Bee swarms sometimes settle on a tree, fence or even a park bench. If you find a cluster, give it space and keep children and pets away. A beekeeper can help identify the insects from a photo taken at a safe distance.
What should you do when you see a bee swarm in a tree?
First, step back and leave the branch alone. Keep people clear of the area while you contact a local beekeeping association or your county Extension office. Avoid spraying the cluster, shaking the branch or trying to put the bees in a box.
Why do bee swarms stop here?
Swarming is one way a honey bee colony reproduces. A queen leaves with a group of workers. While most wait together, scout bees search for a sheltered place to live. In Honeybee Democracy, biologist Thomas Seeley describes how scouts use dances to share information about possible nest sites.
The cluster might leave in a few hours, or it might stay for several days. Swarming bees can sting, so keep watching from a distance even when they seem calm.
How to report bee swarms to a local beekeeper
Give the street location and say when you first saw the cluster. Then describe its size using something familiar, such as a grapefruit or basketball. Is it on a low branch, high in a tree or beside a busy doorway? Mention how high it is and whether it is still there. If you can take a photo without moving closer, include it.
For example, “The cluster is about the size of a basketball, on the fence beside the park gate. I first saw it this morning.” These details help a beekeeper decide what equipment and access the job requires. Ask about the service area and cost when you call. In New York, Cornell’s swarm guide and county directory can help you find a local contact.
What if bees are going inside a wall?
A loose cluster and a nest in a building need different responses. If bees keep entering a small opening in a wall or roof, tell the beekeeper exactly what you see. An established colony may have comb inside the building and require someone who handles colony removals. Leave the entrance open until a qualified professional assesses it.