Stay Safe this Spring: What to Do When You Find a Bee Swarm

Spring is here and that means bees are on the move but do you know what to do if you find a swarm on your house or in one of your trees?

Finding a Be Swarm Can Be Scary

Encountering a bee swarm on your property can be a scary experience, but it is important to remain calm and take the appropriate steps to ensure your safety and the safety of the bees. In Indiana, spring is a common time for bee swarms to occur as bees begin to establish new colonies.

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Do Not Disturb the Bees

The first step when encountering a bee swarm is to stay away from the area and avoid disturbing the bees. Bees in a swarm are usually not aggressive as they do not have a hive or colony to protect, but they may become defensive if they feel threatened.

Do Not Attempt to Remove a Bee Swarm Yourself

It is important not to attempt to remove the swarm yourself, as this can be dangerous and potentially harm the bees. It is best to keep a safe distance and call a professional beekeeper or pest control company to remove the swarm. Professional beekeepers have the proper equipment and training to safely remove the swarm and relocate the bees to a new hive.

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You Can Prevent Bee Swarms

You can prevent bee swarms on your property by taking certain precautions like sealing off any cracks or holes in walls or roofs that may provide a nesting area for bees. It is also important to keep an eye out for signs of bee activity and call a professional if a swarm is suspected.

Seek Help from a Beekeeper for Your Swarm

If you need help with a swarm, there are a number of professional beekeepers in the area. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources offers a handy list of beekeepers in the state that you can use by searching for your county. Find the list here.

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Don't Forget to Stay Calm

While encountering a bee swarm on your property in spring can certainly be a daunting experience, it doesn't have to be. Just remember to remain calm and call a professional beekeeper or pest control company to safely remove the swarm.

7 Invasive Insects in Indiana You Should Kill Immediately If You See Them

In an effort to inform the public on the types of invasive species that are known to be found in their state, the USDA offers a "Pest Tracker" on their website, where you simply click the name of your state from the drop-down menu provided to see pictures of the different insects and weeds, along with descriptions of the type of plant life they target and the damage they can do if they're not dealt with.