Understanding Bee Swarms: How You Can Help by Reporting Swarms to Mount Hood Honey Company

At Mount Hood Honey Company, located in the lush landscapes of Parkdale, Oregon, we are passionate about bee conservation and the vital role these incredible insects play in our ecosystem. One natural behavior of bees that often alarms people is swarming. Swarming is a natural part of a bee colony’s life cycle, essential for reproduction and the survival of bees. Understanding and responding to bee swarms appropriately can greatly aid in bee conservation.

What is a Bee Swarm?

A bee swarm is essentially a large group of bees that has split from their original colony to form a new one. This typically occurs in spring but can happen at other times during the beekeeping season. The swarm, which includes the old queen and about half of the colony’s worker bees, temporarily clusters on a branch, fence, or other structure as scout bees search for a new permanent home. Swarming is a spectacular sight, but it is important to remember that swarming bees are generally very docile and not interested in stinging, as they have no hive or young to defend.

 

How You Can Help: Report Swarms to Mount Hood Honey Company

We at Mount Hood Honey Company view each bee swarm as an opportunity to help preserve these important pollinators. If you spot a swarm, we encourage you to contact us immediately. By reporting a swarm to us, you can contribute to bee conservation and ensure the safety of the bees and the community.

 

Why Report a Swarm to Us?

Safe and Ethical Relocation

Our team of experienced beekeepers can safely relocate the swarm to a place where the bees can thrive without posing a risk to people. We use gentle, bee-friendly techniques that prioritize the well-being of the bees.

Prevent Property Concerns

Swarms can sometimes settle in inconvenient or problematic locations, such as in your home or business areas. We can address these issues by relocating the swarm, thus preventing any potential property damage or disturbances.

Support Local Ecology

By relocating swarms to our apiary or other safe environments, we help maintain the local bee population, which is crucial for pollinating local crops and maintaining healthy natural landscapes.

Education and Awareness

We provide valuable information to the community about the importance of bees, the role of swarms in bee life cycles, and how everyone can help support these essential pollinators.

Something for you!

If we are able to capture the swarm you report, we will provide a gift for your effort!

What to Do if You See a Swarm

1. Keep a Safe Distance: While swarming bees are less likely to sting, maintaining a safe distance is recommended, especially if you are allergic to bee stings.
2. Do Not Disturb: Avoid disturbing the bees by spraying them with water or insecticide, as this can agitate them and lead to defensive behavior.
3. Contact Mount Hood Honey Company: Call us as soon as you notice a swarm. Provide details about the location and size of the swarm if possible.

Seeing a bee swarm can be an incredible, albeit unnerving, experience. However, with your help, we can ensure that these fascinating creatures are safely relocated and continue to benefit our environment. If you encounter a bee swarm, please contact Mount Hood Honey Company at 360.608.0220 (call or text). Your timely reporting can make a significant difference in the conservation of bees and the safety of our community.