Swarm lists by state
California
California has a state beekeepers association, a CDFA-run apiary protection program, and county agricultural commissioners that handle local apiary inspection services. For swarm calls, the best statewide starting point I found is the California State Beekeepers Association page that links county and regional swarm-removal resources; Africanized honey bees are established in Southern California and the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. ([californiastatebeekeepers.com](https://www.californiastatebeekeepers.com/hobbyists/))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Swarm or bee removal list
- Official page →
- State beekeepers association
- California State Beekeepers Association
- Typical swarm season
- March to June
- Africanized honey bees
- limited/south only
Official resources in California
State association page linking residents to swarm-removal resources in several California regions and noting that county agricultural commissioners may maintain local lists.
Official state program page for apiary registration, laws, board meetings, county contacts, and apiary-related services.
Official county contact directory for local offices that provide apiary inspection services and can answer county ordinance questions.
University of California guidance on identifying swarms, safe response, and when to use beekeepers versus structural pest professionals.
UC Cooperative Extension / UC Davis education hub with California-specific beekeeping classes, knowledge base, and training.
Key facts for California
- CSBA says it does not provide hive removal services, but its hobbyists page links California swarm-removal resources. ([californiastatebeekeepers.com](https://www.californiastatebeekeepers.com/hobbyists/))
- CDFA says county agricultural commissioners handle local apiary services including hive inspection, registration, certification, and pesticide-application notification. ([cdfa.ca.gov](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/pollinators/ApiaryProtection.html))
- CDFA lists Apiary Inspection as a county agricultural commissioner program. ([cdfa.ca.gov](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/county/Commissioner.html))
- UC San Diego County says swarming generally occurs from March to June. ([ucanr.edu](https://ucanr.edu/site/beekeeping-san-diego-county/bee-biology-and-behavior))
- CDFA/UC states Africanized honey bees entered Southern California in 1994 and are established throughout Southern California and the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. ([cdfa.ca.gov](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/factsheets/anr/ANR-Publication-8068-Africanized-Honeybee-Facts.pdf))
- UC IPM says Southern California counties are in areas colonized by Africanized honey bees. ([ipm.ucanr.edu](https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/removing-honey-bee-swarms-and-established-hives/))
What to do next
- If you find a swarm, first use the CSBA swarm-removal page; if your area is not covered, contact your county agricultural commissioner.
- If bees are inside a wall, chimney, utility box, or other cavity, use UC IPM guidance and expect that structural removal may require a professional.
- In Southern California and the southern San Joaquin Valley, use extra caution around settled colonies because Africanized honey bees are established there.
Helpful guides
- What to do when you see a honey bee swarm
- A swarm vs. an established hive: why it matters
- Honey bees, wasps or yellowjackets? How to tell
- Bee cutout and hive removal cost