A swarm of bees is alarming wherever it is, but it can be especially scary when it’s in a place you least expect it, like in the middle of a big city. This summer, a massive bee swarm showed up in the middle of Times Square, and even rested on top of a hot dog stand.
The area was shut down until professionals could arrive to address the issue, but do you know why bees swarm in the first place? Or what you should do if a swarm shows up where it shouldn’t be?
What Are Swarms
Honey bees swarm when a queen bee leaves the colony with worker bees to start a new colony. These swarms can be very large, containing thousands or even tens of thousands of bees. Swarms are typically not dangerous, as the bees are just looking for a new place to live, not to sting. Still, it’s not very safe or desirable to have thousands of bees where people live.
It’s definitely not common for bees to swarm in the city like they did in Times Square, but it’s not unheard of. Authorities believe that these bees swarmed because of overcrowding in their hive, or because of the particularly hot weather.
How Swarms Are Treated
It’s not a good idea for people who aren’t pest control professionals to attempt to remove a swarm. Swarming honey bees are unlikely to sting, but if they are provoked, their coordinated stinging can cause very serious injury even in people who aren’t allergic to bee stings.
There are a variety of ways to remove bees from an area they are swarming, but one common method, and the method that was used for the Times Square swarm, is gently vacuuming the bees up and releasing them in a more appropriate area. It depends on the type of bee, its location, and how successfully it can be moved.
One Hour Pest Control Services for Bees
If bees are swarming near your home or business in the Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, or Long Island City area, One Hour Pest Control can help you. We are open 24 hours a day for your pest control emergencies because we understand how urgent and frightening a situation like a bee swarm can be. Contact us today for your pest control needs.