The smell of summer is often accompanied by the buzzing of bees, a familiar sight in yards and gardens around the world. But sometimes, the bees seem to outnumber the flowers. You see a swarm of bees, and they’ve come a bit too close for comfort. From a distance they look amazing, but up close it can be a bit intimidating, especially if you’re not familiar with bee behavior. Read on to learn more about unwelcome visitors: a swarm of bees.
1. The Growing Problem of Unwelcome Visitors
In some cities, there is a growing concern of unwelcome guests that have been appearing more and more throughout their streets. They come in the form of scrutinizing stares from strangers, vandalized property and discarded garbage being left where it doesn’t belong.
It’s no secret that the issue of uninvited guests is one that needs to be addressed, especially since these visitors can cause discomfort and distress. Not to mention, an increase in the frequency of their presence can be a reflection of a city’s overall safety level.
Although the types of unwelcome guests vary from city to city, here are some of the more common ones that can be found:
- Persistent beggars asking for money
- Unruly street gangs or activities
- Unattended, noisy domestic animals
- Hooligans and vandals
It is essential for the residents of a city to come together in unified responsibility and raise awareness of the problem. Only then would changes be made in the hope of reducing the number of bothering visitors. Taking proactive steps, such as engaging with local officials and staying vigilant are all proactive measures that individuals can take.
2. Bees: Nature’s Uninvited Guests
Though known for pollinating plants, bees are often an unwelcome guest to outdoor events such as BBQs or picnics. In the summer months, sugar-seeking bees linger around food, drinks, and other sugary temptations, annoying humans who just want to relax and enjoy themselves.
- Bees follow scent - Bees are attracted to certain scents and can smell food from up to 8 kilometers away. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of what flowers and plants are nearby and if they may be enticing to bees.
- Use a bee-repellent - If the surrounding bees are becoming too much to handle, make a homemade deterrent by mixing essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender with water. Place the solution in a spray bottle and apply to areas you’d like to keep the bees away from.
Unwanted bees can be difficult to control, but by taking proactive measures to proect yourself and the bees, you can enjoy a stress-free environment. Set up bee-friendly gardens near the picnic area to attract the bees away, and always maintain a respectful distance from hives and bee nests.
By making conscious choices when it comes to enjoying outdoor events in the presence of bees, you can help protect these wonderful creatures while protecting yourself from stings and annoying swarms.
3. Understanding the Instincts of a Swarm
Adding to the mystery of a bee colony’s success is the inherent instinct in each bee’s behaviorIt is their efforts, coordinated without any conscious forethought, that help keep the colony buzzing.
Undoubtedly, the instinct inside of a bee is incredibly impressive. To keep the bee colony alive, many things need to be done and in different seasons, different tasks need to be fulfilled. Here are some of their amazing instinctive behaviors:
- Foraging: This task requires the bee to collect nectar from flowers, essential for producing honey.
- Nest Building: The bees instinctively gather and paste small particles of wax onto the hive, giving the colony a safe and secure space.
- Defending the Hive: The bees will quickly adapt to a change in the environment and arm themselves against any danger posed to the colony.
- Honey Production: If nectar is plentiful, the bees will instinctively nourish themselves and build up their honey stores.
The pattern-recognition abilities of a bee colony are a testament to nature’s remarkable intelligence. Every member of the colony instinctively knows what to do, without any guidance or help from outside leadership. Together, they use their remarkable skills to sustain a beautiful balance.
4. Learning to Co-Exist with a Bee Colony
One of the most important steps you can take for a successful relationship with a bee colony is to inform yourself. Becoming more knowledgeable on the subject will build trust and mutual respect between the colony and you. The more you understand, the more confident and successful you will be.
Start learning the basics, such as bee behavior, migration patterns, and the benefits of bee activity. A good place to begin is with The Beekeeper’s Bible, a comprehensive guide into the fascinating world of bees. Reading up on different beekeeping practices will also be helpful in learning the ins-and-outs of caring for a bee colony.
It’s also important to have the colony in the right spot. Make sure that the hive is placed in an area with strong access to natural resources like water, grass, and trees, but also is far enough away from places with constant human traffic. As an example, placing it near a pond can provide an abundance of water.
Finally, here are some key basics for succeeding in co-existing with a bee colony:
- Always be mindful of where the hive is.
- Understand bee behavior.
- Pay attention to the hive and regularly check for signs of distress.
- Rapidly remove any potential threats.
- Be aware of the benefits the bees can bring to flowers in your garden.
5. How to Safely Remove a Swarm of Bees
Bees often swarm during summer when their population is at its highest. As much as they are beneficial to the environment, it can be quite intimidating when bees swarm outside your home. Here are five tips to safely remove them from your property:
- Wait it out: A bee swarm can last a few days before it settles on a new home, so they might leave on their own without needing to intervene.
