{"id":2232674,"date":"2024-04-29T13:00:09","date_gmt":"2024-04-29T17:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/what-should-i-do-if-i-find-a-swarm-of-bees\/"},"modified":"2024-04-29T13:08:16","modified_gmt":"2024-04-29T17:08:16","slug":"what-should-i-do-if-i-find-a-swarm-of-bees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/what-should-i-do-if-i-find-a-swarm-of-bees\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do When Encountering a Bee Swarm"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">16<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fwhat-should-i-do-if-i-find-a-swarm-of-bees%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2232674&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/new-york-times-issues-multiple-corrections-for-article-falsely-claiming-900000-u-s-children-have-been-hospitalized-for-covid-19-during-pandemic\/\" title=\"New York Times Issues Multiple Corrections For Article Falsely Claiming 900,000 U.S. Children Have Been Hospitalized For COVID-19 During Pandemic\">article discusses<\/a> the importance \u200cof knowing\u200c how to handle a swarm \u2064of bees and provides insights on honeybee swarms, when to contact a \u200dbeekeeper,\u2062 and \u2064how to differentiate honeybees from\u200c other\u200c insects. It also offers resources for aspiring beekeepers and emphasizes the specialized care\u200d required for beekeeping. The \u200barticle covers handling bee swarms, insights on honeybees, \u200dcontacting beekeepers, distinguishing\u200c honeybees, resources for aspiring\u2064 beekeepers, and the care needed for beekeeping.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<header> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/lifestyle\/\">  Lifestyle &#038; Human Interest <\/a>   <span> <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/author\/msuextension\/\">  <\/a> <\/p>\n<p> <span>   By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/author\/msuextension\/%20\"><span>Ana Heck, Meghan Milbrath, and Dan Wyns, Michigan State University Extension<\/span><\/a> <\/span> <span>   April 29, 2024 at 8:09am <\/span> <\/span>  <\/header>\n<section>\n<p>If you have yet to encounter a swarm of bees, it\u2019s best to know beforehand what to do in case you experience an initial feeling of panic.<\/p>\n<h3>First, what is a swarm of honeybees?<\/h3>\n<p>Honeybee colonies reproduce by swarming, a process where about one third to one half of the workers in a colony leave in a swarm with the queen to set up a hive in a new location. The original hive is left with a developing queen, worker bees, and brood.<\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/thousands-massive-swarm-bees-ruins-bill-gates-time-tennis-match-forces-suspension\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">swarm of honeybees<\/a> is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/insightful-details-behind-the-misinformation-epidemic\/\" title=\"Insightful Details Behind the Misinformation Epidemic\">typically composed<\/a> of one queen and thousands of worker bees. Swarms can range from the size of a softball to larger than a basketball, depending on the number of bees.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">A \u201cbee invasion\u201d halted play at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in California on Thursday, and video showed the insects swarming over a camera lens and buzzing around players. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/MJM3hJEf6B\">https:\/\/t.co\/MJM3hJEf6B<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 NBC News (@NBCNews) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NBCNews\/status\/1768562939332628755?\">March 15, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Swarming can happen throughout the active beekeeping season (spring through fall) but is most common in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/michigan-results-official-joe-biden-serious-problem\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Michigan<\/a> in May and June.<\/p>\n<p>When the colony determines conditions are right, the swarm leaves the hive. Before flying to its final destination, the swarm gathers close to the hive, often on a tree branch, fence post, or other nearby spot.<\/p>\n<p>The swarm typically stays in this temporary location for a couple hours to several days, which is when it is often spotted by passers-by.<\/p>\n<p>While the swarm is in this temporary location, scout bees search for a suitable location for the colony to take up more permanent residence. Once the new location is determined, the swarm departs and flies as a group to the new location.<\/p>\n<h3>Why should you contact a beekeeper if you find a swarm?<\/h3>\n<p>Because a swarm is a fully functioning colony, many beekeepers are prepared and willing to collect swarms into hive equipment to expand their beekeeping operations. Swarms that are not collected by beekeepers unfortunately may not survive.<\/p>\n<p>Beekeepers have to manage honeybee colonies for parasites and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/nyc-dumps-resources-getting-trump-rat-borne-disease-explodes-amid-squalid-city-conditions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">disease<\/a>, so unmanaged colonies have a high likelihood of dying due to unmanaged disease and parasite pressure. Even worse, as these unmanaged colonies die, they can risk spreading parasites and diseases to managed colonies.