In an unusual turn of events, swarms of bees in Midtown Manhattan have startled locals and tourists alike, as thousands of buzzing insects were seen clustering on bicycles, trash bins, and city fixtures. Captured in dramatic videos across social media, these “flying storms” have sparked both fear and fascination. Experts link this rare spectacle to seasonal behavior and rising rooftop beekeeping. Though alarming in appearance, specialists assure these bees are calm and temporary. Still, the heart of Manhattan has become an unexpected stage for nature’s most unexpected performance.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Bee swarms spotted across Midtown Manhattan, including West 38th Street and Sixth Avenue

• Videos show dramatic scenes of 20,000–30,000 bees swirling in public

• Swarms occur when bee colonies relocate during warm months

• Bees are not aggressive in swarm form and pose minimal risk unless provoked

• Rooftop beekeeping trend and lack of greenery may be contributing to increased visibility

• NYPD and hobbyist beekeepers often handle swarm removal

• City urges residents to call 911 if swarms appear on public property

It’s not every day that Midtown Manhattan pauses for a swarm of bees.

Yet this season, an extraordinary buzz has gripped parts of the city — quite literally. From planters and garbage bins to unsuspecting bicycles chained to sidewalks, thousands upon thousands of bees have made brief pit stops across the borough’s concrete sprawl. The scenes have left New Yorkers puzzled, on edge, and, for some, utterly fascinated.

What has unfolded appears almost cinematic: fast-moving clouds of honeybees spiraling through West 38th Street, near Radio City Music Hall, and along Seventh Avenue, causing pedestrians to freeze mid-step and reach for their phones. Videos capturing what many have called “biblical” swarms have since made their rounds on social media, raising an obvious question — why now, and why here?

A Tornado of Wings

“You’re standing there, and there’s 20 or 30,000 bees in a tornado flying through Midtown Manhattan. It’s definitely going to make people pay attention,” said Nick Rozak, head beekeeper at Bee University NYC and president of the Staten Island chapter of the New York Bee Club.

Rozak has seen his share of bee behavior, but even he admits that the timing and location of these swarms are unusual — if not visually striking. Still, for those versed in the rhythm of bee life, this phenomenon is less of a mystery and more of a seasonal norm.

Every year, particularly between May and July, bee colonies prepare for a major transition. Once conditions are right — typically warm weather, blooming flowers, and an overcrowded hive — a colony may begin to split. The result is a swarm: a mobile cloud of bees in search of a new home.

According to the New York City Health Department, over 200 species of bees are known to inhabit the city’s ecosystem — nesting in trees, under building facades, even near light poles. But much like their human neighbors, summertime is when these tiny city dwellers get most active.

A Pause Before a New Beginning

City officials explain that when bees swarm, it often means they are taking a temporary rest. They may land on a stationary object while a group of scout bees flies off to find a new nesting site.

“They’re not making homes on bicycles or lamp posts,” Rozak clarified. “The workers are just hanging out, waiting for further instructions.”

In this state, bees are rarely aggressive. With no hive, no young to guard, and no honey to protect, they remain calm — even if their presence may seem ominous to the untrained eye.

Too Many Bees for One Borough?

Nick Hoefly, a certified master beekeeper and the administration director at the New York Bee Club, added further insight. Swarming, he noted, is a completely natural part of bee behavior. The issue is not so much that bees are swarming, but where they’re doing it.

“Swarming behavior is very regular,” he said. “But in Midtown, it’s a lot more visible. There’s just not enough greenery to absorb or hide these swarms.”

And that, Hoefly explained, is where the urban factor plays a crucial role. As rooftop gardens and corporate beehives proliferate across Manhattan — often seen as eco-friendly gestures — they may unintentionally be creating more bees than the city’s infrastructure can comfortably host.

“The density is a little higher than what Midtown can handle,” Hoefly said. “The swarming may be a little more than they would be regularly, but it’s not a wild thing that we’re seeing.”

Beekeeping, the Responsible Way

While swarming is healthy and natural for bees, urban beekeepers are taught to minimize its occurrence — or at least manage it safely.

“As an urban beekeeper, it’s part of our responsibility to actually prevent swarming,” Rozak explained. “It’s healthy for the bee to do that, but in an urban setting, we try our best to prevent it.”

There are various techniques beekeepers use to “trick” bees into staying in their hive — such as splitting hives in advance or ensuring the bees don’t become overcrowded. If these preventive steps are skipped or mishandled, the colony may swarm prematurely.

In Rozak’s opinion, the recent Midtown activity could be traced back to a possible case of an inexperienced beekeeper, or perhaps even wild, unmanaged hives. Either way, it highlights the need for vigilance and education.

What Should You Do If You Spot a Swarm?

The city’s Health Department advises that if residents see a swarm on public property, they should immediately dial 911. A designated “bee cop” — yes, a real position — is assigned to manage such calls. That officer, in turn, maintains a roster of local beekeepers who can step in if needed.

Between 2019 and 2024, NYPD’s specialized beekeeping unit responded to dozens of bee-related incidents across the five boroughs, according to Gothamist.

In many cases, hobbyist beekeepers often rush to the scene without charging a fee, eager for the opportunity to capture a swarm. Others, including pest control agencies, may charge depending on the situation.

“Most of the swarms that you’re seeing on social media are getting picked up by local beekeepers,” Hoefly confirmed. “It really depends on who’s available and how much of a nuisance the swarm is.”

Are Swarms Dangerous?

While it’s easy to feel alarmed by a moving cloud of buzzing insects, Rozak and Hoefly both stress that bee swarms are rarely dangerous.

“It looks terrifying, but you could literally just stand in the middle,” Rozak said — unless, of course, someone is allergic. The bees are in a passive state and not inclined to sting unless directly disturbed.

Hoefly echoed that sentiment, with a note of caution.

“You want to practice a little bit of caution because they are stinging insects,” he said. “But they’re generally not going to bother you much if you’re not bothering them.”

The best approach, he said, is to simply avoid disturbing them. Take a picture if you like, but don’t interfere — and then call for help.

A Club for Bees and Beekeepers

The New York Bee Club, launched just last year with chapters in Staten Island and Queens and an upcoming Brooklyn wing, is focused on helping beekeepers build healthier, more manageable hives. Workshops and events emphasize swarm prevention, hive care, and safe urban beekeeping.

“Especially in urban areas, the goal is always to keep your bees in the box,” Hoefly said. “The bees sometimes have made up their mind, and no matter what you do, they’re going to swarm … but the more responsible you are as a beekeeper, the better ability you have to keep the bees from swarming.”

As Midtown continues to buzz — in every sense — one thing is certain: in a city known for movement, even the bees are finding their way into the rhythm.