Honey bees swarm when they are leaving one colony and looking for a new nest site. This happens when the original colony has grown too large; a new queen is raised and the old queen sets out with about half the bees to set up a new colony. They cluster together while scouts seek a new home in a hollow tree, for example, or an empty beekeeper’s hive. However, when a swarm of bees lands on a private property, residents are naturally concerned. The following are some tips for dealing with a Honey Bee Swarm in Columbus OH.
First of all, if the swarm is in a place that’s easy to avoid, it’s okay to let it be for awhile. When bees are swarming, they’re not aggressive and are very unlikely to sting unless they’re disturbed. Moreover, a swarm is a temporary arrangement, and the bees are sure to disperse on their own as soon as a new nest is located. However, if the bees are too close to a place where humans need to be, like above a door or inside a wall, it will be necessary to remove them.
It’s important that residents do not try to remove bees on their own. Most attempts by non-experts just lead to injuries. Attacking a swarm with rocks and sticks only serves to provoke them. It’s also best to avoid exterminators who treat swarms with pesticide. Not only do they destroy the bees, they poison the honey, which will then kill other colonies of bees who find it. Honey bees are beneficial to the environment because they pollinate plants, and they should be preserved if at all possible.
Many residents turn to professional beekeepers to remove a honey bee swarm, and this is often an ideal solution. Beekeepers have the necessary equipment to capture and remove a swarm, and they can also benefit by gaining new bees for their own hives. Unfortunately, not all beekeepers provide this service. If none are available, an alternative solution is an animal control company that deals with wild animals in particular. An animal control professional can remove and relocate a swarm safely. Visit Wildlife Control Company to get professional help in removing a Honey Bee Swarm in Columbus OH.
