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HONEY BEE SWARMS

How to identify and report swarms of honeybees


Not Honey Bees






If you believe that you have a swarm of honey bees and would like to have it removed, we'll attempt to dispatch a beekeeper to come out and retrieve it for free.


But please make sure your sighting is of honey bees.


We are not equipped to remove bumblebees or wasps.

Yes, Honey Bees!


What is a honeybee swarm?

During the spring and summer months, honeybees will increase their populations in order to harvest the season’s pollen, nectar flows, and propagate their species. Seeing a honeybee swarm is a really magical event! A swarm is led by a queen bee and for the first few minutes looks like a honeybee tornado. Then the group lands in a clump (see photo) while scout honeybees look for a great new home. A swarm may remain in a temporary location for a few hours or a day or more, depending on weather conditions and scout success. Once the scout honeybees find a new home location, they will inform the swarm, which will move on to that new home.


Should I be scared if I see a swarm?

Honeybees are a stinging insect and can be defensive if provoked or threatened; however, swarms tend to be docile as they have no home to protect. If you encounter a swarm, simply enjoy them from a comfortable distance or better yet, call a local beekeeper to come collect them!

Please don't spray pesticide on a honeybee swarm! The honeybees will depart on their own as soon as they can. They are extremely beneficial to our environment as pollinators. A beekeeper will gladly come remove them, and might reward you with a jar of local honey! What should you do if you see or have a honey bee swarm in your area or backyard?


Communities in the Tualatin Valley include BanksForest GroveCorneliusHillsboroAlohaBeavertonSherwoodTigard,  Tualatin

Cities: Scholls, Sherwood, Beaverton, Linnton, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Gales Creek, Laurelwood

Counties: Washington County


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