Beekeepers enlist swarm help
30 April 2011
Thousands of honeybees are on the move at this time of year as new colonies leave their old hives in huge numbers in search of a home, and the British Beekeepers' Association (BBKA) are urging people to look out for swarms and contact them if they see one.
Swarms are the main way honeybees increase their populations, often congregating in a large, seething mass on garden trees or sheds. They have become less common in recent years as honeybee numbers have fallen dramatically. Swarms of wild honeybees rarely survive, so swarm collection by trained beekeepers is one of the most effective ways of repopulating decimated hives and ensuring that as many honeybees survive into the coming summer as possible.
'Swarming early in summer makes us all more aware of honeybees' presence,' says Clive Joyce of the BBKA. 'But a lot of people aren't quite sure what to do if they see a swarm.'
Swarming happens mainly between early May and mid June each year, and there can be up to 20,000 worker bees in each swarm as well as the queen bee at its centre. Although they may look frightening, the bees in a swarm are unlikely to sting unless disturbed or aggravated.
The BBKA advises gardeners who see a bee swarm to leave it undisturbed and contact the local beekeeping association, who will have a dedicated swarm officer. Alternatively, your local council or police station will be able to help.