It’s Honey Bee Swarm Season – Don’t Panic, Don’t Spray!

Hey everyone! We’ve been getting a lot of calls from folks asking how to “get rid of” honey bee swarms showing up in their yards. Before anyone reaches for the spray, here are a few important facts we want to share to help protect these vital pollinators:

If you're seeing hundreds (or even thousands) of bees clustered together this time of year—relax! They're not hornets or yellowjackets. Wasps don’t reach those numbers until late summer. What you’re likely seeing is a honey bee swarm—a completely natural and harmless part of their life cycle.

What is a swarm?

Swarming is how a healthy honey bee colony reproduces. When a colony gets large enough, the bees raise a new queen. The original queen leaves with thousands of workers to find a new home. It may look intense, but these bees are not aggressive—they’re full, calm, and just passing through. Seriously, they’ve gorged themselves with honey for the journey!

Why are they sitting on my fence, tree, or car?

That’s just a rest stop. Scout bees are out looking for a new home, and the swarm is taking a breather. Most swarms move on within 24–48 hours.

What should I do? Don’t spray them!

Honey bees are incredibly important to our ecosystem, and swarms are usually easy to relocate. Call a beekeeper instead! We keep bee specialists on staff and work with local beekeepers throughout the Lehigh Valley to safely relocate swarms. Just give us a call—we’re happy to help.

The Importance of Honey Bees

Honey bees play a crucial role in pollinating plants. They help flowers bloom, fruits develop, and crops grow. This process is vital for our food supply and biodiversity. Honey bees contribute to about one-third of the food we eat. Without them, many of our favorite fruits and vegetables would be scarce.

Understanding Swarm Behavior

Swarming is a natural part of the bee life cycle. It usually occurs in spring when conditions are warmer and food sources are abundant. During this time, we can expect to see swarms more frequently. However, it’s essential to remember that not all bees that cluster are swarming. Sometimes, they gather for other reasons.

How to Identify Honey Bees

If you encounter a large group of bees, take a moment to observe them. Honey bees have distinct characteristics. They tend to be smaller and rounder than wasps. Their color is more golden than the stark yellow of wasps. Understanding these differences can help you feel more at ease around them.

Constructive Actions Instead of Spraying

Instead of reaching for pesticide sprays, consider constructive actions. You can educate your neighbors and community about honey bees and their significance. Spread awareness about their ecological role. You might even start a conversation about local beekeepers who can assist with swarms.

By working together, we can help conserve these remarkable creatures. As responsible community members, it's our duty to protect our pollinators. We should seek to understand and support them rather than eliminate them.

Please help us spread the word. These bees aren’t dangerous—they’re just moving!

As mentioned, if you find yourself in need, don't hesitate to contact a beekeeper. They are well-equipped to handle swarms safely and humanely. Remember, your call can make a difference for these essential pollinators!