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Swarm

 


Swarm in Tree
Ball of Bees
swarm on truck
A swarm of honey bees is a natural phenomenon.  It is the way of multiplying their populations ensuring survival.

Swarms start as a cloud of thousands of bees and can land on almost anything to rest.    A swarm can be the size of a golf ball but can be much larger.     Before they swarm they gorge themselves on honey and are generally docile.     Honey bees don't generally sting unless provoked.  They do not have resources to defend other than the queen.   Although the swarm may look scary, try to just watch nature at work.

Here are tips you need to know...
Step 1 -  Safety Assessment
Don't try to move the swarm
Don't spray it with anything
Do keep pets and people away

Step 2 -  Collect information   (a beekeeper need to know so that he/she can bring the necessary equipment)
Where is the swarm?
How big is the swarm?
How high is the swarm?
Is it on your property?
Take a picture of the swarm if you can.   (We need to know if the bees are really honeybees)

Step 3 -  Call A Swarm Collector  (a beekeeper who has experience capturing open swarms)

                                                          
Swarm Catchers List 

Important: if you have honeybees in a home or other structure... it IS NOT a swarm.   Honeybees in a home or structure are an established colony.  

This will require evaluation for removal and a cost estimate.   Important:  Beekeepers do not repair structures that may be damaged due to honeybee removal.   

We are currently developing a list of qualified beekeepers who are capable of effectively removing established honeybee colonies from structures.   

For options contact:    President@Blackwaterbeekeepers.org