Swarm Removal

swarm of bees in Bayside CA

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A BEE SWARM

    1. Stay calm—honey bee swarms are typically not dangerous unless you’re allergic to bee venom. Observe from a safe distance and enjoy this natural spectacle.
    2. Wait for the swarm to settle—flying bees usually cluster on a branch, surface, or the ground within minutes.
    3. Do not spray the swarm with water, pesticides, or anything else—swarming bees are not interested in you.
    4. Confirm they’re honey bees—not wasps or yellow jackets—before contacting a beekeeper. Check the pictures below if unsure. (Ground-nesting bees or those in grey paper nests under eaves are not honey bees.)
    5. Gather key details for the beekeeper:
    • Location: Inside or outside?
    • Size: Compare to a basketball, softball, etc.
    • Height: How high off the ground? Reachable by hand, or higher/lower?
    • Duration: How long has the swarm been there?
    • Status: Flying or settled?
    • Photo/Video: Text a photo to the beekeeper with the details.

GENERAL SWARM INFO & CONTACTS

For questions about bees, swarms, cutouts, wasps, or nests, contact:
Eric Christian – 707-499-6739

ABOUT SWARM-REMOVAL BEEKEEPERS

    • Volunteers on the list below collect and remove swarms as a public service.
    • This list, provided by the Humboldt County Beekeepers Association, is not an endorsement or representation of any individual.
    • Before hiring, discuss expectations, intentions, and any fees with the beekeeper.

 

FINDING A BEEKEEPER

    1. From the list below, select the town/city nearest the swarm in the “Swarm Location” dropdown.
    2. A list of local beekeepers will appear.
    3. Call a beekeeper. If unavailable, try the next one on the list.

Enter swarm location from the "Swarm Location" drop down menu
NamePhoneCut-Outs Wasp Removal
Eric Christian707-499-6739YesYesA, E, NHArcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook
Darrell Wingrove907-351-7500YesNoA, E, NHArcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, McKinleyville, Trinidad, Westhaven, Orick, Fieldbrook
Laney Siegrist(808) 464-3999YesNoA, E, NH, KArcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, McKinleyville, Trinidad, Westhaven, Orick, Fieldbrook, Kneeland, Maple Creek
Chris House(707) 496-3524NoNoA, E, NHArcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, McKinleyville, Trinidad, Westhaven, Orick, Fieldbrook

CUT-OUTS: KEY INFO

Removing honey bee colonies from walls, chimneys, or attics (“cut-outs”) is more complex than swarm collection. Discuss expectations, intentions, and the beekeeper’s capabilities with them beforehand.

BEEKEEPERS: SWARM COLLECTION TIPS

    • Discuss intentions with the property owner and consider a signed agreement, especially for cut-outs.
    • Be courteous, safe, and respectful: avoid property damage or injury to yourself or others.
    • As an independent agent (not representing Humboldt County Beekeepers Association), aim to:
    1. Collect the swarm/colony safely.
    2. Act as a positive ambassador for beekeeping.
    • On-site: Watch for pets/livestock, close gates, ask before cutting plants, explain swarming to owners/bystanders to ease fears, and clean up after.

IS IT A HONEY BEE OR SOMETHING ELSE?

Side view, profile, Hornet, Vespa Crabro
Western honey bee or European honey bee, Apis mellifera, carrying pollen
face of aerial yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenaria)

WASPS, HORNETS, & YELLOW JACKETS

Common in Humboldt County, these insects—often mistaken for bees—sting and live in ground nests, cavities, or large grey paper nests. They benefit gardens by eating harmful pests. Unlike honey bees, their colonies don’t survive winter; only a queen hibernates to restart in spring. If they’re not a nuisance, consider leaving them alone.

REMOVAL

If they’re problematic, some beekeepers can exterminate or relocate nests (check the swarm list above). Fees may apply.