Swarm lists by state
Rhode Island
Rhode Island residents have a state-run apiary registration and inspection pathway through the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, and the Rhode Island Beekeepers Association maintains a volunteer swarm-rescue list for many towns. ([dem.ri.gov](https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/agriculture-and-forest-environment/agriculture/regulatory-services/apiary?utm_source=openai)) Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island also publish Rhode Island-specific bee education, seasonal activity, and habitat resources that are useful for homeowners and beekeepers. ([ric.edu](https://www.ric.edu/visitors-arts-events/bee-education-field-trips?utm_source=openai))
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
- Rhode Island Beekeepers Association
- Typical swarm season
- May to June
- Africanized honey bees
- not established
Official resources in Rhode Island
Official state page for apiary registration, health inspection requests, and entry permits for honey bees in Rhode Island. ([dem.ri.gov](https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/agriculture-and-forest-environment/agriculture/regulatory-services/apiary?utm_source=openai))
Official association swarm list for volunteer swarm capture, with some members also marked for colony removals from structures. ([ribeekeeper.org](https://ribeekeeper.org/swarm-rescue/?utm_source=openai))
State online services page that lists the Apiary Health Inspection Request used by Rhode Island beekeepers. ([dem.ri.gov](https://dem.ri.gov/online-services-licenses-permits-renewals?utm_source=openai))
Rhode Island-specific bee education page with a month-by-month timeline of bee activity and teaching materials. ([ric.edu](https://www.ric.edu/visitors-arts-events/bee-education-field-trips?utm_source=openai))
Official URI Bee Lab resource hub with Rhode Island planting and bee-friendly landscape materials for residents. ([web.uri.edu](https://web.uri.edu/beelab/resources/?utm_source=openai))
Key facts for Rhode Island
- All Rhode Island hives, commercial or private, must be registered with DEM. ([dem.ri.gov](https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/agriculture-and-forest-environment/agriculture/regulatory-services/apiary?utm_source=openai))
- DEM says apiary registrations now renew annually on April 30. ([dem.ri.gov](https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/agriculture-and-forest-environment/agriculture/regulatory-services/apiary?utm_source=openai))
- Rhode Island offers Apiary Health Inspection Requests through DEM’s online system. ([dem.ri.gov](https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/agriculture-and-forest-environment/agriculture/regulatory-services/apiary?utm_source=openai))
- RIBA keeps a statewide volunteer swarm list; asterisks mark members who also remove colonies from structures. ([ribeekeeper.org](https://ribeekeeper.org/swarm-rescue/?utm_source=openai))
- Rhode Island law classifies Africanized honey bee genetic strains as honey bee pests. ([webserver.rilegislature.gov](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE4/4-12/4-12-2.htm?utm_source=openai))
- Rhode Island College’s bee timeline shows major colony activity in May/June. ([ric.edu](https://www.ric.edu/visitors-arts-events/bee-education-field-trips))
What to do next
- If you see a clustered honey bee swarm, check RIBA’s swarm-rescue page and contact a listed local volunteer instead of spraying. ([ribeekeeper.org](https://ribeekeeper.org/swarm-rescue/?utm_source=openai))
- If you keep bees in Rhode Island, register every hive with DEM and use the state portal if you need a health inspection. ([dem.ri.gov](https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/agriculture-and-forest-environment/agriculture/regulatory-services/apiary?utm_source=openai))
- For pollinator-friendly planting and yard decisions, use URI Bee Lab’s Rhode Island resource pages before changing your landscape. ([web.uri.edu](https://web.uri.edu/beelab/resources/?utm_source=openai))
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