As summer is only weeks away, beekeepers and bee service companies across the nation are trying to stay ahead of the busy swarm season calls already happening. As bees move across the country, Texas is now in the throes of swarming, and this has got one bee company getting more than 100 calls a day. During peak swarming, addressing concerns early and using a professional bee removal company is essential.
Swarming is Completely Normal This Time of the Year
The average person is unfamiliar with the difference between swarming and hive activity because the buzzing and busyness keep most people at bay. However, one main difference is that swarming bees are not typically aggressive because they are house hunting and not protecting their queen or new home…yet.
Swarming occurs due to crowded honeybee hives. When a hive gets too big for its britches, the bees must split their numbers and find a new location to start new hives. Since bees seem to be swarming at unusually high rates this season, bees are choosing peculiar places to stay put, like trees, utility boxes, and buildings, which explains the exorbitant number of daily calls. Once the scout bees choose a hive location and the new queen arrives, bees become aggressive because now they are protecting their queen and home. During swarming, bees are not typically aggressive because the queen initially doesn't leave with the half but comes later once a new home is determined.
Although temporary swarming bees will most often move on within a couple of hours or a few days, it is better to contact a local beekeeper or bee removal service to come out to the site and make sure – never wait until the hive is already established if it can be avoided!
Bees establishing a new hive after swarming may take a few months. However, once they have enough resources to protect themselves, they will, and they will not be nice about it. If you suspect a new beehive may be in the works in a location that may threaten people and pets, please do not hesitate to contact a reputable and established bee removal company. D-Tek covers all of Southern California and has more than 15 years of experience successfully removing beehives and ensuring they don't return to the same spot twice.
Get help with your beehive or bee swarm removal! Call Today 760-224-3040 Or 951-265-8292!
Staying Ahead of Bee Activity and Hive Establishment
If swarming has only begun, encouraging bees to move on may be an option. Be sure to call a professional today. If you can spearhead the bees’ settling efforts and prevent them from setting up a home on your property, that is always a better option because once a hive is established, it continues to grow. Once a hive is growing and thriving, it can become heavy and invasive to a structure which may require demolition to remove it if it is in a wall or attic. When working with a bee removal company, find one that does the repair work the same day as the removal and guarantees the quality of that work. D-Tek prides itself on bee technicians also skilled in repair work – no other company guarantees their work!
If bees land on a utility box and decide to set up there, that can be a problem on multiple levels because its location is likely accessible, which means foot traffic but also can cause delays in work needing to be done. Hiring a professional is the only viable option, and home and property owners should never try to remove a hive on their own. Humane and safe live bee and hive removal must be done by someone experienced with the proper equipment to remove the hive entirely, along with any honeycomb, and prevent anyone from being hurt or stung multiple times. Even those without a bee allergy will react adversely to numerous bee stings – they insert poison into your body! One may not be too bad, but several can cause dizziness and significant discomfort.
Summer Advice: Unless You're a Beekeeper, Stay Away from Active Hives!
What to Do If Attacked by Swarming Bees
If a swarm of bees is attacking you, running as quickly and as far as you can is recommended. Eventually, the swarm will stop chasing you, and it is critical to immediately remove stingers as soon as possible because they keep sending venom into your skin even after they are no longer attached to the bee. In some situations, it may help to take an antihistamine unless you are allergic. When in doubt, seek the expert advice of a medical professional.
Although swarming bees may initially cause you alarm this summer, remember that the activity is part of the normal bee life’s process. However, it is wise to address any potential hive establishment ahead of time and do your part to keep the people and pets in your area safe.