Swarm Alert — Call West Kootenay Beekeepers
By Nelson Daily Staff
May through July is the time when honeybee colonies are most likely to swarm.
Anyone discovering a swarm in their yard, or hear of a swarm, can contact the West Kootenay Beekeepers to have the honeybees removed.
“We have compiled a honeybee SWARM RESCUE LIST for our region, and I am the swarm rescue contact person should you come across one this year,” said Laena Brown, vice president of the West Kootenay Beekeepers.
“Based on the information the beekeeper is given, they’ll happily, and safely, remove the bees and give them a new home.”
Brown said swarms are very harmless as the honeybees want to do when they swarm, is find a new home.
“They have nothing to defend, and aren’t interested in stinging anyone,” Brown explained. “Not to mention they are very full of honey and too full to be bothered.”
“To get to witness a swarm is actually a really exciting and interesting experience,” Brown added.
Brown said the public is asked provide the following information to the best of their ability:
- location of the swarm (specific or very close address is great)
- photo of the swarm (we’re often called out to wasp nests!)
- how high up the swarm is (we need to know what equipment to bring)
- phone number (in case we need further information)
Brown said as swarms need to be removed in a timely fashion before they fly away, it is best to contact me ASAP on my cell or house phone so I can work fast to organize a swarm rescue.
Brown can be contacted at 250-505-0493 or 250-399-4432 or email: [email protected]
Happy Spring and thank you from your local beekeeping club, the West Kootenay Beekeepers.
