Swarm lists by state
North Dakota
North Dakota’s Department of Agriculture runs an active apiary program in a state that identifies itself as the nation’s top honey producer. If you keep even one colony in North Dakota, the state says you must be licensed, register hive locations, and post contact information at each yard.
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
- North Dakota Beekeepers Association
- Typical swarm season
- May to June
Official resources in North Dakota
Main state apiary page for licensing, inspections, beekeeper lookup, Bee Map, and related apiary resources.
Explains who must be licensed, how to register hive locations, signage rules, and inspection requests.
Official map/tool the state links for locating hives and beekeepers and managing apiary licensing and registration.
Official county-by-county list of registered apiary locations that can help residents identify nearby beekeepers.
Official statewide beekeepers association for education, networking, advocacy, and member resources.
Key facts for North Dakota
- NDDA says every person with 1 or more honey bee colonies in North Dakota must get a beekeeper license annually.
- NDDA says beekeepers must register all hive locations and post their name, phone number, and beekeeper ID at each yard.
- NDDA says inspections and certificates are free, including health certificate inspections requested for interstate movement.
- NDDA says mite checks are typically done in August-September.
- NDDA says North Dakota bees produced 38.3 million pounds of honey worth over $67.8 million in 2023.
- NDSU says for honey bee swarms or removal, residents should contact North Dakota’s state apiary inspector.
What to do next
- If you see a swarm, use the North Dakota Bee Map or the county bee-locations list to find a nearby beekeeper before calling a pest-control company.
- If bees have moved into a wall, grill, or other structure, use a beekeeping professional; NDSU warns leftover honey can ferment, smell, and attract pests.
- If you keep bees in North Dakota, complete your license and hive-location registration before entry or before January 1 if colonies stay year-round.
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