Swarming Bees

Honeybees can swarm due to a number of factors in the hive and out. Most often it is the result of perceived lack of space in the hive and a need to expand the colony to a new location. With the early spring, and then cold snap, many beekeepers in the area are experiencing unusual swarm activity.

Swarms are quite common in the Niagara Region, there are lots of commercial and hobby apiaries, and plenty of feral colonies that make their homes in the area. Swarming bees can be found as large clusters of bees flying to a new location, or often as a big black mass of bees in a tree or attached to a building. Occasionally swarms will make their way into buildings or hollow trees on property, and cause property owners stress.

The best thing you can do if you encounter a swarm is to contact a professional beekeeper. Many don’t do swarm removals, but most will know someone who does. When the swarm has made its way into a building, getting them out can pose a challenge – and usually will require a fee for service arrangement with a beekeeper. When the swarm is spotted in trees or on the outside of buildings, beekeepers will usually attempt to capture them at no cost.

If they do get into your home or garage, don’t use chemicals on them. Killing them not only impacts the bee populations in the region, but when they die in place, their carcasses and any leftover honey and wax will attract other pests including cockroaches and mice. Rather than have a clean pest in your walls, you could end up with many others! Call a beekeeper!

Tiddley Bee doesn’t do bee removals from inside homes at this time, but we can point you in the direction of someone who does. But if you see a swarm, contact us and we will see if we can capture it before it becomes a problem. Just email us at tiddleybee1@gmail.com, and we will do our best to help you out!