Pictured on this page are clusters of honeybees, collectively referred to as swarms. Swarming is a honeybee colony's natural means of reproduction whereupon a single colony splits into two or more separate colonies.

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Honeybees in this unique stage of their life cycle will permanently depart their original home and form a cluster at a nearby location. The size and shape of swarm clusters vary, as will the object or surface they choose to land on. We've retrieved swarms from tree branches, fences, and even the hoods of cars!

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The clustered configuration of the swarm serves as a temporary holding position. Having left their food supplies behind, the bees cannot survive indefinitely in this state. Groups of "scout bees" leave the cluster in search of a suitable nesting site. In as little as one hour and sometimes up to multiple days, the cluster will lift off after the scout bees have decided on a new location to occupy. The swarm's arrival at their destination can be intimidating to those who haven't previously witnessed this event. As can be seen in the picture below, the sky is essentially "raining" bees as the colony decends upon the entrance to their new home. The chaos associated with a newly arriving swarm often results in some honeybees finding their way into the living space of residences. ​​​