Bee/Swarm Removal

BEE / SWARM REMOVAL

 

What is a swarm?

Swarming is a process caused by congestion in the hive. Early in the spring, the population in the hive can greatly expand, creating overcrowding. As a result, the colony makes a decision to divide. The colony begins the process of producing a second queen. When the development of a new queen is well under way, the existing queen and approximately half of the colony will leave the hive and begin looking for a new home.

Who should I call to have a swarm removed?

If you have a swarm and would like to contact a beekeeper for removal, you may contact someone from the Bee/Swarm Removal List below. Those listed are solely responsible for all actions and activities related to swarm collection. Midwestern Beekeepers Association provides the listing only as a service to the general public and the Assoc. , its officers and members assume no responsibilities whatsoever related to ensuing communications or any transactions that may occur, including but not limited to information exchanged or any damages, injuries or bodily harm alleged to have been sustained during the process of swarm retrieval. When calling, please be prepared to answer the following questions;

    1. How big is the swarm cluster and what does it look like? Honey bees cluster as one big mass of bees as shown in the picture at the top of the page. If they are a small cluster around the knot of a tree or a hole in a wall, they are no longer a swarm, but an established hive which makes it much more difficult and time consuming to remove.
    2. Where is swarm located and how high is it? Height usually adds to the difficulty of removal. This lets the beekeeper know what kind of equipment he/she will need, ladders, poles, etc.
    3. How long has the swarm been there? Swarms that have been there, more than a few days are most likely an established hive. While many beekeepers will remove swarms, far fewer are prepared to handle established hives, including those in trees, houses or other structures.

 

2024 BEE / SWARM REMOVAL LIST

Harold Wright Blue Springs, Lake Lotawana, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, Buckner 816-286-9217, 816-578-4460 Swarms and Some Cut-outs
Bob and Michelle Williams Belton, Raymore, Peculiar, Lee’s Summit, Harrisonville, South KC 816-331-6634 Swarms and Some Cut-outs
Tom and Janice Britz Harrisonville, MO; Peculiar, Mo 816-419-6816, 816-419-1327 Swarms and Some Cut-outs
Phil Duncan Harrisonville, MO 816-835-7686 Swarms only
Struart and Nita Dietz Independence, MO and Topeka, Kansas 785-304-5905 Swarms and Cut-outs
Kirsten Hollstrom Kansas City, MO 816-686-2316 Swarms only
Marty Hansen Belton, Raymore, Peculiar, Lee’s Summit, Harrisonville,South KC 816-863-1974 Swarms only
Jim and Tanya Fisher Raymore, Grandview, Lee’s Summit 816-918-6648 Swarms only
Lenora Woolsey Independence, MO 913-907-0574 Swarms only
Ezekiel Amador Kansas City, MO Midtown/Downtown 816-612-9030 Swarms and Some Cut-outs
Ron Vivian Oak Grove, MO 816-582-6934 Swarms only
Connie Unzicker St. Joseph, MO 816-390-2357 Swarms only
Michael Costanzo Kearney/Holt/Liberty/Lathrop/Lawson 816-918-9865 Swarms and some cut-outs