Swarms

What is a swarm and should I be worried?

A swarm is simply part or the reproductive process of a colony of bees. The colony has in fact divided itself into two. In the Bee world, it is the “parents” that leave home leaving the “children” behind to continue the colony.

The hanging cluster of bees, about the size of a football, that one comes across is the old queen plus a quantity of workers, stuffed to the gills with honey, in what is really can be described as a “transit Camp” It is from here that the “scout” bees search for a new home. When one is found, and this process can take anything from an hour or so to several days and also dependant on the weather, the swarm will decamp and that will be the last you will see of them.

A swarm is perfectly safe. The bees have no thought of attacking anyone as they are pre-occupied in finding a new home. The advice is to leave well alone and invariably they will move on.

Swarms are of particular interest to Beekeepers as it is an easy and convenient way of increasing the size of the Apiary. If you do find a swarm and you need reassurance, don’t hesitate to contact a member of the local beekeeping association who will advise you.