Bee Swarms & Colonies

If you stumble upon something that looks like a beard made of honey bees hanging from a branch, bush, fence or other surfaces, it's likely a swarm that is passing by and just chose to rest for a while. Bees traveling in swarms typically leave within hours or may stay a couple of days; they are not very aggressive since they have no colony to defend. If you notice bees flying continuously in and out of a location (hole in the wall or tree trunk, for example), you probably have located an established colony.

If you find a swarm or colony of bees, contact a local beekeeper.  If the colony is in a structure or building, it is usually necessary to call a licensed structural pest control business for removal. A local beekeeper may be able to assist you.

Some nuisance bees include honey bees, Africanized honey bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets.

Commercial Apiaries

Upon request, Agricultural Commissioner staff is available to conduct apiary inspections. You may also register with our office to receive notice when certain pesticides known or believed to pose a threat to honey bees are applied within a one-mile radius of your operation.

BeeKeepers click here to register your hives

To request an inspection, contact:
Patrick Rodriguez
- Email: rodriguezpj@countyofmonterey.gov
- Phone: 831-759-7397

Bee Collector List 2026 (PDF)

2026 Bee Collectors’ List
Locations served, contact names and phone numbers.

• Peninsula Area, Pacific Grove, Carmel Valley, Seaside & Monterey
  
  • Neil Selbichy
  • (831) 236-3046
  • (831) 236-1694
  • Douglas Westphal
  • (831) 277-0039


• Monterey, Salinas, Prunedale & Carmel Valley
  
  • Jason Bordi
  • (831) 801-5468
  • (831) 663-4392


• Salinas – King City (Located in Gonzales) Se Habla Español
  
  • Mark Pisoni
  • (831) 596-0430
  • (831) 675-7500


• Central Coast
  
  • Rami Shihaden
  • (831) 521-8893
  • (831) 600-5069


• Monterey County
  
  • Katie Chiapuzio
  • (831) 744-3005


• Big Sur, Carmel-By-The-Sea, Carnel Valley, Monterey, Seaside, Marina, Salinas
  
  • Gabe Rasmussen
  • (831) 320-0583
  • (831) 224-3975


• Monterey County
  
  • Jesse Muson
  • (831) 917-4803


• Monterey County
  
  • Chris Riley
  • (408) 687-8532


• Monterey County, Carmel, Monterey, Seaside, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Aromas, Prunedale, Castroville, King City
  
  • Irma Coyt Pina/Eric Pina
  • (831) 262-8523
  • (831) 809-5276


• Monterey Peninsula
  
  • George Zofcin
  • (831) 521-2556


• Monterey County
  
  • Joshua Gates
  • (831) 578-5594


• Seaside, Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Marina
  
  • Sandie Shelby
  • (831) 236-2657

For more information or to connect with local bee keepers, contact
Monterey Bay Beekeepers
http://montereybaybeekeepers.org/

Warm weather causes honeybees to leave their hives in search of new nesting sites. The month of April is peak swarming season. If you see a cloud of bees flying or a bunch of bees resting on a tree branch, these are bees from an overcrowded hive looking for a suitable cavity to use as a home.

If a swarm settles on your property in an exposed location, they will probably leave the next warm day in search of a better site. If they have moved into your wall, they are not likely to leave. It is usually necessary to call a structural pest control company to remove them. Swarms are less aggressive than established colonies that have a home to defend. Swarms and colonies should not be disturbed, and homeowners should not try to remove the bees without some help. The beekeepers above may be interested in collecting the bees. Some may charge for this service, but others do not.

If there are any questions or you wish to be added to the list, please contact:
Patrick Rodriguez
- Email: rodriguezpj@countyofmonterey.gov
- Phone: 831-759-7397