Resources
Swarm Catchers
Find guidance for reporting honey bee swarms and understand when a local beekeeper may be able to assist with safe collection. Swarms are usually temporary, but prompt communication helps protect bees and the public.
What to Know
When to Call
A honey bee swarm often appears as a dense cluster of bees hanging from a branch, fence, or other surface while scout bees search for a new home. Do Not spray anything on the bees or the beekeeper can not take them. If the swarm is accessible and poses a concern, reaching out quickly improves the chance that a beekeeper can respond.
Before Reporting
Note the exact location, whether the swarm is on public or private property, how high it is, and when it was first seen. A clear photo can also help confirm that the insects are honey bees. A guide that will help you determine if you have honey bees is available here.
Important Limits
Swarm catchers are typically volunteers or independent beekeepers. Availability varies, and removal may not be possible for swarms inside walls, chimneys, or other structures that require specialized cut-out work.
Swarm Catchers List
Use this list to identify available swarm catchers by county. Updated September 13, 2026
| Swarm Catcher | Phone Number | Broome | Chenango | Cortland | Delaware | Tioga | Bradford | Susquehanna |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gene Brown | 607-727-9303 | Yes | ||||||
| Ric Bronson * | 607-761-8524 | Yes | ||||||
| Jerry Emmons | 607-235-6596 | Yes | ||||||
| Anthony Gee * | 607-768-1701 | Yes | ||||||
| Todd Hager | 607-760-0266 | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Carl Jones | 607-760-6425 | Yes | ||||||
| Tom Jones | 607-625-3318 | Yes | ||||||
| Julie Henrey * | 607-743-8685 | Yes | Yes | |||||
| Marianne Lown | 607-761-7303 | Yes | Yes | |||||
| Jim Perkins | 570-967-2634 | Yes | ||||||
| John Smey * | 607-222-0192 | Yes | ||||||
| Jennifer Spencer | 607-3459326 | Yes | ||||||
| Bob Talkiewicz | 607-427-2420 | Yes | ||||||
| Joseph VanSteenburg | 607-316-5004 | Yes | ||||||
| Jim Harbaker | 607-215-5858 | Yes | ||||||
| Timothy Wilcox | 607-867-1677 | Yes | Yes | |||||
| John Deskur | 607-321-5021 | Yes | ||||||
| * Will also do cut-outs | ||||||||
Helpful Details
Share Key Information
When contacting the Southern Tier Beekeepers Association, include the location, height, accessibility, and whether the bees are clustered outdoors or entering a structure. This helps determine the most appropriate next step.
Street address or landmark
Approximate swarm height
Photo if safely available
Whether bees are inside a building