters of bees hanging from trees, fences, mailboxes, and even parked vehicles. While this can look alarming, most of the time these are honey bee swarms — and they are usually much calmer than people expect. Read on to learn more about honeybee swarms and what you can do to learn how to identify a swarm of bees vs an established colony!
As a local beekeeper, I help safely remove swarms and relocate honey bees whenever possible. I also handle established colonies that move into homes, walls, sheds, and other structures. (423) 994-7687 send me a text with the address and a photo or video (video preferred) of the swarm!
Knowing the difference between a swarm and a colony can help you decide what to do next.
What Is a Honey Bee Swarm?
A swarm happens when a honey bee colony naturally divides. The old queen leaves the hive with thousands of worker bees to search for a new home.
During this process, the bees temporarily gather in a large cluster while scout bees look for a permanent location.
These swarms are often found:
- Hanging from tree branches
- On fences or shrubs
- Under decks
- On outdoor equipment
- Around mailboxes or vehicles
A swarm may stay for only a few hours or a couple of days before moving on.
Important: Swarming bees are usually focused on protecting the queen and finding a new home — not attacking people. Still, you should always keep children and pets away and avoid spraying or disturbing the bees.
When Bees Become a Problem
A swarm becomes more serious when bees start building comb inside a structure.
This may include:
- Inside walls
- Attics
- Chimneys
- Floors
- Sheds
- Rooflines
- Soffits
Once bees establish a colony inside a building, they begin storing honey and raising brood. At that point, the problem usually grows larger over time.
Signs you may have an established colony include:
- Bees entering and exiting the same hole repeatedly
- Buzzing inside walls
- Honey dripping (more common in older, more established colonies)
- Dark stains near entry points
- Increased bee activity over several weeks
An established colony often requires live removal and special cleanup to prevent future issues. It’s important to note that not just anyone can do removals. Ask for credentials. Ask how many years someone has done a removal. Get references. It can be dangerous (and expensive) to hire the wrong person.
Why You Shouldn’t Spray Honey Bees
Many people’s first reaction is to spray bees with pesticides. Unfortunately, this often creates bigger problems.
If bees inside a wall are killed but not removed:
- Organic material-honeycomb, larvae, and bees-are left inside the walls of your home
- Honeycomb can melt inside the structure and cause destruction
- Honey may attract ants, roaches, rodents, or wax moths
- Dead bees create odor issues
- New swarms may move into the same space later
Whenever possible, live removal is the best option for both the homeowner and the bees.
What To Do If You Find Bees
If you discover a swarm or suspect bees are living in your home:
- Stay calm and keep your distance
- Keep pets and children away
- Do not spray the bees
- Take a clear photo (and video) from a safe distance
- Call a local me for an assessment and removal options
Photos and video help determine whether you are dealing with:
- A temporary swarm
- An established honey bee colony
- Wasps or hornets
- Another type of insect entirely
Local Swarm Removal and Bee Removal Services
I provide honey bee swarm collection and bee removal services in the local Tennessee area. Every situation is different, and I’m happy to help identify whether the bees are:
- A harmless temporary swarm
- Honey bees living in a structure
- Wasps or another stinging insect
If you see a swarm or bee activity around your home, feel free to contact me at (423) 994-7687 with photos and details.
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