THINK YOU SEE A HONEY BEE SWARM?

Question: I have a swarm of bees hanging in a tree in my yard. What should I do to protect my family?

Answer: Honey bee swarms are not aggressive. If you see a swarm of honeybees on or near your property, simply email us and/or post on one of the main Vashon Facebook pages. Someone will come to catch the swarm. Bees are valuable creatures and pose no thread, please don’t use insecticide or call an exterminator.

Swarming is how bees procreate. A swarm is a cluster bees that have left a hive and are temporarily resting (1-3 days) while they look for a new cavity to call their home. Swarms are most frequent in the spring (April and May). They are usually about soccer ball-sized, and they usually hang off tree branches. If you do not disturb them, they are not prone to sting. While most swarms leave within 1-3 days, inclement weather can delay their departure.

If you see a swarm, please describe its exact location and mention how high up off the ground it is in an email as above and/or a post on either the VIBA Facebook page, or any other Vashon Facebook page such as Vashon All.

Honey Bees In Your Home?

First make sure its honey bees not wasps or yellow jackets.

Wasps and Yellow Jackets can be quite aggressive if you approach their hives. They may require a professional exterminator.

David Skrzypek (206.463.4424) is both a contractor and an excellent beekeeper who can help you with your bee hive removal in your home (or your siding/soffit).

Bees are actually a protected species, so extermination is unwanted. Another reason why you dont want to use pestisites on a beehive is that extermination produces real problems down the road. The left over bee comb in the cavity along with honey and brood (protein) represent a feast for beetles, moths, ants and rodents. Having a beekeeper cut out the hive to then clean and seal the cavity is your best option.