Denver Bee Keeping Society

SWARM PICK UP INFORMATION

CONTACT NUMBERS FOR SWARM PICK UP

ALLEN 303-847-8293 NORTH DENVER         MARYGAEL 303-482-6362 DENVER
JOHN 303-808-5921     NORTH DENVER, THORTON , NORTHGLENN
JULIE 303-389-0085 DAYS 303-389-8546     EVENINGS DENVER
MARVA 303-478-8047 SOUTH DENVER, ENGLEWOOD

DEBBY 720-299-1916 SOUTH WEST DENVER
TED 720-320-9664    DENVER

What is a honey bee swarm?

Honey bee swarms are a favorite topic of people who make horror movies. Actually, they are one of the most beautiful and interesting phenomena in nature. A swarm starting to issue is a thrilling sight. A swarm may contain from 1,500 to 30,000 bees including, workers, drones, and a queen. Swarming is an instinctive part of the annual life cycle of a honey bee colony. It provides a mechanism for the colony to reproduce itself.

What makes a honey bee colony swarm?

Overcrowding and congestion in the nest are factors which predispose colonies to swarm. The presence of an old queen and a mild winter also contribute to the development of the swarming impulse. Swarming can be controlled by a skilled beekeeper; however, not all colonies live in hives and have a human caretaker.

When do honey bees swarm?

The tendency to swarm is usually greatest when bees increase their population rapidly in late spring and early summer. In Colorado, this would be in May and June.

Are honey bee swarms dangerous?

No - honey bees exhibit defensive behavior only in the vicinity of their nest. Defensive behavior is needed to protect their young and food supply. A honey bee swarm has neither young nor food stores and will not exhibit defensive behavior unless unduly provoked.

	SWARM PICK UP INFORMATION CONTACT NUMBERS FOR SWARM PICK UP ALLEN 303-847-8293 NORTH DENVER MARYGAEL 303-482-6362 DENVER JOHN 303-808-5921 NORTH DENVER, THORTON , NORTHGLENN JULIE 303-389-0085 DAYS 303-389-8546 EVENINGS DENVER MARVA 303-478-8047 SOUTH DENVER, ENGLEWOOD DEBBY 720-299-1916 SOUTH WEST DENVER TED 720-320-9664 DENVER What is a honey bee swarm? Honey bee swarms are a favorite topic of people who make horror movies. Actually, they are one of the most beautiful and interesting phenomena in nature. A swarm starting to issue is a thrilling sight. A swarm may contain from 1,500 to 30,000 bees including, workers, drones, and a queen. Swarming is an instinctive part of the annual life cycle of a honey bee colony. It provides a mechanism for the colony to reproduce itself. What makes a honey bee colony swarm? Overcrowding and congestion in the nest are factors which predispose colonies to swarm. The presence of an old queen and a mild winter also contribute to the development of the swarming impulse. Swarming can be controlled by a skilled beekeeper; however, not all colonies live in hives and have a human caretaker. When do honey bees swarm? The tendency to swarm is usually greatest when bees increase their population rapidly in late spring and early summer. In Colorado, this would be in May and June. Are honey bee swarms dangerous? No - honey bees exhibit defensive behavior only in the vicinity of their nest. Defensive behavior is needed to protect their young and food supply. A honey bee swarm has neither young nor food stores and will not exhibit defensive behavior unless unduly provoked.