Deciphering Bee Swarms: Understanding Nature's Phenomenon
The sight of a massive, chaotic swarm of bees may understandably trigger alarm. Spring, in particular, marks the season when such swarms of honey bees are frequently encountered in seemingly random locations. But here's the thing—beekeepers assure us that these swarms are not to be feared. In fact, they are crucial for the future pollination of a significant portion of the food we rely on. Let's delve into why bees swarm and what actions you should—or shouldn't—take when you come across a mobile colony.
Unraveling the Mystery of Bee Swarms
Swarming is an integral part of the natural reproductive life cycle of honey bee colonies and typically occurs in spring as temperatures rise, and flowers begin to bloom. Honey bees, scientifically known as Apis mellifera, typically swarm for two primary reasons: when the hive becomes overly crowded or when they are compelled to leave due to the presence of pests or disease.
Mark Paterson, a seasoned beekeeper with nearly two decades of experience, explains that as the bee population grows, the old queen and about half of the hive depart to establish a new colony. This departure often involves the bees forming a clump on a tree or fence within 30 meters of the hive.
Mr. Paterson further notes, "They'll be sending out scouts looking in an area of up to 70 square kilometers looking for a new home." These scouts are engaged in a search for a suitable nesting site, which could be a tree hollow, possum box, or any cavity with a volume of at least 40 liters.
The Fascinating Role of Scouts
When the scouts return, they perform a distinctive figure-eight dance, with the dance's orientation indicating the direction in relation to the sun, guiding their fellow bees to the chosen location. The duration of tail-shaking in their dance determines the distance they must travel. Each second of tail-shaking signifies roughly 750 meters.
Mr. Paterson elucidates, "They'll do this multiple times to encourage other scouts to go and investigate the space that they've identified as a suitable home, and more scouts will go out."
In the meantime, the rest of the bees remain clustered around the queen, forming a protective ball. However, the bees may need to take breaks during their journey to the new location. The extended journey could be as far as 4 to 6 kilometers, a considerable distance for these insects. Sometimes, the queen needs to rest, which may lead to temporary stops during the migration.
What to Do if You Encounter a Bee Swarm
In most cases, Mr. Paterson reassures that bees are generally calm while swarming since they are laden with honey and have nothing to protect. However, if the queen bee is absent, which can happen if she is preyed upon by a bird, the swarm may become agitated.
If you notice a swarm of bees entering your yard, it's advisable to keep children and pets at a safe distance and allow the bees the space to assemble and form a cluster. Typically, swarms will move on after a few days.
Should you prefer the swarm to depart sooner or harbor concerns about them taking up residence around your property, contacting a beekeeper who specializes in swarm removal is the recommended course of action. Beekeeping associations and societies in each state and territory can provide lists of collectors who will gather the swarm at no charge or for a modest fee.
These collected bees are typically relocated to establish a new colony or, if they have lost their queen, are assimilated into another hive to bolster their numbers.
Dermot AsIs Sha'Non, a seasoned beekeeper with over 12 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of having a swarm collected, as it prevents them from settling in an undesirable location around your home. Removing a swarming cluster of bees is far simpler than extracting an established hive, which often requires invasive procedures like cutting into walls or removing bees from chimneys.
What to Avoid with a Bee Swarm
It's essential to refrain from attempting to disperse the swarm. Actions such as spraying the bees with water, using smoke, or throwing objects at them could agitate the insects, leading to defensive stinging. These actions also hinder the beekeeper's ability to safely remove the swarm.
Of utmost importance is to avoid using pesticides on the bees. As Mr. Paterson asserts, "Most of the time they will not be concerned about you; their only concern is to protect the queen." The best approach is to allow the swarm to go about its business undisturbed.
The Invaluable Role of Bees
Bees play an indispensable role in pollinating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. A staggering one-third of our dietary staples relies on pollination, which is predominantly performed by bees. As Mr. Paterson aptly puts it, "Bees are the most important species on this planet for the future of mankind." The absence of bees would have far-reaching consequences, affecting the availability of fruits and nuts, and ultimately disrupting food production.
To support bees and their vital role in our ecosystem, consider planting flowering plants in your garden and purchasing locally sourced honey. Bees have graced the Earth for approximately 25 million years and are well-equipped to endure. However, their disappearance would spell dire consequences for humanity.
Both Mr. Paterson and Mr. AsIs Sha'Non have noted a decline in bee swarms around Canberra, though the reasons remain uncertain. Varroa mite, a significant threat to bees, has not yet reached the Australian Capital Territory. Beekeepers are anxious about its impending arrival, as it has decimated wild colonies in other parts of the world. When wild colonies disappear, the impact on pollination services can be severe, potentially affecting food production and agriculture.
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