[Lincolnparkdc] Honeybees & Spring Swarms

[Jan Day]

Neighbors!

Spring is here which means longer days, flowers blooming and bees swarming.

If you see a swarm of bees, or even think you might, please take a breath,
then call, text or email the DC Swarm Squad and we'll send an experienced
beekeeper to come over and collect the bees. Call/text (202) 255 4318, or
email dcbees-at-dcbeekeepers.org.

The Swarm Squad is a group of ~75 DC beekeepers that saves swarms of honey
bees in the city (JUST the city): it is a volunteer effort. We do this free
of charge but require permission to enter private property. We do not
remove bees from inside structures, but can recommend help.

For more information visit our Swarm info page:
http://www.dcbeekeepers.org/do-you-have-swarm-honey-bees (“Do You Have A Swarm
of Honey Bees?”)

Thank you,

Jan


*Will the bees in the swarm sting me? Are they dangerous?*

When you see a swarm of bees clinging to a branch or lamppost do not be
afraid. Bees in this state are least likely to sting because they do not
have any hive to protect. Instead, they are hanging out in a cluster with
tummies full of honey (that they took from their previous home) surrounding
and protecting their queen who is in the deep center of the swarm.

*How long will the bee swarm stay in one place?*

They are hanging out waiting for their scout bees to come back and tell
their sisters if they've found a comfy new home. Bee swarms may hang out
for hours or as long as a day or two. While they are there please do not
approach or disturb the bees. The bees will leave you alone if you leave
them alone. Believe me, they are just as eager to leave your
tree/lamppost/porch overhang as you are for them to go.

*Why do bees swarm?*

Bees may swarm for a variety of reasons - they've outgrown their current
home; their home was destroyed; they are searching for a nicer geographic
location; or maybe because it is spring they just felt like moving to
better real estate. Swarming is a means for the honeybee colonies to
reproduce and proliferate.

*Do all bee hives swarm?*

No. Beekeepers try to encourage bees to stay put by making sure the hives
they care for are well-situated, have plenty of food and water to eat if
natural sources are low (e.g., drought), and have plenty of room to expand
in their hive. Even the best beekeepers can't always control the swarm
impulse in their hives.

*Are bees still in trouble?*

Native pollinators are under increasing pressure. Honeybees in managed
colonies are struggling.  Scientists and beekeepers think all sorts of
things factor into it, including climate change, monocultural agriculture
(with attendant pesticides), a resurgent pest population, and pest-borne
viruses. Many beekeepers in the city have lost their bees even though we

are trying to build naturally resistant colonies and treat our bees as
treasures, not commodities.

Please remember: honeybees are under extreme threat, and those swarms
represent the unique populations that have not only figured out how to
survive pests, pesticides, and climate change, but THRIVE. We beekeepers
can grab those bees, give them safe homes somewhere else, and help ensure a
healthier future where honeybees can continue to make our food supply and
green spaces grow. It is a kind of compliment to DC that we have a place
where honeybees and people can collaborate so well.





-- 
Jan Poston Day
jpostonday at gmail.com
(202) 494-7425
twitter:  jpostonday
LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/janpostonday
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