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Got a Swarm? Reach out to us!

Contact Dru Spinuzzi, PCBA President, and Swarm Commander at 719.250.3441; or Steven Plant, PCBA Board Member, and Assistant Swarm Commander at 303.517.8266 Be prepared to describe the swarm's appearance and its location.

What is a swarm? by L. Scott Stevenson

Swarms are a natural and healthy part of honeybee colony reproduction. Swarms consist of a group of worker bees, that have engorged themselves on honey, and their queen. The worker bees engorge themselves in order to sustain the swarm until they find a new place to live. When something is not quite right in the beehive, the worker bees will decide that it's time to leave. About half the bees will leave the hive with the queen and swarm to a bush, tree limb, house wall, a post, or wherever they want. The swarm will stay there from a few minutes to a day until the scout bees find an acceptable place for a new hive.

Some reasons the hive decides to swarm are:

  • The hive might be congested;

  • Varroa mite infestation or some other type of pest issue;

  • An old, failing queen with a spotty brood pattern, or not giving off enough pheromone to let the rest of the hive know she is there;

  • Lack of ventilation;

  • Or, some types of honey bees are just prone to swarming.

What should you do if you see a swarm of bees?

  • DO NOT spray them with anything to try and kill them. Honeybees are a precious resource.

  • Do not try and box up or capture them without training.

  • Contact Pueblo County Beekeepers Association Swarm Commander, Dru Spinuzzi, 719.250.3441, or Assistant Swarm Commander, Steven Plant at 303.517.8266 and we will get someone out to get the bees.

  • Call your County Extension Office, Agent Beth DeLair 719.251.0245, and she will get someone out to get the swarm.

Bees with Hives in Structures:

  • DO NOT spray them with anything to try and kill them. Honeybees are a precious resource.

  • Do not try and box up or capture them without training.

  • Contact Pueblo County Beekeepers Association Swarm Commander, Dru Spinuzzi, 719.250.3441, or Assistant Swarm Commander, Steve Plant 303.517.8266 and we will get someone out to get the bees.

  • Call your County Extension Office, Agent Beth DeLair, 719.251.0245, and she will get someone out to get the swarm.