Bee Swarm in January? What to Do in Australia

It might be January, but down in the Southern Hemisphere, it's prime time for bee swarms! If you're an Australian homeowner, especially along the eastern coast, you might be surprised to see a cluster of bees on a tree or bush. Don't panic, here's what you need to know.

What is a Bee Swarm, Anyway?

A bee swarm is a natural phenomenon where a honey bee colony splits. Typically, the old queen and a large group of worker bees (often thousands!) leave the hive to find a new home. While it can look intimidating, swarming bees are usually quite docile. They're full of honey and don't have a hive to defend, making them less likely to sting.

What Should You Do If You Find a Swarm?

1. Stay Calm and Keep Your Distance: Give the bees plenty of space. Keep children and pets away from the swarm.
2. Don't Disturb Them: Avoid spraying the bees with water or trying to move them yourself. This can agitate them.
3. Identify if it is a swarm: Are the bees clustered together on a branch or structure? This is a telltale sign of a swarm.
4. Report the Swarm: This is where Swarmed comes in! Report the swarm at https://beeswarmed.org/report-bee-colony (opens in a new tab). Our platform connects you with local beekeepers who will safely collect the swarm – often for free.

Why Report to Swarmed?

• Free Service: Most beekeepers are happy to collect swarms because it's a great way to expand their apiaries.
• Protect Honey Bees: Honey bee populations are facing many challenges. By reporting a swarm, you're helping these vital pollinators find a safe home.
• Support Local Beekeepers: You're connecting them with a valuable resource and helping them contribute to the local ecosystem.

What Happens After You Report?

Once you submit a report on Swarmed, local beekeepers in your area will be notified. A beekeeper will then contact you to assess the situation and arrange for collection. They'll typically come equipped with the necessary gear to safely move the bees to a new hive.

What If It's Not a Swarm?

Sometimes, bees can establish a more permanent home in a wall or roof. This is called an established hive, and removal often requires more specialized skills and may involve a fee to cover the beekeeper's time and expertise. Even if you suspect it's an established hive, report it anyway! The beekeeper can assess the situation and provide you with the best course of action.

Help the Bees and Your Community

Finding a bee swarm can be a little unnerving, but it's also an opportunity to help these important creatures and support your local beekeeping community. Report a swarm today and let experienced beekeepers handle the rest!