Encountering a swarm of bees can be intimidating, but it is important to remember that bees are essential pollinators and should not be harmed. If you come across a swarm, it is important to take the right steps to ensure everyone’s safety. In this post, we will go through what to do if you encounter a swarm of bees and provide you with some useful tips.
What is a swarm?
A swarm of bees is a natural phenomenon that occurs when a honey bee colony becomes too large and decides to split in order to form a new colony. This typically happens in the spring or early summer when the queen bee and a large portion of the worker bees leave the existing hive in search of a new location to build a new colony. During this process, the bees will gather in a large group, often hanging from a tree or other object in the open air, while they send out scout bees to find a suitable location for their new home. Swarms can be quite large and can contain anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of bees, making them a potentially intimidating sight for those who are not familiar with them.
If you encounter bees that are coming and going from a cavity in a structure like a building, shed, or other enclosure, you are not dealing with a swarm, but an established colony. The removal of honey bees from a cavity is called a “cutout” and is a much larger job than a swarm removal.
Step 1: Stay Calm
The first step is to remain calm. Do not panic or swat at the bees as this will only make them more aggressive. If possible, move away slowly and calmly from the swarm.
Step 2: Contact a Professional Beekeeper
If you come across a swarm of bees, the best course of action is to contact a professional beekeeper to safely remove the bees. Many local beekeepers, apiaries, and bee clubs offer swarm removal services. You can also contact a cooperative extension service in your area to get information on local beekeepers and removal services. Try searching for local beekeepers in your area in the My Honey Crate Directory.
Remember that for most professional beekeepers, they are providing a service just like any other skilled trade and they will likely charge a fee. The swarm, itself, is never considered as compensation. If a beekeeper does offer the service for free, consider a generous tip for their time, gas/tolls, and the general risk they are taking to make your property safer, as well as the efforts that go into trying to relocate the bees. You may tip more if the beekeeper must climb higher or in a more precarious position to retrieve the bees. If they are helping you out, show them your appreciation.
Step 3: Provide Information to the Beekeeper
When you contact the beekeeper, provide them with as much information as possible about the location of the swarm. Describe the height of the swarm off the ground and what the swarm is hanging from, such as a tree branch, side of a building, etc. If you have a phone with a camera, offer to text or email photos to the beekeeper. This will help the beekeeper to determine the best method for removal. Be sure to let them know if anyone in the area has an allergy to bee stings.
Step 4: Wait for the Beekeeper
Once you have contacted the beekeeper, it is important to stay away from the swarm until the beekeeper arrives. Bees are less aggressive when they are swarming, but it is still important to stay a safe distance away. If in a common area, let others know so they can stay away until the swarm has been removed. A caution sign can be helpful, especially for people who may have an allergy or sensitivity to bee stings.
A professional beekeeper will arrive with all of the necessary tools and gear to safely, quickly, and efficiently remove the bees. Sometimes they will need access to an outlet for their “bee vac”. Other times they will simply knock the bees into a box and then wait for the stragglers to move into the box(it’s mesmerizing to watch). As with any wild animals, unexpected things happen and the duration of the visit can vary. In most cases, a swarm removal can take around an hour. Be sure to follow your beekeeper’s instructions and do not interfere with the process unless specifically asked. Your beekeeper will thank you.
Step 5: Avoid Spraying or Killing the Bees
It is important to avoid spraying or killing the bees in the swarm. Not only is this dangerous, but it is also harmful to the environment. Bees are important pollinators and play a vital role in our ecosystem. In some jurisdictions, local governments have passed laws against killing honey bees, so it’s best left to a professional to remove the swarm.
Encountering a swarm of bees can be frightening, but it is important to remember that bees are not aggressive when they are swarming. If you come across a swarm, the best course of action is to contact a professional beekeeper who can safely remove the bees. Do not attempt to remove the swarm yourself, and avoid spraying or killing the bees. By taking the right steps, we can all help to protect these important pollinators.