WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A BEE SWARM
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- 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.
- Wait for the swarm to settle—flying bees usually cluster on a branch, surface, or the ground within minutes.
- Do not spray the swarm with water, pesticides, or anything else—swarming bees are not interested in you.
- 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.)
- Gather key details for the beekeeper:
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- 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
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- 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
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- From the list below, select the town/city nearest the swarm in the “Swarm Location” dropdown.
- A list of local beekeepers will appear.
- Call a beekeeper. If unavailable, try the next one on the list.
Enter swarm location from the "Swarm Location" drop down menu
Name Phone Cut-Outs Wasp Removal
John Winzler 707-498-2558 No No E Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater
Eric Christian 708-499-6739 Yes Yes A, E, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook
Jeannine Kaprielian 707-599-0366 No No A, E, F Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Shively, Ferndale, Loleta
Julia Graham-Whitt 707-616-6954 No No A, E, F, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Shively, Ferndale, Loleta, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook
Amy Ziegler 707-298-1588 No No A, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook
Chris House 707-496-3524 No No A, E, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook
Valerie Elder 707-496-8073 No No A, E, F, K Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Shively, Ferndale, Loleta, Kneeland, Maple Creek
Cassie Nichols 707-845-1849 No No F Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Shively, Ferndale, Loleta
Maggie McKnight 510-684-7676 No No A, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, McKinleyville, Trinidad, Westhaven, Orick, Fieldbrook
Loryls Dean 510-407-3969 No No A, E Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater
Kirk Younker 707-499-6509 Yes No A, E, F, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Shively, Ferndale, Loleta, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook
Cheryl Furman 707-601-8102 No No K Kneeland, Maple Creek
Loyd Park 208-921-6909 Yes No A, E, F, NH, SH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook, Southern Humboldt, Garberville, Redway, Benbow, Alderpoint, Briceland, Whitethorn, Shelter Cove, Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Weott, Redcrest, Petrolia
Mark Wiedeman 707-407-6744 Yes Yes A Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel
Missy Bee Krein 707-499-9749 Yes No A, E, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook
John Huffman 530-276-3582 Yes Yes A, E, F, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Shively, Ferndale, Loleta, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook
Ron Biasca 707-499-7171 No No E Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater
Steven Caprile 707-499-6969 No No E Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater
Hank Harrison 707-834-4816 Yes No A, E, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook
Ted LaBelle 707-845-7596 No No A, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook
Karen Myers 707-616-2151 No No A, E, F, NH, WC, K Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Shively, Ferndale, Loleta, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook, Willow Creek, Hoopa, Orleans, Kneeland, Maple Creek
Ronald Lee 831-262-4694 No No A, E Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River
Rachael Riggs 707-845-8842 Yes No E, F, SH Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively, Southern Humboldt, Garberville, Redway, Benbow, Alderpoint, Briceland, Whitethorn, Shelter Cove, Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Weott, Redcrest
Shannon Lamb 562-708-7215 No No E, F Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively
Matthew Socha 916-802-8284 Yes No E, F Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively
Justin Reeve 707-502-9611 Yes Yes A, E, F, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook
David Jackson 707-845-6537 No No F Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively
Cara Knostman 707-223-3129 No No F Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively
Janna Cox 707-407-7297 No No A, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook
Debra Cendejas 707-599-2697 No No A, E Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River,
Bruce Wagner 707-845-1066 No No F Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively
Wade Badger 707-672-6193 Yes No A, E, F, NH, K Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook, Kneeland, Maple Creek
Polly Kinsinger 707-498-3849 Yes No C Humboldt County, Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Korbel, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Southern Humboldt, Garberville, Redway, Benbow, Alderpoint, Briceland, Whitethorn, Shelter Cove, Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Weott, Redcrest, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Kneeland, Willow Creek, Hoopa, Orleans
Kevin Main 805-471-1468 Yes No A, E, K Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Kneeland, Maple Creek
Mario Kalsan 707-303-0079 No No A Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel
Dennis Kalson 707-661-8310 No No A Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel
Bob Zigler 707-601-6808 No No F Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively
Joey Cueller 707-616-1598 Yes Yes A, E, NH, K Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook, Kneeland, Maple Creek
Jasmine Sarp 434-960-2459 No No A, E, F Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively
Christine Griffin 707-267-0091 Yes Yes A, E, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook
Alane Siegrist 808-464-3999 Yes No A, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook
Ericka Erland 707-740-2268 Yes Yes C Humboldt County, Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Korbel, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Southern Humboldt, Garberville, Redway, Benbow, Alderpoint, Briceland, Whitethorn, Shelter Cove, Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Weott, Redcrest, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Kneeland, Willow Creek, Hoopa, Orleans
Sarah Browning 530-680-8076 Yes No F, SH, K Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively, Southern Humboldt, Garberville, Redway, Benbow, Alderpoint, Briceland, Whitethorn, Shelter Cove, Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Weott, Redcrest, Kneeland, Maple Creek
Justin Arnold 925-984-4551 No No A, E, F, NH Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook
| Name | Phone | Cut-Outs | Wasp Removal | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Winzler | 707-498-2558 | No | No | E | Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater |
