Swarm lists by state
Louisiana
Louisiana has a clear official beekeeping structure: the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) handles permits and inspections, while the LSU AgCenter maintains the statewide honeybee removal and swarm-collection listings. Residents dealing with swarms usually need the LSU list first, and anyone keeping bees should also check LDAF’s apiary program requirements.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- State beekeepers association
- Louisiana Beekeepers Association, Inc.
- Typical swarm season
- March to June
- Africanized honey bees
- established
Official resources in Louisiana
Official state page for Louisiana apiary permits, inspections, laws, and related beekeeping services.
Official statewide beekeepers association with events, membership, and Louisiana beekeeping resources.
Official association page to find local Louisiana beekeeper clubs that may help residents locate nearby beekeepers.
Key facts for Louisiana
- LDAF says hobbyists and commercial beekeepers should get an apiary permit; permits renew annually and expire September 30.
- LDAF says apiary inspections may be needed to sell queens, packages, used equipment, or for interstate movement of colonies/equipment for research.
- LSU AgCenter says it does not remove swarms itself; it maintains the statewide contact list residents use.
- LSU states honey bee colonies in Louisiana swarm primarily in spring and early summer, but can swarm through early fall.
- LSU’s Africanized honey bee publication says Africanized honey bees are in Louisiana, with trap and swarm captures documented in multiple parishes.
What to do next
- If you see a clustered swarm outdoors, first use the LSU AgCenter swarm list to find a nearby removal contact instead of spraying.
- If you keep bees in Louisiana, check the LDAF bees page to apply for your permit and request an inspection before selling or moving bees/equipment.
- Use the Louisiana Beekeepers Association local clubs page to find a nearby club for referrals, training, and local swarm help.
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