WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A SWARM ON YOUR PROPERTY / PREMISES
- Do not panic. A swarm of honey bees is usually not dangerous so, while taking reasonable precautions, such as standing at a safe distance so you are not in the middle of the swarm, enjoy one of the true wonders of nature. After a few minutes a swarm in flight will usually settle on a branch, surface or even the ground and coalesce into a clump or ball.
- Do not spray the clump / swarm of bees with anything. No water and especially no pesticides. Remember, swarming honey bees aren’t interested in you and they are not dangerous unless you have an allergy to bee venom.
- Determine that you are dealing with Honey Bees and not wasps or yellow jackets. Beekeepers only remove honey bees. Therefore, before you call the beekeeper, please be sure the bees that you are concerned about are actually honey bees. If you aren’t sure, take a moment to look at the pictures down below. The pictures included below will help you determine what kind of bee you are dealing with.Bees that nest in the ground or in a grey colored paper nest located under the eaves of your home are not honey bees.
- Take a moment to gather some information before calling a beekeeper. Listed below are some things the beekeeper will want to know. The information will help the beekeeper determine what to do to collect your swarm. It is helpful to include a photograph in the text message sent to the beekeeper but not required.
- Where is the swarm located? Is it inside or outside?
- How large is the swarm? Compare it to the size of a basketball, softball, is it bigger or smaller.
- How high off the ground is it located? Can you reach it? Is it within an arm’s length? Is it higher or lower?
- How long has the swarm been there?
- Are the bees flying in the air or have they landed somewhere?
- Do you have a ladder if one would be necessary to collect the swarm or does the beekeeper need to bring one?
GENERAL SWARM INFORMATION?
For information on swarms, call:
Dawna Blair – providing swarm information in the Southern Humboldt area.
Phone = 707-986-7293
Eric Christian – providing swarm information for remainder of Humboldt County.
Phone = 707-499-6739
ABOUT THE BEEKEEPERS WHO WILL COLLECT AND REMOVE THE SWARM:
The beekeepers on the swarm list below have volunteered to collect and remove swarms. It is important to understand that this list is provided as a public service and is not an endorsement by the Humboldt County Beekeepers Association of any individual on the list. The beekeepers listed below are not agents, nor are they acting as a representative, of the Humboldt County Beekeepers Association.
IMPORTANT
Prior to engaging in the services of anyone on the list, it is recommended that you discuss your expectations of the beekeeper and the beekeeper should also explain their intentions to you. You should also discuss if there is a fee for their service.
How to use the list to find a beekeeper to service your area.
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- From the LEGEND, located below the swarm list, find the general geographic location of the swarm to be captured and removed. The geographic areas are identified by one or two letters (Example: E = Eureka, SH = Southern Humboldt, etc.).
LEGEND – for Areas of Service
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- A: Arcata Area – including Bayside, Blue Lake
- E: Eureka Area – Includes Cutten; Elk River, Freshwater
- F: Fortuna Area – Includes Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta
- SH: Southern Humboldt
- NH: McKinleyville and North
- WC: Willow Creek area
- K: Kneeland
- C: will service any area of Humboldt County
- Next, search the “Service Location” column on the swarm list, identifying a letter corresponding to the area of service identified in the Legend. This should coincide with the general geographic area of the swarm location. Table can be sorted by clicking on the column heading.
Once the appropriate letter is found the service location column, simply scan over to the first column on the left for the name of beekeeper who will collect swarms in that particular area of service.
Upon choosing a beekeeper who services your geographic area, call them. If they are unavailable or do not respond, simply move to the next beekeeper servicing your area.
