Swarm Capture & Re-Homing
LOW HANGING HONEYBEE SWARM RE-HOMING
If you see a cluster of bees hanging from a low branch of a tree, bush, or shrub, you most likely have a swarm of honeybees. They can also cluster on chairs, buildings, and many other places. This isn’t a bad thing, and despite what the media and Hollywood would like to make you believe, a swarm is a natural process of growth of a hive and tends to be when they are the gentlest. They don’t have a hive to defend now so often they are more docile. I’ll admit it is a sight to be seen, but it isn’t “killer bees coming for you!” Trust me! Especially if you are in Northern New England.
Things to do:
- If you see the bees swirling all around in the air in your yard, I mean A LOT OF BEES, without walking into the warm or too close. Try to watch where they end up and cluster. They will form a hanging cluster.
- If they are under 10 feet from the ground, Hood Brook Apiary may be able to remove them and save their lives for you at no cost. If we can’t, we will refer you to someone else who may be able to.
Most experienced beekeepers offer this service for Free or very cheap to cover gas. (Most beekeepers who capture swarms have the equipment necessary to be safe and many have the equipment to get much higher than we can.) Hood Brook Apiary focuses on low-hanging swarms.
3. DO NOT Spray Them! WITH ANYTHING! Not even water.
4. DO NOT Try Knocking Them Down with sticks stones or by tossing anything at them. You will surely piss them off!
5. Just stand back, watch Mother Nature work, and wait for Hood Brook Apiary or another beekeeper to arrive and gently remove them. They will be relocated, given a new home, and a chance to survive and grow.
It may take a little time for the beekeeper to get ready, pack his/her gear then drive to your location and set up. Don’t panic, though it is possible they leave the area rather quickly, in most cases, once they cluster, they are there for the day and up to as many as several days.
