2026 Swarm Season on Staten Island
As spring arrives on Staten Island, so does one of the most fascinating natural events in the urban environment: honey bee swarm season. Each year, typically from April through early June, local beekeepers begin receiving calls about clusters of bees gathering on tree branches, fences, cars, and buildings. While the sight of thousands of bees can be alarming, it’s important to understand what’s actually happening—and why there’s no need to panic.
Swarming Bees Are Not Dangerous
Honey bee swarms are, by nature, remarkably docile. When a colony swarms, the bees are not defending a hive, brood, or honey stores. Instead, they are in transition—focused entirely on protecting their queen and finding a new home. Because of this, swarming bees are generally far less aggressive than bees in an established hive.
That said, they should still be respected and given space. Attempting to spray, disturb, or remove a swarm without experience can agitate the bees and create unnecessary risk. The safest and most responsible course of action is always to contact a trained beekeeper for removal.
Why Bees Swarm
Swarming is how honey bee colonies reproduce. In the spring, when a colony becomes strong and crowded, the existing queen leaves the hive with a large portion of the worker bees. This group forms a temporary cluster—known as a bivouac—while scout bees search for a suitable new home, such as a hollow tree or wall cavity.
During this time, the swarm may rest in one location for anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Once a new nesting site is chosen, the swarm will move on. However, if they find a structure like a wall void, attic, or soffit, they may begin building comb and establishing a permanent colony—this is when property damage can occur.
What Is a Bivouac?
A bivouac is the temporary resting cluster formed by a swarm of honey bees. It often appears as a dense, football-shaped mass of bees hanging from a branch or surface. Inside the cluster, the queen is protected while worker bees regulate temperature and wait for scouts to report back.
This stage is critical in the swarm’s lifecycle—and also the best time for safe removal. Once bees move into a structure and begin building comb, removal becomes significantly more complex and costly.
Changes to Swarm Removal Services in 2026
In previous years, we have proudly offered free swarm removals to the Staten Island community. However, due to rising operational costs—including fuel, equipment, insurance, and time—we are no longer able to provide this service at no charge.
For the 2026 season, Staten Island swarm removal services will start at $100, with pricing increasing if specialized equipment is required or if removals are needed off hours. Situations involving height and difficult access may require additional tools and time, which will be reflected in the cost.
We remain committed to providing the cheapest, ethical, professional, and bee-friendly removals, ensuring both public safety and the preservation of these essential pollinators.
Availability and Scheduling
During peak swarm season in April and May, our service hours will be:
Tuesday through Friday, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Due to high demand and limited availability, we can only respond to inquiries that include clear still photos of the swarm. Photos help us assess the situation in advance, determine the equipment needed, and confirm that the insects are indeed honey bees (and not wasps or hornets).
Why Professional Removal Matters
Removing a swarm quickly and properly can prevent the bees from settling into a structure, where they may cause damage by building comb inside walls or ceilings.
A trained beekeeper can safely collect the swarm and relocate it to an apiary, where it can continue to thrive and contribute to pollination and honey production.
Final Thoughts
Swarm season is a sign of a healthy environment, even in a dense urban environment like Staten Island. While it may seem chaotic, it’s actually a natural and essential process.
If you encounter a swarm, stay calm, keep your distance, and reach out with photos during our service hours. With the right approach, we can ensure a safe outcome for both people and bees.
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Green Stinger Beekeeping Services LLC
Staten Island, NY