Name Phone Cut-Outs Wasp Removal Service Location
Joshua Hackett (530) 520-0912 No No NH Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville
Alicia Sidebottom (707) 496-1893 Yes No E Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater
Stephanie Calderon (707) 499-9889 Yes No A, E, NH, K Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville, Kneeland
Eric Christian (707) 499-6739 Yes Yes A, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville
Heidi Rubalcava (707) 954-2771 No No A, E, F, SH, K Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Southern Humboldt, Kneeland
Edward Holgersen (707) 499-1989 No No F Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta
Ian Moore (707) 572-0496 Yes No A, E, F, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville
Venessa Kibbe (818) 521-5666 No No NH Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville
Chris House (707) 496-3524 No No A, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville
Jeannine Kaprielian (707) 599-0336 No No A, E Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater
Hank Harrison (707) 834-4816 No No A, E Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater
John Winzler (707) 498-2558 No No E Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater
Tamsen Kelly (707) 457-7548 Yes No F, SH, C Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Southern Humboldt, Humboldt County
Rose Slauson (707) 498-8815 No No A, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville
Sarah Browning (530) 680-8076 Yes No F Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta
Robert Zigler (707) 768-5296 No No F Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta
Matthew Socha (916) 802-8284 No No F Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta
Justin Reeve (707) 502-9611 Yes Yes A, E, F, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville
Missy Bee Krein (707) 499-9749 No No A, E, F, SH, NH, WC, C Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville, Southern Humboldt, Humboldt County
Cassie Nichols (707) 845-1849 No No F Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta
John Parker (707) 235-2205 No No A, E, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside,
Simone Groves (650) 387-9411 No No A, E, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside,
Sicily Benzinger (707) 616-7497 No No A, E, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside,
Mike Rizza (707) 725-9667 No No F Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta
erika ayala (575) 770-0969 No No SH Southern Humboldt
John Carson (707) 497-4019 No No E Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater
Julia Graham-Whitt (707) 616-6954 No No A, E, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville
Allen Rode (707) 601-9592 No No A, E, F, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville
Michael Griffin (707 496-4893 No No A Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside,
Cheryl Furman (707) 444-8804 No No A, K Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Kneeland
Lisa Music (707) 362-6076 Yes No F, SH Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Southern Humboldt
Jessica Lovelady (707) 407-9870 No No A Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside,
Emelia Berol (707) 499-4233 Yes No A, NH, WC Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Willow Creek
Chuck Card (707) 499-5126 No No F Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta
Julie Costello (707) 496-7873 No No A, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville
Dawna Blair (707) 986-7293 No No SH Southern Humboldt
Rachael Riggs (707) 845-8842 Yes No E, F, SH Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Southern Humboldt
Karen Myers (707) 616-2151 No No A, E, F, NH, WC, K Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville, Willow Creek, Kneeland
Valerie Elder (707) 496-8073 Yes No K Kneeland
Carrie Sandell (707) 601-9848 No No A, E, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville
Amy Ziegler (707) 298-1588 No No A, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville
Larry Wieland (707) 502-7859 No No A, E Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater
Wade Badger (707) 672-6193 Yes No A, E, F, NH, K Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville, Kneeland
Larry Ward (707) 445-9553 Yes No E, K Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Kneeland
Mariya Chisholm (617) 894-6559 No No A, E, NH, WC Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville, Willow Creek
David Terry (707) 599-0618 Yes NO A, E, K Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Kneeland
*The Area of Service is the general geographic service area(s) that the beekeeper is willing to service and collect a swarm.
Name | Phone | Cut-Outs | Wasp Removal | Service Location | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Joshua Hackett | (530) 520-0912 | No | No | NH | Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville |
Alicia Sidebottom | (707) 496-1893 | Yes | No | E | Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater |
Stephanie Calderon | (707) 499-9889 | Yes | No | A, E, NH, K | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville, Kneeland |
Eric Christian | (707) 499-6739 | Yes | Yes | A, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville |
Heidi Rubalcava | (707) 954-2771 | No | No | A, E, F, SH, K | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Southern Humboldt, Kneeland |
Edward Holgersen | (707) 499-1989 | No | No | F | Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta |
Ian Moore | (707) 572-0496 | Yes | No | A, E, F, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville |
Venessa Kibbe | (818) 521-5666 | No | No | NH | Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville |
Chris House | (707) 496-3524 | No | No | A, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville |
Jeannine Kaprielian | (707) 599-0336 | No | No | A, E | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater |
Hank Harrison | (707) 834-4816 | No | No | A, E | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater |
John Winzler | (707) 498-2558 | No | No | E | Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater |
Tamsen Kelly | (707) 457-7548 | Yes | No | F, SH, C | Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Southern Humboldt, Humboldt County |
Rose Slauson | (707) 498-8815 | No | No | A, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville |
