Swarms & Bee Removal

A swarm is a natural part of honey bee reproduction. You’ll typically see a large cluster of bees hanging from a tree branch, fence, or other surface. Swarms are usually temporary (lasting a few hours to a few days) and are generally not aggressive, as the bees are focused on finding a new home.

A cut-out refers to bees that have established a hive inside a structure—such as a wall, roof, or other building feature. Removing these colonies requires physically opening the structure to safely remove the bees and honeycomb, which is more complex than swarm collection.

The Grand Rapids Area Bee Club does not coordinate removals directly, but the Michigan Beekeepers Association (MBA) maintains up-to-date lists of experienced beekeepers who can help.

• Visit their Problem Bees page to understand your situation 
• Use the Swarm Removal List to find someone near you for swarm collection 
• Use the Cut-Out List for structural hive removals 

👉 Start here: https://www.michiganbees.org/Problem-Bees

You can also try posting on: https://beeswarmed.org/ (not associated with MCA or GRABC) or the GRABC (MI) Facebook page. 

GRABC provides these resources as a service to the community but does not coordinate, manage, or oversee swarm or cut-out removals. Individuals listed on external websites, including those maintained by the Michigan Beekeepers Association, operate independently.

GRABC assumes no responsibility or liability for services provided, outcomes, or any agreements made between you and individuals contacted through these resources.