Nashville, Tennessee, is in the midst of its annual swarm season. As flowers begin to bloom and the weather warms, honey bees are breaking off and searching for new places to colonize. This phenomenon is known as swarming, and it’s a natural process that’s essential for the survival of the honey bee species. ### Why Do Honey Bees Swarm? Honey bees are social creatures that live in colonies. As their colonies grow, the queen bee will leave the hive with up to half of the worker bees, forming a new swarm. This swarm will cluster together in an open area, such as a tree limb, while scout bees search for a suitable location to build a new hive. #### Characteristics of a Swarm
• The swarm will be led by the queen bee
• The swarm will consist of up to half of the original colony
• The swarm will cluster together in an open area
• The scout bees will search for a suitable location to build a new hive
• The swarm is likely to be non-defensive and not very likely to sting
### Where Can Honey Bees Swarm? Honey bees can swarm anywhere, but they’re most likely to find a hole in a building or a shed to move into. They can even swarm inside a home, a car, or other enclosed spaces. #### Common Places for Swarms to Form
- A hole in the side of a building
- Attics, eaves, or walls
- Car hoods or trunks
- Outdoor furniture or other decorations
### Removing a Swarm
Removing a swarm can be a delicate process, but it’s essential to do it safely and humanely. A professional beekeeper, such as John Ratcliff, can use specialized equipment, including heat-sensing cameras and vacuum systems, to safely collect the bees. #### Equipment Used by Professional Beekeepers
| Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| Heat-sensing camera | To detect the swarm’s location and ensure it hasn’t moved inside the building. |
| Vacuum system | To safely collect the bees in a transport can. |
| Transport can | To store the collected bees and transport them to a safe location. |
### Why You Shouldn’t Destroy a Thriving Bee Colony
It’s essential to remember that destroying a thriving bee colony can have significant consequences for the environment and our food supply. Bees are responsible for pollinating many of the foods we eat, and their loss could lead to a significant decline in crop yields. #### The Importance of Bees
Bees are responsible for pollinating one out of every three bites of food we eat. Without bees, we would lose access to many of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts that we enjoy. In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture estimates that over 75% of the world’s flowering plants rely on animal pollinators like bees to reproduce.
### What to Do If You Encounter a Swarm
If you encounter a swarm, don’t destroy it. Instead, contact a professional beekeeper for help with removal. In Tennessee, it’s illegal to deliberately expose free-flying honey bees to a lethal substance. #### Resources for Swarm Removal
- The Tennessee Beekeepers Association has a list of resources available for swarm removal.
- A professional beekeeper can provide guidance and assistance with the removal process.
### Conclusion
Nashville’s swarm season is a natural phenomenon that’s essential for the survival of the honey bee species. By understanding the characteristics of a swarm and taking steps to prevent it, you can help protect these essential pollinators. Remember, it’s always best to leave swarm removal to a professional beekeeper, as they have the necessary equipment and expertise to do it safely and humanely.
