Swarm, hive or wasps?
Three quick questions tell you what you are probably looking at and who to call.
Answer all three questions to see what you likely have and who to call.
If anyone is stung many times, or has trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat, call 911.
Why the difference matters
A swarm is a colony on the move: thousands of honey bees clustered around their queen while scouts look for a new home. Swarms are usually docile because they have no comb or honey to defend, and many beekeepers will collect one for little or no charge. Once the bees move into a wall, roof or tree and build comb, removal becomes construction work, and the cost reflects that.
Wasps and yellowjackets are a different problem. Beekeeper swarm lists only handle honey bees, so call pest control for those. Find your state’s official swarm list on our state pages and read what to do when you see a swarm.