Swarm list coming soon for Spring 2010
Just a reminder for folks who aren’t familiar with bees and swarms:
- A swarm spends most of its time in a cluster, often on a tree branch while bee scouts look for the next rendez vous point. A cluster can remain in one spot for hours or even a couple of days.
- Swarming is a natural Spring phenomenon (good news for bees), but one beekeepers try to prevent through management
- Because they are not protecting brood or resources, swarms are not aggressive (they will not chase people or animals). They are simply looking for a new home.
- Assuming they are within reach, swarms can be captured relatively easily by beekeepers without harming the bees
- People who spot a swarm should contact a local beekeeper and refrain from doing anything to disrupt the cluster (i.e. throw rocks, spray them with a hose, or use any kind of pesticide).