- Hire a beekeeper: Contact a local beekeeper that is experienced in bee removal to help you safely capture the swarm and put them in a safe hive.
- Light a citronella: Put a citronella candle or torch near the swarm. You can supplement it with other smoky items such as eucalyptus or lavender. Keep them away until they leave.
- Use a vacuum: An industrial shop vacuum can be placed over the swarm and used to suction them up. Make sure to avoid hurting or killing the bees during the process.
- Spray with water: Use a hose or any other type of spray to wet the surrounding area of the swarm. The water will keep the bees away and will help them find a new home.
They are usually looking for a favourite tree or bush for a permanent home, so try and cover any potential candidates to limit their possibilities and make them move. With a bit of patience and the right techniques, you can remove a swarm of bees from your property quickly and safely.
6. Protection Tips for Avoiding Bee Invasions
1. Seal Any Possible Entrances
The first and foremost protection measure from bee invasion is to make sure your home is not attractive for the little pests. Check Cracks and gaps in your home’s walls, siding, foundation and window frames and seal each one of them. Pay particular attention to any gap or crack wider than a pencil’s eraser. In addition, cover up any screens or vents that could provide the entryways for honeybees.
2. Keep Surroundings Clean
Nobody likes mess and neither bees! Bees like overripe fruits, vegetables, and nectar-producing flowers. So, make sure to keep outdoor areas clean and clear of any food that may attract them in the first place. Empty any standing water sources or store them in tightly sealed buckets or containers.
3. Bring in a Professional
If the situation does not gets in hand, it’s suggested to seek the help of a reputable professional pest control agency such as Pestend Pest Control services. A professional is more likely to use an effective bee exterminator method, providing a more sustainable approach to removing the pest safely.
4. Plant Specific Varieties of Plants
Lastly, you can also avoid bee invasions by planting certain varieties of plants outside your home. Spearmint and lavender are some plants that bees abhor. Plant them in your gardens or keep a pot outside your window, this will help repel local bees and other flying insects.
7. The Benefits of Encouraging Pollinators Nearby
Encouraging pollinators to come to our gardens or in and around our neighborhoods is a great way to promote healthy, sustainable ecosystems. Plus, we get to watch some of nature’s most beautiful and valuable species doing their amazing work!
One of the main benefits of inviting pollinators to our surroundings is that it increases biodiversity. Having a more diverse range of species helps create a healthier and balanced environment, not only for the pollinators, but also for wildlife and us. Moreover, it reduces the risk of extinction of certain species, providing them with more chances to flourish.
Besides creating a safe, healthy and balanced environment, there are many other benefits that come with having more pollinators. They provide a natural form of pest control, helping to reduce the use of harmful, chemical-based pesticides. Pollinators are also essential for plants and crops as they play an important role in pollination, contributing to their growth and reproduction. Finally, thanks to pollinators our surroundings look their best with a wide variety of flowers and plants in bloom.
- Increases biodiversity
- Natural form of pest control
- Essential for plants and crops
- More flowers and plants in bloom
Therefore, we should take the initiative to create spaces for pollinators to thrive, from gardens and balconies to parks and green spaces. With a few simple steps, we can make a big difference in our local ecosystem and, by doing so, help protect our environment.
8. Knowing When to Call an Expert Beekeeper
Beekeeping can be a bit daunting at first. Sometimes, it can be hard to figure out when you are in over your head and need to call for the help of an experienced beekeeper.
With that in mind, here are a few situations where it is strongly advised to reach out to a beekeeper before carrying out essential beekeeping tasks:
- You find a swarm of bees. Without the proper knowledge, it can be difficult to accurately identify a swarm of bees. An expert beekeeper can help you properly identify these swarms and capture them safely.
- You’re unsure of how to care for your new bees. Even if you’ve done some research, caring for bees is an ever-evolving process. An experienced beekeeper can give you personalized advice and answer any questions you may have.
- You find signs of a disease. It’s important to be familiar with all the major bee diseases in order to take quick action. If you’ve noticed signs of a disease, like a drop in production, dead bees, or discolored/odd-shaped wax, consult a beekeeper about possible treatments.
It’s also a good idea to take beginner beekeeping classes or join a local beekeeping organization so that you can stay updated on the latest trends and techniques. Being a part of a beekeeping community can help you gain access to experienced experts who can help you succeed in the world of beekeeping.
When it comes to unwanted visitors, the presence of a swarm of bees can be the most nerve-wracking of all. Fortunately, the solutions to bee swarms can be found in the right beekeepers and the necessary precautions. Rest assured, a swarm of bees certainly doesn’t have to be an unwelcome visitor.
