Some CDBA members will remove swarms or will provide specialized cutout services to remove established honeybee colonies from structures. [Click here for more information about differences between swarm removal and cutout services]
Honeybee swarms will generally only remain in place for hours to days before moving on to a more permanent location. Because of that, it is important to contact someone right away (phone or text messages would probably be most effective) if you wish to have a swarm removed. It might also be best to locate someone relatively close to your location using town names or zip codes as a guide, although beekeepers are often willing to travel a fair distance to capture swarms. Some beekeepers are only willing to remove swarms within specific areas and that are easily accessible (e.g., no higher than some distance above the ground).
The following table provides information about CDBA beekeepers willing to provide swarm removal and/or cutout services. There is no guarantee that specific beekeepers will agree to remove a swarm within a specific timeframe or under certain conditions (e.g., accessibility or safety concerns).
*** Please note that this list of CDBA members that offer swarm removal and cutout services is being provided without any recommendation, endorsement, or liability by the CDBA. The State of Illinois requires people performing and accepting payment for cutout services to obtain an Illinois Structural Pest Control Business license. It is up to people seeking such services to to check with the service provider about whether they have the appropriate license. ***
CDBA Swarm Removal and Cutout Services List
| Swarm Removal or Cutouts | Name | Location | Zip Code | E-Mail Link | Phone/Text |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swarms only | Thomas Bozek | Downers Grove | 60516 | (630) 201-2545 | |
| Swarms only | John Hayse | Downers Grove | 60516 | (630) 399-8082 | |
| Swarms only | Dale Kleber | Hinsdale | 60521 | — | (630) 280-9484 |
| Swarms and Cutouts | Mike Maloney | Justice | 60458 | — | (708) 670-8041 |
| Swarms only | Ted Mrozek | Westchester | 60154 | — | (708) 228-6945 |
| Swarms and Cutouts [Licensed by State of Illinois to safely relocate honeybees] | Pete Soltesz | Chicagoland & suburbs | 60000 | (630) 207-4255 | |
| Swarms and Cutouts | Dave Brady | Chicago | 60660 | (312) 515-7375 | |
| Swarms only | Bill Gasper | Burr Ridge | 60527 | (630) 323-3960 | |
| Swarms and Cutouts [Licensed by State of Illinois to safely relocate honeybees] | Kim Kulton | Greater Chicago Area | 60181 | (630) 926-0273 | |
| Swarms only | Robert Vear | La Grange | 60525 | — | (630) 207-3983 |
| Swarms and Cutouts [Licensed by the IL Dept. of Public Health & fully insured; Honeybee removals performed live.] | Bill Whitney (City Bee Savers) | Chicagoland & suburbs | 60000 | (630) 660-9846 |
CDBA members interested in being added to the list can apply using this application form
The map below indicates the approximate locations of CDBA beekeepers who offer swarm capture services. Keep in mind that many beekeepers are willing to travel well beyond the designated circles to capture swarms! Click on circles to identify the beekeepers. Then look up contact information for your choices in the list above.
Map of CDBA Swarm Catchers!