If you or a neighbor finds a swarm of honey bees on your property, don’t spray- call us instead.
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Tidewater Beekeepers Association (TBA) provides free swarm removal to all residents in and around Hampton Roads.
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Call: 757-695-0313
One of our club members will be dispatched to your location to remove the swarm.
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Swarming is a honey bee colony's natural means of reproduction. In the process of swarming, a single colony splits into two or more distinct colonies.
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Swarming is mainly a spring phenomenon, usually a two or three month period depending on the locale, but occasional swarms can happen throughout the producing season. Secondary after swarms or cast swarms may happen. Cast swarms are usually smaller and are accompanied by a virgin queen. Sometimes a beehive will swarm in succession until it is almost totally depleted of workers.
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Beekeepers are sometimes called to capture swarms that are cast by feral honey bees or from the hives of domestic beekeepers.
Most beekeepers will remove a honeybee swarm for free if they are nearby. Bee swarms can almost always be collected alive and relocated by a competent beekeeper or bee removal company. Extermination of a bee swarm is rarely necessary and discouraged if bee removal is possible
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Swarm removal is different than what is called a cut out. When bees have moved into a structure or hollow cavity it is no longer considered a swarm, but is an established colony. A beekeeper will come and remove the bees by cutting them out of the cavity hence the name cut out. This process is complicated and usually not done for free because of the nature of the removal.
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Notice –
Beekeepers listed on the Tidewater Beekeepers’ Swarm Call List are independent volunteers, not employees or official representatives of the club. Each individual operates at their own discretion and assumes full personal responsibility for their actions during a swarm capture.
Tidewater Beekeepers does not carry liability insurance for these services and is not responsible for any damage or outcomes related to swarm removals or structural cutouts.
All swarm responders are expected to have the knowledge and experience necessary for safe removal and are encouraged to follow best practices.
For structural removals (cutouts), we advise you to verify the beekeeper’s insurance and experience before allowing access to your property. These are not endorsed by the club.
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If you’re unsure whether what you’re seeing is a swarm or need more information, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to help educate and guide you.
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Thank you for supporting our pollinators and the beekeepers who care for them!