<\/p>\n<p>The scouts of a honeybee swarm search for a cavity to establish a permanent hive, and while they sometimes find a tree cavity, it\u2019s also possible they find a cavity in a building or structure. Colonies that establish within structures or near highly populated areas can be a nuisance or hazard.<\/p>\n<p>It can be difficult and expensive to remove honeybee colonies from structures, so it\u2019s good preventative practice to have a beekeeper capture the swarm before it has the chance to take up residence. It\u2019s important for the sake of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/bee-whisperer-removes-massive-honey-comb-hidden-behind-bricks-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">honeybees<\/a> and your neighbors to call a beekeeper if you see a swarm.<\/p>\n<h3>How can you find a beekeeper?<\/h3>\n<p>If you live in Michigan, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michiganbees.org\/Swarm-Removal-List\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Michigan Beekeepers Association<\/a> maintains a list of beekeepers who are interested in collecting swarms. For all other states, try searching for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/kentucky-treasurer-sanctions-blackrock-and-other-companies-engaged-in-ideological-boycotts-against-energy-sector\/\" title=\"Kentucky Treasurer Sanctions BlackRock and Other Companies Involved in \u2018Ideological\u2019 Boycotts of the Energy Sector\">similar associations<\/a>. You can also try reaching out to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michiganbees.org\/michigan-bee-clubs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local beekeeping club<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"firefly-poll-container\">\n<p>Should people just leave the bees alone?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Note: Swarm removal is different from removing bees from houses or other structures. If the colony has already set up a hive in a building, you need a person who is willing to do a \u201ccut out,\u201d which you may find on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michiganbees.org\/Cutout-List\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">list of beekeepers<\/a> who do building cut outs. You can read more about the difference on the\u00a0problem and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michiganbees.org\/Problem-Bees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">unwanted bees webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Beekeepers who are interested in collecting swarms can find information on the\u00a0Michigan Beekeepers Associations <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michiganbees.org\/Swarm-Removal-List\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">swarm removal webpage<\/a> about how to be added to the list.<\/p>\n<h3>What information can you provide to the beekeeper about the swarm?<\/h3>\n<p>The beekeeper will want information about the swarm\u2019s location. What is the address or GPS coordinates of the swarm? Is the swarm gathered on a tree branch, fence post or somewhere else?<\/p>\n<p>How high off the ground is it? Is there anything surrounding the swarm that would make it difficult or dangerous to collect the swarm? Sometimes beekeepers travel long distances to collect swarms, so it is important to let them know if you have contacted other individuals or if the swarm flies away before they arrive.<\/p>\n<p>Many people confuse honeybees with other insects like bumble bees, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/hiker-thinks-brushing-yellow-jackets-off-feet-looks-see-large-copperhead\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">yellow jacket wasps<\/a>, and paper wasps. The beekeeper may want to confirm that the insects are honeybees before traveling to collect the swarm.<\/p>\n<p>Here are a couple of resources to help you figure out if you have a swarm of honeybees:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/news\/insects-that-look-like-bees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Insects that look like bees<\/a>\u201d from Michigan State University Extension<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michiganbees.org\/Problem-Bees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Problem and unwanted bees webpage<\/a> from Michigan Beekeepers Association<\/li>\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/news\/bee-wasp-or-hornet-nest-which-one-is-it\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bee, wasp or hornet nest: Which one is it?<\/a>\u201d from Michigan State University Extension<\/li>\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/news\/getting_rid_of_wasps_nests\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Getting rid of wasp nests<\/a>\u201d\u00a0from\u00a0Michigan State University Extension<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you can safely take photos from a distance, the photos may help the beekeeper determine if the insects are in fact honeybees. Photos can also help provide context about the swarm\u2019s location.<\/p>\n<h3>If you find a swarm of bees, is it a sign that you should become a beekeeper?