1 post tagged “alameda county”

Swarm season is now full-blown, just like our spring. Beekeepers are available to safely capture and hive swarms. In Alameda County, call the Alameda County Beekeepers Association swarm coordinator, Robert Hapke at 510-393-1762. He will find someone to take care of this safely for you.

If you find a swarm, here's what you should know:

Swarms are very very unlikely to sting.

This is how bee colonies reproduce. This swarm is looking for a new home.

The swarm may stay for only a half day; it may decide to build comb and establish a new hive right where it is.

The swarm is valuable to the environment, because bees are helpful pollinators. There are many people who would like to give this colony a home.

If you find a swarm:

1. Reassure neighbors and passersby. If possible, block off an area with a radius of five or more feet from the swarm, more so no one harms the swarm than to protect people.

2. Call a beekeeper or bee club immediately. If you get voicemail, leave complete information: Location; details such as under the eaves, in a tree, how high up; how big the swarm is; whether a ladder is needed and whether you can provide it; your contact info.

You will be doing a good deed for the bees and for all of us!