The Honeybee Swarm
While the mere idea of a honeybee swarm is enough to make most people cringe with fear, the truth of the matter is that these are a valuable, instinctive part of the honeybee's life cycle.
Knowing the truth about this natural phenomenon helps to alleviate some of the fear people experience when they witness a one. Also, in the absence of such fear, knowledge of these helps people learn to appreciate the beauty and significance of such an incredible event. Colonies of bees typically numbering many thousands take flight together in order to find a new home for their growing population.
What is a Honeybee Swarm? and
Why Do Honeybees Swarm?
This is a part of a bee colony's normal life cycle and helps colonies reproduce themselves.
When a nest or bee hives becomes too congested or overcrowded, bees intuitively do this in order to find a new home. Such events primarily occur in the late spring and summer months. Skilled workers in the art of beekeeping also will encourage this, which they then are prepared to safely control. Honeybee swarms are also sometimes triggered by the presence of an aged honey bee queen or a very mild winter.
Do Honeybee Swarms Hurt Humans and Pets?
During a swarm, honeybees are not known to be aggressive. Because the bees are not foraging for food, nor is there a nest to protect, there is no need for them to don an aggressive stance against humans or animals. It is just about finding a new home, maybe your garden honey bee gardens are everywhere, it is not about attacking others along the way. However, just like most other living beings, if purposely provoked, honeybees will attack during a swarm. Just remember to leave them alone and it is highly unlikely you will ever have to worry about being attacked by one. If you are unfortunate to be stung by a bee you will need to know about first aid for bee stings
What Should I Do if a Swarm
Lands on My Property?
Often, these bees will land in a cone or beard-shaped cluster on tree branches or other ledges for a day or two before moving on. The reason for this is that the colony's scouts are seeking an available cavity where a new hive can be built. During this time, the rest of the colony patiently hangs around awaiting the return of its scouts. If a swarm lands on your property, it is likely to only be there a day or two until its scouts return. Of course, keep children and pets away from the colony, but this is a good time to observe it from a distance, as it is a wonderful process of nature. However, be mindful not to get too close and you do not want to agitate the bees by trying to remove them with pesticides or present yourself as a threat in any other way during their visit. If the bees appear to nest for longer than a few days, call a local beekeeper to have them removed. Since bees also do not create hive openings, but are merely look for existing ones, it is a good practice to regularly inspect your property for openings that may appear inviting bees to set up home. Remember that honeybee swarms are a necessary fact of nature, as they are important to a honeybee's life cycle. Because the honeybee's pollination is just as important to our food crops, we must learn to appreciate the value of honeybee swarms and not think of them as something to be feared. The next time you witness a one, take a moment to quietly observe its significance and the effort that honeybees are making to grow their colony for which both humans and honeybees benefit.
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