The Beekepers of the South Okanagan are asking residents to report any sightings of bee swarms.
Bees swarm in later April or early May, but can occasionally swarm later in the summer. A swarm occurs when the queen bee leaves a colony with a large group of worker bees to establish a new colony.
Up to 60 per cent of the bees in the hive, which could total thousands of bees, will leave the old colony at the same time. Swearming is the natural means of reproduction that allows for new colonies to be established.
“Seeing a swarm in flight is incredibly impressive,” said Tim Bouwmeester, local beekeeper, in a press release. “It is something you will remember for the rest of your life.”
Swarms are not dangerous. Without larvae to protect the bees are unlikely to sting. The bees will often form into a large ball on trees or overhangs.
This protects the queen and keeps the bees warm until they can find a new home. This is the best time to capture a colony as the bees are often sluggish and easy to handle.
Bouwmeester thinks capturing swarms is best for bees and homeowners. A new bee colony can cost well over $100 to purchase. Capturing swarms is an affordable way for beekeepers to get a new colony. Swarms that aren’t captured can also cause problems for homeowners.
“Bees have been known to find small openings in roofs. If they establish a colony in the roof they can cause a mess and often need to be exterminated. Having bee keepers capture them and take care of them is the best alternative for everyone,” Bouwmeester said.
To report a swarm anywhere around Penticton, Summerland, Oliver, Osoyoos or the Similkameen please contact Tim Bouwmeester at tim_bouwmeester@yahoo.ca or 250-770-1434 who will then contact a local beekeeper to pick up the swarm.
