Neighbor News
Why do Bees Swarm? - Bee Exterminator Monmouth County
One hive can contain between 10,000 and 60,000 honey bees depending on the location and time of year
Why do Bees Swarm? - Bee Exterminator Monmouth County
Ah, summer: a time of barbecues, sprinklers, lounging in the sun and BEES. Yes, bees. You may think they’re a nuisance, and they are to humans, but when you really delve into why they are there, it’s really pretty interesting.
One hive can contain between 10,000 and 60,000 honey bees depending on the location and time of year, according to Grow Organic. Each hive contains one female queen bee, several female worker bees and just a few male drones. Not all bees live in hives like honey bees: about 70 percent of the 20,000 species of bees nest underground, according to Cornell CALs Department of Entomology.
You’ve probably wondered why they come out of their nests and swarm occasionally. No, they are not upset, ill or confused. Rather, they have absconded from their nest, which is common when bees outgrow the hive or think their safety has been threatened. Bees will normally keep to themselves unless disturbed or threatened. So, if you see a swarm outside, leave them alone and they will usually leave within an hour or two.
Find out what's happening in Freeholdfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Why do Bees Swarm and Sting?
Like we said above, honey bees don’t usually sting unless provoked, which they do to protect themselves, but more importantly, their nest. Their end goal is to protect the queen, as without her, they would all die. If you get stung by one or several bees in a swarm, it’s because you were a threat to them, whether intentional or not. Remember, the queen is in the middle of the swarm cluster, essential to mating and growing a hive.
When you notice a few bees flying in and out of the swarm, those are probably scout bees sent out to look for a new home and report back. They alone will move in and out of the swarm. Unless and until they report favorable findings for a new home, the whole hive, including the queen, will stay where it is.
Find out what's happening in Freeholdfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bees in Your Home
Bee hives that you notice outside, well away from your home and your kids’ play area, are probably of little concern to you. It’s not till things get personal that you are spurred to action. Bees may decide to build a nest in the walls or eaves of your house. They don’t normally do this, thanks to the high level of activity going on in any given home. Instead, they prefer peace and quiet, but sometimes they do set up shop in your residence, probably while you’ve been away for a while on vacation.
In this case, you must get rid of the nest for the safety of your family. But don’t do it on your own. Hire a professional exterminator to determine where the hive is and safely remove it.
Contact Cavanaugh’s Professional Termite and Pest Services
Never attempt to destroy the nest on your own, as you risk upsetting the swarm and spurring a large-scale attack. Instead, call Cavanaugh’s Professional Termite and Pest Services at one of our three convenient locations in Flanders, Somerville or Freehold. We have the skill and equipment necessary to remove dangerous bee infestations from your property, whether inside or out. Even ground nests outside can be a threat to kids and pets as they innocently come across them. Don’t wait until an attack happens. Call us first.
