20+ Years of Experience Supporting Beekeepers

At Beekind, we've helped thousands of backyard beekeepers feel confident—whether they're picking up their first colony or just brushing up on best practices. We’re proud to offer trusted education, high-quality gear, and local guidance for beekeepers across the West Coast.

A swarm is one of the most fascinating—and misunderstood—events in the life of a bee colony. When a hive becomes too crowded, usually in the spring or early summer, the bees prepare to divide. The original queen leaves with thousands of worker bees to form a new colony, while a new queen takes over the old hive. You might spot a swarm as a large ball of bees calmly resting on a branch, fence post, or mailbox while they search for a new home. Though it may look intimidating, swarming bees are typically very docile during this time—they're focused on relocating, not defending a hive. At Beekind, we encourage awareness and understanding: swarms are a natural, essential part of bee life and not a cause for alarm.

This is a lovely swarm that left one of Doug's hives during a family BBQ and we were able to film it landing on a nearby bush. This is how a swarm looks while it is forming.

Please DON'T Spray Swarms. Call your local Fire Department for the contact information of a local beekeeper who can safely take them to a new home. To report a swarm in Northern California, see our Regional Swarm Lists below. Thank you!