Report A Swarm

Typically, honey bees construct their hives high above the ground inside a cavity like a hollow tree. They do not build nests in the ground, so they’re probably not honey bees. Eastern Yellowjackets (Vespula maculifrons, a type of wasp) live in colonies in the ground and can be very aggressive. If you feel they pose a threat, then we suggest you contact an exterminator.

Honey bees do not build visible nests under roof overhangs. Paper wasps (Polistes dominula) build grey-colored nests with cells that appear to be honeycomb in shape, usually under roof overhangs. So if you can see the nest, they’re probably not honey bees. If you feel they pose a threat, then we suggest you contact an exterminator.

Not all insects with yellow and black stripes are honey bees. Both yellowjackets and paper wasps may have a black and yellow pattern on their bodies, similar to honey bees, but honey bees and bumblebees have a coating of hair, while yellowjackets and paper wasps are hairless. So if the insects aren’t fuzzy, they’re probably not honey bees.

This is probably a swarm of honey bees. Honey bees swarm to create new colonies, usually in the Spring. Do not panic. The swarms themselves are not inherently dangerous, the bees are not looking to attack, they’re just looking for a new home. See below about finding a beekeeper to help.

This could be a colony of honey bees. If the entrance to the hive is up high in a tree and is not a nuisance (honey bees are not interested in stinging you, they’re busy looking for flowers), then you could just leave them alone and enjoy the free pollination services they provide. But if the entrance is low or in the side of a house or building, then you will probably want them removed. See below about finding a beekeeper to help.