Bee swarming is a normal and natural phenomenon. It can generally be observed in the spring season. When you notice spring season approaching, you will be able to spot a few beehives and active swarming. Spring happens to be the busiest time of the year, not just for bees, but for beekeepers as well.
If you want to know more about bee swarming, then you are on the right page. We are about to discuss bee swarms and what to do when you spot a swarm.
Let’s dive in.
What is bee swarming?
Swarming is the natural process of reproduction that bee colonies follow. This happens when one single bee colony divides itself into two or more colonies. The new colonies of bees carry as much honey as possible in their stomachs and seek a new location for their new hive. This new location is usually less than 20-30 meters away from the original colony since the bees carry the risk of dying out of starvation if they do not find a new home soon. If you have spotted a beehive around you, chances are that they will split and swarm and create multiple hives nearby once spring comes around. Bee swarming may be a vital activity in the lifecycle of bees, but it is also a period of risk and vulnerability for them.
It is natural for any healthy bee colony to feel an urge to reproduce and grow. However, this can only be done efficiently when the external conditions are right, and bees are fully aware of this fact. Bees seek warmer weather to reproduce, which is what the spring season can provide. Along with this, spring comes with an abundance of food sources available for the bees in the form of nectar and pollen. Both of these factors combined make spring the most ideal season for bees to reproduce and swarm.
What to do when your spot bees swarming?
Contrary to popular belief, bees that in the stage of swarming are less dangerous than their regular selves. This is due to the bees being extraordinarily vulnerable to the risk of starvation and death, in case the supply of honey in their body is exhausted. However, if you are allergic to bees, it is always advisable to maintain a safe distance and avoid any interaction with them. Even if you aren’t allergic to bee stings, maintain a safe distance from the bee swarm to avoid any episodes of stinging.
It is important to understand bee swarming is a temporary phenomenon and it simply means that the bees are looking for a new home. If you spot a bee swarm near your residence, it may be best to exercise some patience and restraint and ignore the swarm. In case you try to agitate them, there is a risk of a retaliatory attack from the bees. Once they find a temporary or permanent home, they will be out of everybody’s way.
Final Words
The best way to tackle bee swarms is by calling pest control professionals. Bee swarms are extremely dangerous, and any step you take to handle them and work against you as bees may attack you in groups resulting in multiple stings. Therefore, call a pest control company and let them tackle the situation without any hassle.
