Why do Bees Swarm?

In late spring and early fall when a beehive become overcrowded with bees, they are likely to swarm.

Swarming is a natural part of the growth of a bee colony and happens in response to crowding within the colony.

Prior to swarming, worker bees gorge themselves on honey. They thousand of worker bees, a few drones and the queen leave the hive in search of a new home.

The swarm will fly around briefly and then settle temporarily on a tree limb or other object as scout bees fly in search of a new home.

Bee swarms are not usually dangerous because the bees have no nest or baby bees to protect.

If the swarm relocates near a home or other high traffic area, an experienced beekeeper can come and relocate the swarm for you. Beekeepers who relocate swarms do so as a public service and may rightfully charge a fee.

The CVBA members listed here are available to remove swarms, depending on your location.

Swarm catchers (by county)

Claiborne County

Debbie and Gus Clayton (Tazewell) - 423.626-8786 (home) and 423. 441.081 (cell)
Junior Snelson (Tazewell) - 423.626.5538

Grainger County

Gerald Moore (Bean Station, Rutledge, Thorn Hill) - 865.767.3410

Greene County

Jarrell Haun (South Greene County) - 423.235.2193

Hamblen County

Ted Lewis (Morristown and where needed) - 423.733.4359
Clyde Rickard (West Morristown) - 423.674.2056

Hancock County

Junior Snelson (Sneedville) - 423.626.5538

Hawkins County

Jarrell Haun (Bulls Gap) - 423.235.2193
Gerald Moore (Mooresburg) - 865.767.3410 (home) and 423.754.4462 ( cell)
Sylvia Singleton (Mooresburg) - 423.272.2065
Dale Smith (East Rogersville) - 423.235.3702

Jefferson County

Clyde Rickard (Jefferson City) - 423.674.2056