Tens of thousands of bees swarm into summer cottage chimney in eastern Finland

A swarm of up to 30,000 honeybees has taken over the chimney of Juha Kannasmaa’s summer cottage in Lapinlahti, eastern Finland, after the insects apparently abandoned their hive in search of a new home, Yle reports.

Kannasmaa first noticed the bees buzzing around the chimney of his seasonal home in Heinähon village a few days ago but initially left them undisturbed. When the insects began entering the building through ventilation ducts, he attempted to locate their owner via local Facebook groups—without success.

The situation escalated on Thursday as the entire swarm moved into the chimney to build a nest. “Then it started to scare me too,” Kannasmaa said. “If they all come inside, I’ll have to move out.”

With no keeper coming forward, Kannasmaa contacted local beekeeper Kari Lappi, who provided protective gear and a swarm box to safely relocate the bees. The plan is to remove them in the evening when they settle. “Once it cools down and the bees calm, I’ll take them out of the chimney,” Kannasmaa said.

Lappi estimates the swarm could number between 10,000 and 30,000 bees—a common occurrence this season as early spring conditions trigger swarming. Finnish beekeepers’ associations report a surge in calls about escaped swarms, particularly in southern regions.

If the original owner remains unidentified, Lappi will take the bees himself. Under Finnish regulations, managed hives must be inspected at least every eight days to prevent swarming.