Swarm Removal

Beekeepers Who Recapture Honey Bees

When a honey bee colony outgrows its current space, the queen and roughly half the bees leave to find a new home. First they land on a tree branch, bush, or some other location usually 3-15 feet off the ground. This soft, fuzzy group of bees is called a swarm, and is typically the size of a football or basketball, though it may spread out. They stay this way for a few hours or a few days, while scout bees are looking for a new suitable place to live. Then the swarm leaves. (Honey bee swarms do not look like nests made of paper.)

bee swarmbee swarm on car

If you see a honey bee swarm, like above, call one of our beekeepers from the list below, or call/text (630) 557-6233 immediately so a beekeeper can be dispatched. Please leave a detailed message that describes the swarm size, exact street address and location on the property, and height from the ground. Send photos if available.

wasp nestyellowjacket nest

These photos show wasp nests, which do not contain or support honey bees. Call an exterminator. Honey bees do not usually create nests in the open, preferring enclosed spaces. 

While the swarm is formed, the bees are extremely gentle. They have no home to protect, no young to care for, and no honey stores. Call a beekeeper right away as soon as you notice a swarm appearing, so we can come collect them and relocate the bees to an apiary where they will be cared for.

Try to identify whether what you have are actually honey bees (bottom left) using the chart below. Sending photos to the beekeeper is always appreciated.

 bee identification

Swarm Catchers and Honey Bee Removers

If indicated, these members remove honey bee swarms, usually at no cost and/or will remove honey bees from structures (called a cut-out) usually at a cost. Contact one as soon as you notice a swarm of honey bees. Be prepared to describe the swarm size, exact location and height from the ground.

Area SurroundingBeekeeperPhoneSwarms  Cut-outs
Bolingbrook Darien Kruss847-274-3911X X
Braidwood Jim Lindau815-600-9633X
CHANNAHON Jim Etienne8154674154X
Glenwood Michael Rusnak708-755-4705X
Homer Glen Andy Koning8154854211X
Homer Glen Rick Rigoni708-214-0456X
Joliet Carl Wagner815-603-8398X
Joliet Gilbert Mitchell8156853565X
Joliet Dan Sergeant815-608-1658X
Manhattan John Kiefner815-258-9223X
Matteson George Gomoll7084066518X
Midlothian Rick Lorenz708-527-9402X
Minooka Dave Meyer815-341-7640X
Monee Larry Pilotto708-691-4727X
Naperville Joseph Talbot6309047854X
New Lenox William Urban815-485-7240X
Orland Park Patrick Schab708-334-9521 X
Orland Park Jerry Stechmiller708 606-3655X
Oswego Jim Blough815-570-9463X
Rockdale Leon Bilbrew815-483-5305X
Shorewood David Johnson815-546-6260X
University Park Marva King708-534-2221X
Willow Springs Mary Hodina708 204 9239X
Woodridge Marge Trocki630-853-2704X
This map shows approximate areas where our beekeepers are located. Depending on the circumstances, many of our beekeepers will travel quite a distance to assist you. 

Enter your address to find a WillBees beekeeper in your area:

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The following cities, villages, municipalities, and townships in Will County, Illinois are served by our bee swarm removers: Andres, Aurora, Beecher, Bolingbrook, Braidwood, Channahon, Coal City, Crest Hill, Crete, Crystal Lawns, Custer, Diamond, DuPage, Elwood, Fairmont, Florence, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Godley, Goodenow, Goodings Grove, Green Garden, Homer, Homer Glen, Ingalls Park, Jackson, Joliet, Lakewood Shores, Lemont, Lockport, Manhattan, Minooka, Mokena, Monee, Naperville, New Lenox, Orland Park, Park Forest, Peotone, Plainfield, Preston Heights, Pue, Reed, Ridgewood, Rockdale, Romeoville, Sauk Village, Shorewood, Steger, Symerton, Tinley Park, Troy, University Park, Washington, Wesley, Wheatland, Will, Willowbrook, Wilmington, Wilton, Wilton Center, Woodridge. Our members also travel to other areas in greater Chicagoland including the West suburbs and South suburbs.

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Meetings are generally 6:30pm-9pm
Will County Farm Bureau
100 Manhattan Rd
Joliet, IL 60433
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