| Eric Christian | 708-499-6739 | Yes | Yes | A, E, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook |
| Jeannine Kaprielian | 707-599-0366 | No | No | A, E, F | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Shively, Ferndale, Loleta |
| Julia Graham-Whitt | 707-616-6954 | No | No | A, E, F, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Shively, Ferndale, Loleta, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook |
| Amy Ziegler | 707-298-1588 | No | No | A, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook |
| Chris House | 707-496-3524 | No | No | A, E, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook |
| Valerie Elder | 707-496-8073 | No | No | A, E, F, K | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Shively, Ferndale, Loleta, Kneeland, Maple Creek |
| Cassie Nichols | 707-845-1849 | No | No | F | Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Shively, Ferndale, Loleta |
| Maggie McKnight | 510-684-7676 | No | No | A, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, McKinleyville, Trinidad, Westhaven, Orick, Fieldbrook |
| Loryls Dean | 510-407-3969 | No | No | A, E | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater |
| Kirk Younker | 707-499-6509 | Yes | No | A, E, F, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Shively, Ferndale, Loleta, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook |
| Cheryl Furman | 707-601-8102 | No | No | K | Kneeland, Maple Creek |
| Loyd Park | 208-921-6909 | Yes | No | A, E, F, NH, SH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook, Southern Humboldt, Garberville, Redway, Benbow, Alderpoint, Briceland, Whitethorn, Shelter Cove, Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Weott, Redcrest, Petrolia |
| Mark Wiedeman | 707-407-6744 | Yes | Yes | A | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel |
| Missy Bee Krein | 707-499-9749 | Yes | No | A, E, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook |
| John Huffman | 530-276-3582 | Yes | Yes | A, E, F, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Shively, Ferndale, Loleta, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook |
| Ron Biasca | 707-499-7171 | No | No | E | Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater |
| Steven Caprile | 707-499-6969 | No | No | E | Eureka, Cutten, Elk River, Freshwater |
| Hank Harrison | 707-834-4816 | Yes | No | A, E, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook |
| Ted LaBelle | 707-845-7596 | No | No | A, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook |
| Karen Myers | 707-616-2151 | No | No | A, E, F, NH, WC, K | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Shively, Ferndale, Loleta, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook, Willow Creek, Hoopa, Orleans, Kneeland, Maple Creek |
| Ronald Lee | 831-262-4694 | No | No | A, E | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River |
| Rachael Riggs | 707-845-8842 | Yes | No | E, F, SH | Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively, Southern Humboldt, Garberville, Redway, Benbow, Alderpoint, Briceland, Whitethorn, Shelter Cove, Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Weott, Redcrest |
| Shannon Lamb | 562-708-7215 | No | No | E, F | Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively |
| Matthew Socha | 916-802-8284 | Yes | No | E, F | Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively |
| Justin Reeve | 707-502-9611 | Yes | Yes | A, E, F, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook |
| David Jackson | 707-845-6537 | No | No | F | Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively |
| Cara Knostman | 707-223-3129 | No | No | F | Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively |
| Janna Cox | 707-407-7297 | No | No | A, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook |
| Debra Cendejas | 707-599-2697 | No | No | A, E | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, |
| Bruce Wagner | 707-845-1066 | No | No | F | Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively |
| Wade Badger | 707-672-6193 | Yes | No | A, E, F, NH, K | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook, Kneeland, Maple Creek |
| Polly Kinsinger | 707-498-3849 | Yes | No | C | Humboldt County, Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Korbel, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Southern Humboldt, Garberville, Redway, Benbow, Alderpoint, Briceland, Whitethorn, Shelter Cove, Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Weott, Redcrest, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Kneeland, Willow Creek, Hoopa, Orleans |
| Kevin Main | 805-471-1468 | Yes | No | A, E, K | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Kneeland, Maple Creek |
| Mario Kalsan | 707-303-0079 | No | No | A | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel |
| Dennis Kalson | 707-661-8310 | No | No | A | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel |
| Bob Zigler | 707-601-6808 | No | No | F | Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively |
| Joey Cueller | 707-616-1598 | Yes | Yes | A, E, NH, K | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook, Kneeland, Maple Creek |
| Jasmine Sarp | 434-960-2459 | No | No | A, E, F | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively |
| Christine Griffin | 707-267-0091 | Yes | Yes | A, E, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook |
| Alane Siegrist | 808-464-3999 | Yes | No | A, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Fieldbrook |
| Ericka Erland | 707-740-2268 | Yes | Yes | C | Humboldt County, Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Korbel, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Southern Humboldt, Garberville, Redway, Benbow, Alderpoint, Briceland, Whitethorn, Shelter Cove, Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Weott, Redcrest, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, Orick, Kneeland, Willow Creek, Hoopa, Orleans |
| Sarah Browning | 530-680-8076 | Yes | No | F, SH, K | Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively, Southern Humboldt, Garberville, Redway, Benbow, Alderpoint, Briceland, Whitethorn, Shelter Cove, Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Weott, Redcrest, Kneeland, Maple Creek |
| Justin Arnold | 925-984-4551 | No | No | A, E, F, NH | Arcata, Blue Lake, Korbel, Eureka, Freshwater, Cutten, Elk River, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Scotia, Ferndale, Loleta, Shively, North Humboldt, McKinleyville, Westhaven, Trinidad, 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
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- 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:
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- Collect the swarm/colony safely.
- Act as a positive ambassador for beekeeping.
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- 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?
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.