Winter Bee Activity? What to Do When You See Bees

Even in winter, you might encounter honey bees. While large swarms are less common, smaller clusters or active bees can still appear. Understanding what to do in these situations is important for protecting these vital pollinators and ensuring your safety.

Why Are Bees Active in Winter?

Several factors can contribute to winter bee activity:

• Warm Spells: Unseasonably warm weather can rouse bees from their winter dormancy.
• Resource Scarcity: Bees may be searching for food sources if their hive stores are low.
• Hive Disturbance: Construction or even loud noises can cause temporary bee activity.

Identifying the Situation

Before taking any action, try to determine what you're seeing. A large cluster of bees clinging to a tree branch is likely a swarm, albeit an unusual one for winter. Individual bees flying around might just be foraging on a warmer day.

If you think you've found a swarm, it's crucial to distinguish it from an established colony that has taken up residence in a wall or structure. Swarms are something local beekeepers are generally happy to help with at no cost, while established colonies require specialized (and often paid) removal services.

What to Do If You See Bees

1. Observe from a Safe Distance: Keep children and pets away. Maintain a distance of at least 10-15 feet.
2. Do Not Disturb: Avoid spraying or agitating the bees.
3. Report the Sighting: Even if you're unsure what kind of bees you're seeing, report it! Swarmed's image recognition system can help identify the insects and connect you with the right resources.
4. Contact a Beekeeper (via Swarmed): Local beekeepers on Swarmed can come assess the situation and safely relocate the bees if necessary.

Reporting Through Swarmed

Swarmed connects you with local beekeepers who can assist with bee sightings. The reporting process is simple:

1. Visit https://beeswarmed.org/report-bee-colony (opens in a new tab)
2. Provide details about the location, size, and behavior of the bees.
3. Upload a photo if possible (this helps with identification).

Reporting helps protect honey bees and supports local beekeepers in their conservation efforts. Don't hesitate to report, even in winter!

Protecting Honey Bees in Your Community

By reporting bee sightings, you play a crucial role in protecting these essential pollinators.