Bee Swarming Season: What to Look Out For and How Beesaway Can Help
As the warmer months approach, the air becomes buzzing with activity. While most people might welcome the sound of bees as they pollinate flowers, many aren’t aware that spring and early summer mark the beginning of bee swarming season. During this time, beekeepers and homeowners alike will notice large clusters of bees flying in the sky as colonies split and form new hives.
For many, seeing a large group of bees can be unsettling. However, bees play an essential role in our environment and should be treated with respect and care. At Beesaway, we understand the importance of bees and take great pride in relocating and preserving these vital insects. Whether you’re in a residential area, a historic building, or a commercial space, Beesaway specializes in the safe removal of established bee colonies, ensuring minimal disruption and no harm to the bees.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the swarming behavior of bees, what to look for, why it’s important to contact professionals for help, and how Beesaway can assist with the removal of bee colonies from structures like roofs, walls, chimneys, and more. Importantly, we’ll also highlight our commitment to relocating bees safely and not killing them.
What is Bee Swarming?
Bee swarming is a natural and necessary behavior for many species of bees, particularly honeybees, and it typically occurs during the spring and early summer months when the colony is thriving. Swarming happens when a colony becomes too large and needs to divide in order to expand. The process involves the queen bee and a significant portion of the worker bees leaving the original hive to find a new home.
When bees swarm, they form a temporary cluster in a nearby tree, bush, or other structure while scout bees search for a suitable place to establish a new colony. This cluster can be a bit alarming if you’re not familiar with bee behavior, but it’s typically quite harmless. Once the scouts locate a new site, the swarm moves in, and the bees begin establishing their new hive.
However, it’s important to note that swarming bees are usually not aggressive. They are more concerned with finding a new home and won’t sting unless they feel threatened.
Signs of a Bee Swarm
When a bee swarm occurs, it’s hard to miss. Swarming bees create a significant visual display that can be concerning to homeowners or anyone in the area. Here are some common signs that a swarm is nearby:
A large cluster of bees flying in the air, often in a ball-like formation
Bees that appear to be “hanging out” or clinging to a tree branch, fence, or other surface
A steady stream of bees flying in and out of a specific spot (like an open window or gap in the structure)
A loud buzzing sound, especially if the swarm is settling nearby
If you notice a bee swarm near your home or business, don’t panic. It’s a natural occurrence that happens every year. However, if you have concerns, it’s best to stay a safe distance away and call in professionals like Beesaway to assess the situation and advise you on next steps.
How Beesaway Helps with Established Bee Colonies
While swarming bees may move on after a short period of time, it’s the established colonies that often require professional intervention. Once bees settle into a new location—often a cavity within a wall, roof, or chimney—the colony begins to grow and build honeycomb. Unfortunately, this can lead to problems, especially if the colony is causing damage to the structure.
At Beesaway, we specialize in the removal of established bee colonies from buildings and other structures. Here’s a breakdown of the services we provide:
1. Safe Removal of Bee Colonies
Beesaway is committed to the humane removal of bees. We don’t kill the bees during the removal process. Instead, we focus on safely relocating the colony to a more suitable habitat. We understand that bees are crucial to the environment, and our goal is to preserve them while addressing any concerns the property owner may have.
2. Removal from Various Types of Buildings
Whether you’re dealing with a modern home, an office building, or a historic property, we are equipped to handle bee colonies in all types of structures. Historic buildings pose no challenge to our team, as we take great care to preserve the integrity of the building during the removal process. Beesaway is experienced in handling delicate restoration projects, ensuring that the bees are removed without causing damage to the building’s structure or value.
3. Repairs and Reintegration
After we safely remove the bees, we also handle any necessary repairs to restore the building. This may include sealing gaps or cracks in walls, chimneys, or roofs to prevent bees from re-entering the property. We work closely with our clients to ensure the area is fully secured, providing peace of mind that the colony won’t return.
4. Bee Relocation
Unlike many pest control services that may resort to extermination, Beesaway focuses on relocating bees to safe environments. We work with local beekeepers to ensure that the bees are placed in a thriving new habitat, where they can continue their essential pollination work.
Why You Shouldn’t Attempt to Remove Bee Colonies Yourself
If you have an established bee colony in your walls, roof, or chimney, it can be tempting to try and deal with the situation yourself. However, removing a bee colony is not something that should be done without expertise. Here’s why:
Safety Concerns: Bees are protective of their hive and can become aggressive when disturbed. Without the proper protective gear and experience, attempting to remove the colony could result in multiple painful stings.
Structural Damage: Removing a bee colony often involves opening up walls, roofs, or chimneys. If not done properly, this can cause significant damage to your property.
Reinvasion: Even if you manage to remove the bees, you may not fully seal the entry points or eliminate the honeycomb. This could lead to the bees returning to the same location.
Bee Conservation: Bees are a protected species, and there are laws in place to ensure their conservation. Handling the situation incorrectly could result in legal issues, particularly if you unintentionally harm the bees or their habitat.
By calling in a professional service like Beesaway, you ensure that the removal is done safely, humanely, and in a way that preserves the health of the bees and your property.
What to Do If You Have Bees on Your Property
If you discover a bee colony on your property, the first thing you should do is:
Remain calm: While the sight of a large number of bees can be unsettling, most bees are not aggressive unless provoked.
Keep a safe distance: Do not attempt to disturb the bees. Keep pets and children away from the area.
Contact Beesaway: If you suspect you have an established colony, or if a swarm has settled near your home, get in touch with Beesaway immediately. Our team will assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action.
Why Choose Beesaway?
At Beesaway, we pride ourselves on providing the best possible service to our clients across the UK. Here’s why we’re the right choice for bee colony removal:
Nationwide Coverage: No matter where you are in the country, Beesaway is here to help. We cover all areas of the UK, ensuring that bees are safely relocated no matter the location.
We Don’t Kill Bees: Our primary mission is to preserve and protect bees. We relocate them safely and responsibly, ensuring they continue to thrive in a new environment.
Expertise in All Building Types: We specialize in the safe removal of bees from all types of structures, including historic buildings. We ensure that no damage is done to your property, and we can even handle any necessary repairs afterward.
Humane and Professional Service: Our team is highly trained and experienced in bee removal. We use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure that the process is safe for both the bees and your property.
Conclusion
Bee swarming season can be an exciting time of year, but it’s important to be aware of the potential for established bee colonies in your property. If you suspect you have a bee colony in your walls, roof, or chimney, don’t risk handling it yourself. Call Beesaway for safe, humane, and professional bee relocation services. We specialize in all building types, including historic buildings, and guarantee the safe relocation of bees without harming them.
Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you protect your property and preserve the important work bees do in our ecosystem.