The first thing people do when they see a bee cluster is panic. Nobody understands this better than local beekeepers who get loads of calls this time of year. The spring and summer months are popular for swarming, but when people aren’t used to the sight, they can often overreact and do something harmful. Instead of responding without knowledge or expertise, work with a reputable beekeeper or bee removal company in your area. Bees are a critical contributor to pollination, and killing a swarm cluster is the worst thing someone can do.
Why, Oh, Why Are They Clustering?
Clusters are settled swarms as they decide where to make their next home. So, swarms and clusters are temporary and often move on within hours, and at most, a day or two. If you have ever seen the news when a cluster gathers on a baseball field or an airplane wing, these can be safely moved along, which is what it recommends. Don’t grab a spray can of bee and wasp killer and single-handedly kill off an entire cluster of innocent bees. Even if you are allergic, safely and humanely having them moved along is the right thing to do.
In almost every case, swarms are not an immediate threat or dangerous. This is a time when bees are at their most docile. They are not in a hive, so they have nothing to defend. They are stuffed full of honey, so they are in a bit of a sugar coma state. Although a swarm is not typically aggressive, disturbed bees will respond, so keep a safe distance and ensure children and pets don’t provoke a response. In some cases, when someone in the home or near the cluster is allergic, the swarm may need to be hurried along, but this should only be done by a professional with the equipment and gear to do it safely.
Forcing Bees to Move Along
One thing people don’t often think about is that if you rush a cluster of swarming bees, they may find a teeny, little opening in the structure and begin to make their hive inside, which is a huge mess! Experienced bee removal companies can perform a bee-proofing assessment of the structure to ensure that any openings are sealed, forcing bees to go elsewhere.
Swarm Clusters and Beehives
It may not always be clear if a cluster is a temporary swarm or an established beehive. Especially to someone not knowledgeable in bee behavior, swarms and hive removal are handled completely differently. Established beehives will also have honeycomb, baby brood inside, and possibly some ooey gooey honey. Although this may not sound that different, beehive removal is an intricate process that must be done by a professional. This is when you don’t want to go the cheapest route, because you may end up paying for it again until it is done completely. There are beekeepers who also run humane bee removal businesses because they have the most knowledge and often have the tools and equipment to remove the hive without killing the bees. One thing many people overlook when hiring a bee removal company is the repair work that may be necessary, especially when a well-established hive is in the shed or structure. These removals can involve some demolition, and having to hire another contractor to do the repairs is something no homeowner wants to deal with. D-Tek offers everything from humane removal to complete extraction of all remnants and high-quality repair work.
What To Do If You Find a Cluster of Bees
Most importantly, when you find a cluster of bees on your property or in a public area, such as on a hiking trail, stay calm. By the time you go get help, they may have already moved on without any help. However, in Southern California, there are ways to report a swarm of bees. Although bee clusters are not aggressive, there is no need to get too close. Keep a safe distance, and if you are out hiking, try to alert others about the cluster if possible. In some cases, this is not possible, and if you are concerned, the best thing to do is to contact a local beekeeper. D-Tek is local, serving all of Southern California and even areas bordering Nevada. Beekeepers are connected to a network and can get the word out publicly. Never call an exterminator because they will only spray and kill the cluster instead of humanely moving it along without putting people at risk.
Get help with your beehive or bee swarm removal! Call Today 760-224-3040 Or 951-265-8292!
Encountering Bee Clusters and Swarms
So, once the initial shock of encountering a large cluster of bees passes, remember to stay calm, steer clear, and contact a local beekeeper, and they can guide you in the next steps, and often come to help and give excellent advice. Never attempt to address a cluster of bees without the right equipment and experience. Although clustering bees are not aggressive, anyone who gets multiple stings can find themselves in the hospital!