Rescuing a Honey Bee Swarm
When a honey bee colony outgrows its hive, the bees will swarm, which means that a large group of bees, along with the queen, will leave the hive in search of a new home. This can sometimes result in a swarm of bees settling on a tree branch, fence post, or other location in a public area, which can be dangerous for both the bees and people who may come into contact with them. Here are the steps a beekeeper might take to rescue a honey bee swarm:
Locate the swarm: Beekeepers will need to find the swarm, which may be in a visible location, such as a tree branch, or hidden away in a crevice or other hard-to-reach spot.
Set up equipment: The beekeeper will need to prepare their equipment, which may include a bee suit, gloves, a bee brush, and a bee box or hive.
Gently remove the swarm: The beekeeper will use the bee brush to gently sweep the bees into the bee box or hive. They may also use smoke to calm the bees and make them easier to handle.
Transport the bees: Once the bees are safely contained in the bee box or hive, the beekeeper will transport them to a safe location, such as their own apiary or another suitable location.
Provide care: The beekeeper will need to provide the swarm with food and water and ensure that they have a suitable hive to live in.
It's important to note that beekeeping can be dangerous, and beekeepers should have the proper training, equipment, and experience to safely rescue a swarm. If you encounter a swarm of bees, it's best to contact a local beekeeper or pest control professional for assistance.
