HONEY BEE SWARM?
"PROTECTING POLLINATORS WHILE PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY."
Call A Beekeeper, Not An Exterminator
“If a swarm of honey bees is seen, call a beekeeper, not an exterminator!” Few things will grab attention as quickly as the buzzing of thousands of bees clustered on a tree branch and flying all around the yard. It also can be very alarming because, after all, these are stinging insects that will defend themselves if disturbed. Although having a swarm of bees in the yard might be unnerving, it is fascinating and one of Nature’s most dazzling displays of coordinated behavior.
What Is A Swarm Of Honey Bees?
Swarming is how honey bee colonies reproduce and create new hives. When a colony becomes overcrowded, workers build special swarm cells for new queens. The original queen stops laying eggs, slims down to fly, and leaves with about half the colony in a cloud of bees. They cluster on a nearby tree or branch while scout bees search for a new home. Once a suitable spot is found, the swarm moves in and begins building comb, raising brood, and foraging.
Meanwhile, the bees left behind care for developing queens. After about 16 days, a new queen emerges—usually the first to hatch, as she eliminates rivals. She then mates with drones and begins laying eggs to rebuild the hive’s population.
When Do Swarms Occur?
Usually, swarming activity coincides with the nectar flow in the spring. This is when a wide variety of plants are in bloom, making nectar and pollen resources bountiful. The primary swarm season is between May and June, but occasionally secondary swarms occur later in the season. These secondary swarms often are not as successful in establishing new colonies because they are unable to build new combs and collect sufficient resources in time to survive the coming winter.
Are Swarms Dangerous?
When honey bees are swarming, they are not nearly as defensive as they are around their hive because they are not protecting brood (developing young bees) or honey stores. They are more concerned with scouting for a new home and staying in protective clusters around the queen. If disturbed or agitated, they will defend the cluster; therefore, it is advisable for people to keep their distance from a swarm of bees to avoid being stung.
How Long Until The Swarm Leaves?
This is difficult to answer because it depends on weather conditions and when the scout bees find a suitable cavity to colonize. Typically, swarms only stay in one place for a few hours or maybe a day, but some swarms may remain for several days.
What If The Swarm Is In A Problematic Place?
Although the swarm may be alarming, especially to people who are allergic to bee stings, please do not spray the swarm with an insecticide or attempt to destroy it. This actually may agitate the bees and increase the likelihood of being stung. More importantly, honey bees face many perils and have suffered significant declines in recent years. An array of pests, diseases, and environmental stresses have caused significant losses for beekeepers; therefore, bee swarms should be protected rather than destroyed. New York beekeepers are found statewide, and many are eager to collect swarms to start new colonies, enhancing the chances that the swarm will survive.
What If The Bees Are In A Building?
If bees have moved into a chimney, column, or wall space in a building, then they are no longer swarming and will remain to build a new colony. They will build wax combs, lay eggs, and store honey and pollen. Sealing the entrance or killing the colony will leave the bees and their hive materials inside the cavity to die and rot, which will attract rodents and pests. The colony and its provisions must be removed before the entrance is sealed. This may require some deconstruction, which may be beyond the abilities of a beekeeper. A few beekeepers around the state are capable of this type of work. Some beekeepers can deconstruct and remove the colony, but repairs will require the skills of a licensed contractor that can clean and restore the damaged structure.
What Will It Cost To Remove A Swarm Or Hive?
In most cases, swarms that are located outside and have not moved into a structure will be removed at no cost to you. Fixing of any structural damage to buildings will be your responsibility.
"FUZZY BEE, NICE TO ME.
SMOOTH ONE, BETTER RUN!"
WHAT WE OFFER?
-Consultations-
ask a question, send us a photo, talk about your options
-Swarm Removal-
we may come and remove a swarm from your outside property depending on some specifics
-Outbuilding Removal-
we may remove a hive from your shed or barn, etc. depending on some specifics
Contact
Fingerlakes Honey Company
or your local beekeeping organization
for help with a swarm or hive.
