Wet the surface of the swarm with the soapy water and continue wetting as the outer layer of soaked bees fall from the swarm. Continue wetting the newly, exposed, dry bees until all have been thoroughly covered and drowned. Commercial insecticidal soaps do not seem to work as effectively as ordinary dishwashing detergents. Warm water, though not necessary, helps the soap disperse quicker. Bee swarms should not be killed indiscriminately.
Bees are beneficial insects, helping pollinate flowers and vegetables.
Unless a swarm is causing a distinct problem and cannot be tolerated, it should be left alone. Most honey bee swarms will leave a resting site within a few hours. Eliminating possible points of entry by bees into buildings and removing other potential nest sites is the best way to prevent serious problems with bees around structures. Information is also available on Africanized Honey Bees and their current range in Texas. The information given herein is for educational purposes only.