Swarm lists by state
Tennessee
Tennessee has an active state apiary program through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, plus a statewide Tennessee Beekeepers Association network that points residents to local clubs. For swarm calls, Tennessee’s official guidance sends residents first to local beekeeping associations or their county UT Extension office.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- State beekeepers association
- Tennessee Beekeepers Association
- Typical swarm season
- April to June
- Africanized honey bees
- not established
Official resources in Tennessee
Explains Tennessee’s inspection program and when bees or used equipment must be inspected before movement.
Official swarm guidance for residents and beekeepers, including how Tennessee handles swarm retrieval.
Official statewide beekeepers association site with local club links and Tennessee-specific beekeeper resources.
UT page explaining how county Extension offices can help with beekeeping questions and connect residents with swarm help.
Key facts for Tennessee
- Tennessee requires all honey bee colonies in the state to be registered with the State Apiarist.
- Bees or used beekeeping equipment must be inspected and certified before being moved into or within Tennessee.
- TDA says beekeepers willing to collect swarms are placed on a Swarm Retrieval List arranged by home county.
- TBA’s swarm page tells residents to start with their local beekeeping association, then their local UT Extension office.
- TDA says it and UT Extension are preparing for Africanized honey bees if they are found in Tennessee.
- UT says spring is the most common swarming period in Tennessee.
What to do next
- If you find a hanging swarm, first check TBA’s local club map and contact the nearest association: https://tnbeekeepers.org/bee-clubs/
- If you cannot find a local swarm contact quickly, ask your county UT Extension office for beekeeper referrals: https://utextension.tennessee.edu/
- If bees are in a wall, attic, or tree cavity rather than hanging as a swarm, expect a more complex removal and possible fee; start with TDA’s swarm guidance page.
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