Swarm lists by state
New York
New York has unusually strong public beekeeping infrastructure: residents can use both a state-maintained Swarm Catcher List and Cornell’s swarm-removal guidance, alongside the statewide Empire State Honey Producers Association. The state’s apiary oversight is handled through the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Apiary Program, and Cornell IPM says the only honey bees found in New York are European honey bees. ([agriculture.ny.gov](https://agriculture.ny.gov/swarm-catcher-list))
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
- Empire State Honey Producers Association, Inc.
- Typical swarm season
- May to July
- Africanized honey bees
- not established
Official resources in New York
Official state list of beekeepers who indicated they provide bee-removal services, organized for resident use.
Cornell’s New York-specific guide for identifying swarms and finding swarm catchers by county or region.
Official state page covering the Apiary Program, Apiary Industry Advisory Committee, and pollinator initiatives.
Statewide official beekeepers association for New York, with membership, events, and local club connections.
Cornell identification page residents can use to distinguish honey bees and understand basic swarm/colony response.
Key facts for New York
- New York Agriculture and Markets maintains a county-by-county Swarm Catcher List. ([agriculture.ny.gov](https://agriculture.ny.gov/swarm-catcher-list))
- Cornell says New York swarming is most common in late spring and early summer. ([cals.cornell.edu](https://cals.cornell.edu/pollinator-network/beekeeping/swarm-removal))
- Cornell’s Northeast calendar says swarm season begins in mid-May and continues through June. ([cals.cornell.edu](https://cals.cornell.edu/pollinator-network/beekeeping/beekeeping-calendar-northeast))
- Cornell says major swarm season in New York winds down around mid-July. ([cals.cornell.edu](https://cals.cornell.edu/pollinator-network/beekeeping/beekeeping-calendar-northeast))
- The state Apiary Program currently employs three seasonal apiary inspectors. ([agriculture.ny.gov](https://agriculture.ny.gov/pollinator-protection?utm_source=openai))
- New York’s 2024 apiary inspectors covered all counties and inspected 674 apiary yards and 8,969 colonies. ([agriculture.ny.gov](https://agriculture.ny.gov/agm-2024-annual-report?utm_source=openai))
What to do next
- If bees are hanging in a temporary cluster outdoors, use the state swarm list or Cornell swarm-removal page immediately and share a photo, height, and exact location.
- Do not spray first; Cornell says swarms are typically docile, but keep your distance and avoid disturbing them.
- If bees are established inside a wall, soffit, or attic, look for a beekeeper who performs extractions so comb and honey are removed too.
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