Spring Swarm Tutorial

It's spring here in the south and the bees have started swarming. I caught two swarms within walking distance of my office yesterday. Many people go their entire lives without seeing this awesome phenomenon of nature. Unfortunately many who do are ignorant about what they are witnessing and make unwise decisions when this happens. Honeybees provide a valuable service to humanity by pollinating 80% of our food supply. Bees are now threatened which means it's up to us to go above and beyond to protect them. Many times people will call a pest control service to destroy a honeybee swarm out of fear or ignorance. That's why I write - to dispel fear and educate.

First of all - DO NOT PANIC! A clump of bees on a tree limb, post or flat surface will not stay there permanently. Bees will wait in a clump for scouts to find a suitable new home for them. Unfortunately it sometimes winds up being in the walls of a building where the bees are eventually exterminated. This is why the next thing is important: CALL A BEEKEEPER. A beekeeper will put them in a hive designed especially for them and will take care of them.

If you do not know of a beekeeper in your area you may contact your local law enforcement who may know of one and also your local extension office. Many areas have beekeeper organizations that may be found on the internet.

In the meantime, enjoy the show. I don't advise that you get close to them, especially if you're allergic, but they are fascinating to watch. A queen bee whose pheromone is the unifying factor in the clump is somewhere down in there and every bee is tuned to her. When they reach their new home they'll build comb, the queen will lay hundreds of eggs and they'll continue just as they've done for hundreds of years. Your part in this is to make sure the new home is one where they'll be tended and cared for.