Modern Live Swarm Removal Techniques
It may be surprising to learn that very little has actually changed in the past few decades when it comes to live swarm removal. Those old-fashioned bee removal techniques are still used today and considered to be the best means to capture and relocate a swarm humanely.
Live Bee Removal Process
The process involves a beekeeper first donning protective gear to help prevent stings. Depending on the type of bees and the size or aggression of the swarm, the bee removal specialist may only wear a hat with a mesh covering for the face plus a pair of gloves. Full bee gear consists of head and face covering, a full body suit and gloves made from materials that prevent stings and bees from getting inside the bee suit.
The swarm is then sedated to make the bees calm and sleepy. Most beekeepers still use smoke to achieve this. Smoke prevents the bees from getting sufficient oxygen making them sleepy. The smoke does not harm the bees. Modern bee removal may use a gas instead of smoke to achieve the same results.
Once the bees are calm, they are captured for relocation in a more suitable area. The beekeeper may keep the bees to populate their own colonies. However, these days bees are also commonly sold to farmers or for agricultural purposes. Bees play a critical role in pollination and are important for a variety of different crops. Their pollination task is one of the main reasons that live swarm removal is preferable to killing or eliminating a colony.
The beekeeper may then search the surrounding area to see if a hive has been established nearby the swarm. If there is a hive or comb in the vicinity, this will also be removed in order to prevent attracting bees in the future.
Why Do Bees Swarm?
It is a common misconception that bees swarm to attack. Bees are not actually aggressive by nature and will only swarm for two reasons:
– The first and most common reason to swarm is to establish a new colony or hive. The hive is essential to reproduction which, like most insects and wildlife, is the main goal for bees.
– Bees may also swarm to protect their hive and queen if they feel threatened. When a bee is killed or stings, it releases a chemical that warns other bees that there is a threat. The bees may swarm in reaction to the threat, especially when the threat occurs near a hive.
Bee Repellent Techniques
Bee deterrent techniques are also very successful in repelling bees to prevent a swarm. These techniques involve removing sources of attraction for the bees and may also involve using strategies that will keep bees away.
It is important to remember that bees don’t want to sting and will go out of their way to avoid this. Bees can only sting once and lose their sting and their life once they have delivered a sting. Although fear of bees has been created in the media, they are largely harmless unless threatened. In most cases, bees will leave humans alone if they are left to carry in with the busy business of being a bee.