Sarah Browning | (530) 680-8076 | Yes | No | F | Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta |
Robert Zigler | (707) 768-5296 | No | No | F | Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta |
Matthew Socha | (916) 802-8284 | No | No | F | Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta |
Justin Reeve | (707) 502-9611 | Yes | Yes | A, E, F, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville |
Missy Bee Krein | (707) 499-9749 | No | No | A, E, F, SH, NH, WC, C | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville, Southern Humboldt, Humboldt County |
Cassie Nichols | (707) 845-1849 | No | No | F | Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta |
John Parker | (707) 235-2205 | No | No | A, E, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, |
Simone Groves | (650) 387-9411 | No | No | A, E, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, |
Sicily Benzinger | (707) 616-7497 | No | No | A, E, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, |
Mike Rizza | (707) 725-9667 | No | No | F | Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta |
erika ayala | (575) 770-0969 | No | No | SH | Southern Humboldt |
John Carson | (707) 497-4019 | No | No | E | Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater |
Julia Graham-Whitt | (707) 616-6954 | No | No | A, E, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville |
Allen Rode | (707) 601-9592 | No | No | A, E, F, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville |
Michael Griffin | (707 496-4893 | No | No | A | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, |
Cheryl Furman | (707) 444-8804 | No | No | A, K | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Kneeland |
Lisa Music | (707) 362-6076 | Yes | No | F, SH | Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Southern Humboldt |
Jessica Lovelady | (707) 407-9870 | No | No | A | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, |
Emelia Berol | (707) 499-4233 | Yes | No | A, NH, WC | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Willow Creek |
Chuck Card | (707) 499-5126 | No | No | F | Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta |
Julie Costello | (707) 496-7873 | No | No | A, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville |
Dawna Blair | (707) 986-7293 | No | No | SH | Southern Humboldt |
Rachael Riggs | (707) 845-8842 | Yes | No | E, F, SH | Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Southern Humboldt |
Karen Myers | (707) 616-2151 | No | No | A, E, F, NH, WC, K | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville, Willow Creek, Kneeland |
Valerie Elder | (707) 496-8073 | Yes | No | K | Kneeland |
Carrie Sandell | (707) 601-9848 | No | No | A, E, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville |
Amy Ziegler | (707) 298-1588 | No | No | A, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville |
Larry Wieland | (707) 502-7859 | No | No | A, E | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater |
Wade Badger | (707) 672-6193 | Yes | No | A, E, F, NH, K | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville, Kneeland |
Larry Ward | (707) 445-9553 | Yes | No | E, K | Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Kneeland |
Mariya Chisholm | (617) 894-6559 | No | No | A, E, NH, WC | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Northern Humboldt, McKinleyville, Willow Creek |
David Terry | (707) 599-0618 | Yes | NO | A, E, K | Arcata, Blue Lake, Bayside, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater, Kneeland |
**AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT CUT-OUTS – PLEASE READ:
Honey bee colonies located inside walls, chimneys, attics, etc. require more skill, time and effort to remove than a typical swarm. Removing Bees from locations and structures such as those mentioned above are termed “Cut-Outs”. Once again, you must thoroughly express your expectations to the beekeeper as well as understand the beekeeper’s intentions and expectations including their capabilities to undertake a cut-out procedure.
A Reminder to Beekeepers Who Will be Collecting Swarms:
It is highly recommended that you have a conversation with the property owner so that both you and the property owner understand each other’s intentions. It is also recommended that you have a signed agreement with the property owner before undertaking the swarm removal, especially if a cut-out procedure is anticipated
When collecting a swarm on someone else’s property, please be courteous, respectful of the property owner and their property. Above all else, be safe and careful not to damage property or injure yourself or bystanders.
Although you are functioning as an independent agent and not a representative or agent of the Humboldt County Beekeepers Association we hope you have two goals in mind. One is to collect the swarm. Your other goal, perhaps the more important of the two, should be to become a good ambassador for beekeeping and other beekeepers.
When entering a property be careful and courteous and mindful of pets, other animals and livestock. Close all gates. Ask before cutting branches, trees or flowers. Take a moment to explain bees, swarms, swarming and swarm collecting to the property owner and by-standers. Allay their fears if necessary, about bees and swarms. Be as careful as you can and clean up after you are finished collecting the swarm.
IS IT A HONEY BEE OR SOMETHING ELSE?


WASPS, HORNETS, and YELLOW JACKETS:
Wasps, Hornets and Yellow Jackets are familiar insects in Humboldt County. Often times when you have been stung by a “bee”, it is a sting from one of these. Some of them live in the ground while others live in cavities or in large grey paper nests. Believe it or not, in general, these insects are beneficial. They prey on, and eat, other insects that are harmful to our gardens. They live in colonies similar to our Honey Bees; however, they do not over winter in colonies like our honey bees. During the fall season, almost all of these insects die except for a single queen that will over winter and start her new colony in the spring. Therefore, if these bees are not being a nuisance problem it is often best to leave them alone.
If they are a nuisance, or you have good reasons to remove them, some beekeepers will help you eradicate their nests. Sometimes they can be moved elsewhere but usually the nest is exterminated. Check the swarm list above to see which beekeepers may be willing to help with wasps, hornets and yellow jackets. Please note that there may be a fee associated with removal.