<\/h3>\n<p>Remember that honeybees are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/man-stuns-wolf-muzzles-suffering-animal-parades-around-things-backfire-finally-gets-attention-wanted\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">animals<\/a> that require a lot of specialized care to thrive, so before you plan on keeping a swarm, consider if you have the time and resources to care for them.<\/p>\n<p>If you find yourself fascinated by a swarm of honeybees and want to learn to keep bees, MSU Extension suggests you take a year to learn about beekeeping before you get started. You can start by taking MSU\u2019s free online course, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/courses\/msu-is-beekeeping-right-for-me\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Is Beekeeping Right for Me?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>If you think beekeeping is a good fit for you, you can find resources and educational opportunities on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/news\/getting-started-with-beekeeping-in-michigan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MSU\u2019s webpage<\/a>, \u201cGetting started with beekeeping in Michigan.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>MSU suggests beekeepers join a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/news\/getting-started-with-beekeeping-in-michigan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local beekeeping club<\/a> in Michigan, many of which hold regular meetings to provide educational information. You should review \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/resources\/starting_and_keeping_bees_in_michigan_rules_and_regulations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Michigan Beekeeping Rules and Regulations<\/a>\u201d before getting started.<\/p>\n<h3>Where can I ask additional questions about honeybees and beekeeping?<\/h3>\n<p>You can submit questions about honeybees through the <a href=\"https:\/\/pollinators.msu.edu\/questions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Michigan Beekeeping Ask Extension form<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/sen-loeffler-fires-back-after-ossoff-accuses-her-of-campaigning-with-kkk-member\/\" title=\"Sen. Loeffler Fires Back After Ossoff Accuses Her of Campaigning with KKK Member\">article appeared originally<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/outreach\/index\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Michigan State University Extension<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"author-info-45298\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/author\/msuextension\/\">  <\/a> <\/p>\n<div>\n<p><label for=\"summary-tab-radio-45298\">Summary<\/label><label for=\"more-info-tab-radio-45298\">More<span> Biographical Information<\/span><\/label><label for=\"posts-tab-radio-45298\">Recent<span> Posts<\/span><\/label><label for=\"contact-tab-radio-45298\" onclick=\"if( typeof grecaptcha=='undefined' ) { let cap_s=document.createElement( 'script' ); cap_s.src='https:\/\/www.google.com\/recaptcha\/api.js?render=6LeJFcsUAAAAAPsIEqvB1EebWbZfqRUe6ebMpGy7'; document.body.appendChild( cap_s ); }\">Contact<\/label><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Michigan State University (MSU) Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/eat-garlic-for-your-health\/\" title=\"Benefits of Consuming Garlic for Your Well-being\">vast knowledge resources<\/a> of MSU directly to individuals, communities and businesses. For more than 100 years, MSU Extension has helped grow Michigan\u2019s economy by equipping Michigan residents with the information that they need to do their jobs better, raise healthy and safe families, build their communities and empower our children to dream of a successful future.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div>\n<p>  Michigan State University (MSU) Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge resources of MSU directly to individuals, communities and businesses. For more than 100 years, MSU Extension has helped grow Michigan\u2019s economy by equipping Michigan residents with the information that they need to do their jobs better, raise healthy and safe families, build their communities and empower our children to dream of a successful future. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to handle a bee swarm before panic strikes. Discover insights from Ana Heck, Meghan Milbrath, and Dan Wyns at Michigan State University Extension. Uncover the essence of a honeybee swarm<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2232675,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Bee-swarm-on-fence-post.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[548],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2232674","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-conservative-news-daily"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Bee-swarm-on-fence-post.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2232674","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2232674"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2232674\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2232675"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2232674"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2232674"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2232674"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}