Missouri: Swarm lists by state

Missouri has both a statewide beekeeper network and a state agriculture program residents can use: the Missouri State Beekeepers Association offers a swarm-catcher page, and the Missouri Department of Agriculture runs the state's Apiary (Bee) Certification program. University of Missouri Extension also publishes Missouri-specific guidance on swarm behavior, seasonal apiary management, and bee identification. ([mobees.org](https://www.mobees.org/?utm_source=openai))

Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.

Official resources in Missouri

Missouri State Beekeepers Association

Statewide association homepage with beginner resources, local club links, honey finder, and swarm reporting. ([mobees.org](https://www.mobees.org/?utm_source=openai))

MSBA Swarm Catcher List

Official association page for reporting swarms and finding volunteer swarm catchers; it also explains that cut-outs in walls or tree trunks are usually not free. ([mobees.org](https://www.mobees.org/swarm-catcher-list/?utm_source=openai))

Missouri Department of Agriculture - Apiary (Bee) Certification

Official state apiary program page covering Missouri apiculture law, bee-movement permits, and health certification requirements. ([agriculture.mo.gov](https://agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pests/?utm_source=openai))

MU Extension - Seasonal Apiary Management for Missouri

Missouri-specific seasonal beekeeping guide that notes inspection on request and when to watch for swarming. ([extension.missouri.edu](https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7601?utm_source=openai))

MU Extension - Bees and Wasps

Identification and homeowner guidance page explaining that swarms are usually less defensive than established nests. ([extension.missouri.edu](https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7391?utm_source=openai))

Key facts for Missouri

Missouri's Apiary (Bee) Certification program is administered by the Missouri Department of Agriculture under the Missouri Apiculture Law, RSMo 264.011-264.101. ([agriculture.mo.gov](https://agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pests/?utm_source=openai))
Anyone moving bees or used beekeeping equipment into Missouri must contact the State Entomologist for a permit application and health certificate requirements. ([agriculture.mo.gov](https://agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pests/?utm_source=openai))
MU Extension says Missouri law provides for inspection of honey bees upon request. ([extension.missouri.edu](https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7601?utm_source=openai))
MU Extension says feral Africanized honey bees have not been documented in Missouri. ([extension.missouri.edu](https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/m403?utm_source=openai))
MU Extension says May is usually the best time to start queen rearing because it is swarming season. ([extension.missouri.edu](https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/Pro/4h/Docs/Projects/PlantsAnimals/Beekeeping/AdvancedBeekeepingMethods.pdf?utm_source=openai))
MSBA says swarm retrieval is generally free, but difficult removals or cut-outs may require compensation. ([mobees.org](https://www.mobees.org/swarm-catcher-list))

What to do next

If you see a clustered outdoor swarm, use the MSBA swarm-catcher page first; those bees are usually in transit and less defensive than an established colony. ([mobees.org](https://www.mobees.org/swarm-catcher-list/?utm_source=openai))
If bees are inside a wall, soffit, or tree trunk, ask specifically for a cut-out specialist; MSBA notes these jobs are usually not free. ([mobees.org](https://www.mobees.org/swarm-catcher-list))
If you are bringing bees or used hive equipment into Missouri, check the MDA apiary page before transport and contact the State Entomologist for the required permit process. ([agriculture.mo.gov](https://agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pests/?utm_source=openai))

Helpful guides

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