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Bee Swarms: Relax, They're Just Honey-Full Travelers!
3 May
Summary
- Bees in swarms are docile and unlikely to sting.
- Swarms occur as colonies manage old queens or space.
- Beekeepers collect swarms to help the public.
As the weather heats up, sightings of bee swarms on trees and buildings are becoming more common. Experts from the Shropshire Beekeepers' Association assure the public that these swarms pose little threat. Glyn Williams, a collector with over 50 years of experience, explains that bees in a swarm are so full of honey they cannot sting.
These swarms occur when colonies prepare to move, often due to an old queen, insufficient food, or lack of space in the hive. Worker bees will 'bully' their old queen out to lead them to a new location. The queen emits pheromones that guide the bees, and they remain clustered until scouts find and signal a suitable new home.
Williams, who also collects swarms as a public service, advises people not to approach swarms but to keep their distance. He notes that while anyone can collect a swarm, professional collectors aim to do so cleanly. A list of local swarm collectors is available on the British Beekeepers' Association website.
