Rappahannock Beekeepers Association
2024 VSBA Fall Meeting - Postponed
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What to do if you see a swarm?
First off, Don't Panic! Don't try to Shoo them away, DO NOT call an exterminator and definitely DON'T spray them!! Contact a local beekeeper. Better yet, contact the RBA Swarm Coordinator for assistance. He/She will know exactly what to do. When sending the email, please try to be descriptive as possible. There is no cost to you for removing a basic swarm.
What happens next?
The Swarm Coordinator will log your information. He/She may contact you if they have additional questions. Once all necessary information has been collected, the report will be sent out to an available beekeeper. If none are available in a timely manner, the coordinator will handle the call.
Try to include the following information if known:
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Location (tree, mailbox, bench, etc.)​
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How high off the ground (approximately 5 feet)
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Time of day (morning, afternoon)
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How long have they been there? (about an hour)
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Weather conditions
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Good phone number to reach you
An RBA member will reach out to you to arrange a time to come out. They will have all the necessary equipment to safely remove and relocate the swarm.
What if I have bees in my house?
Honey bees inside your house can cause a lot of problems and need to be removed by someone who understands how to do it properly. Spraying poison or calling an exterminator is the wrong thing to do. Killing honey bees inside a house will attract other pests such as flies, roaches, ants, mice and worse because of leftover honey and rotting brood. It also doesn't guarantee that the honey bees will stay gone. At some point a new colony will smell the left over comb and move in. Be safe and call a pro who specializes in extractions.
John Goeddey with Rappahannock Honey Bee Removal has been working with RBA for several years. John has performed over 100 successful extractions. He is licensed and insured.
