Spokane, Coeur d'Alene, and Inland Empire Beekeepers' Swarm Control, Remediation and Removal Information

Use the Contact Link or send a mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to find a beekeeper to remove a swarm of honeybees.  Or, call the Spokane Master Gardeners at the County Extension office (509) 477-2048 to report the swarm.

If you find a swarm (nest, ball, or bunch) of honeybees on or near your property, don't panic.  And please DO NOT grab the can of RAID® or call an exterminator. Swarming bees are not aggressive and the following members of the IEBA have volunteered themselves to remove and assist with controling swarms in an around Spokane, eastern Washington, Coeur d'Alene, and north Idaho.

Use the Contact Page so that we can find a beekeeper in your area, or contact one of the beekeepers listed below.

How do I know if it is a honeybee swarm?

Honeybee swarms are easy to identify. For one, there won't be a hive of any type, just a large mass of bees clinging to an object. Also, a honeybee is different from a wasp and yellowjacket as identified by the pictures here:

Comparison between a Honeybee, Wasp, and Yellowjacket

If you are looking for a local beekeeper to assist you with swarm removal, the following persons have volunteered to remove swarms from around the region.  Call or e-mail one of these members to help you with the problem and put these irreplaceable workers back into a safe and productive environment:

What does a swarm of honeybees look like?

Unlike a paperwasp nest or hornet nest, a honey bee swarm is just a grouping of bees that take shelter on a tree branch, under an eve, in a bush, or in some other, usually protected, place.  They will remain at that location until the scout bees find a suitable home for the colony.  Some folks don't know that the ball of bees is a swarm, and may think that it is a honeybee nest or honey bee ball hanging on a branch.  If it looks similar to the honeybees below, then it is a swarm.  And there is always a beekeeper who would love to help you remove it.

Swarm on tree branch

For more information on bee swarms, go the the swarm FAQ pages , or click on one of the following links:

How do I distinguish a honeybee nest from other nests?

How do I identify a honeybee?

Why do honeybees swarm, and what do I do if I see one?

If my neighbor's hive swarms, are my children in danger?

To have your name added to the list, send your contact information including name, phone number and area through the contact form or email a request to be placed on the IEBA Swarm Control List.