Wildlife News
Honey bees There are over 250 types of bees in the UK but there is only one european honey bee (Apis mellifera). Sadly our Honey Bees are not protected species so they need our help and support more than ever. They are vital for pollina on of crops and many flowering plants.
Why do bees swarm? Swarming is a honey bee colony's natural means of reproduc on. In the process of swarming, a single colony splits into two or more dis nct colonies. In this state the bees will be docile and should be quite easily be collected by a beekeeper. A swarm is usually a temporary phenomenon as the bees will be sending out scouts to look for a permanent home. When a new home is found, usually within 24 hours, the bees will fly off to start a new colony. Swarms in the New Forest normally occur between April un l mid-July.
Are swarms dangerous? A swarm of bees are generally unlikely to s ng. When bees swarm, they will gather in a ten to twenty metre area and will try to cluster on a branch or bush or even under the eaves of a roof. This will con nue for an hour or so, but they will eventually se le down and the large hanging cluster of bees will be clearly visible - this is a swarm. Call the Swarm Coordinator on 07976 258062 for help and advice. The most common insects are honeybees, bumblebees and wasps. There are other kinds of insects that are confused with these, such as Ivy bees, Solitary bees and hornets.
Are these honey bees?
Need help?
If you need assistance with iden fying or rehoming a swarm, the New Forest Beekeepers’ Associa on has a list of experienced beekeeping members in the area that help in the re-homing of honeybee swarms.
To identify or rehome a swarm, please send pictures of the swarm to the swarm coordinator or contact them on 07976 258062
The New Forest Beekeepers host talks on a range of bee related subjects every third Thursday of a month normally at the Lyndhurst Community Centre, but now on Zoom!
www.newforestbees.co.uk 20
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