This swarm of bees showed up in my yard today. This happens every year just for a couple of days. This is a relatively new house and I planted that oak tree they are in about 5 years ago. I live in a pretty large metropolitan area (4th largest in the country) so this is not a rural area. Do you think I live on some sort of migratory path?
I have lots of bee friendly plants in the yard but that's not where the swarm hangs out.

Any ideas as to why I am the chosen one for this annual event?

Someone close to you might have some bee hives or you have a bee tree close by. When they land they leave a pheromone on that spot and will almost always land close to the same spot. When my bees swarm they always go to the same spot. Those are free bees and you should call someone to come and get them. Fine the local bee Club and they will send someone out to get them.

Thank you Plantcollector. They're gone now but I sincerely appreciate the suggestion on what to do when they return. I'll research Bee Clubs so I have the information at hand.

When honeybees swarm they will travel anywhere from 3 feet to 3 miles from their original hive.
They don't usually forage while on their journey to their new home. Your home is probably being selected because it's offered a good resting spot for them. The queen can only fly for so long before she has to rest. She spends most of her time laying eggs and doesn't exercise her flight muscles very much.

Most police department and fire departments have a list of beekeepers who are willing to remove swarms from people's property so check with them as well as bee clubs

I belong to 3 different clubs which has a swarm gathering list for people most by area, county town ship and other.

But I get most of my calls from leaveing my bussiness card with a bunch of local agencys, As mentioned police, fire departments, animal control, local USDA office and the county extention office.

For years I got calls thru SEMBA from several countys away because the only keeper listed for there wasn't takeing calls.

Be aware you may get the many questions questions because Bee Keepers don't want to chase yellow Jackets and other wasp.

(Always asked, Have they been sprayed? If they have I don't want them and I will not come and clean up the remaining bees becuse your attempted to kill them failed.



(1. are you shure they are honey bees ID them?
(2.How long they been there?
(3 how high are they in the tree or other area? I may need just a 8 foot step ladder or maybe a 24' extension ladder is what is called for.
Know how tall you are, one lady said she was 5'6" and she could probably reach up and touch them if she were brave. I got there and they were a good 12' up so I had to leave them, wrong equipment brought on the 40 minute drive thru a construction site.

(4. do they have a nest? Be surprized how many people think a paper mache nest is what honey bees live in.

(5. Directions from a major cross road like M59 and I 75.?

(6 . My Phone number? I expect a call if the bees leave before I get there so I can stop and not waste gasoline and money.

Al

Thanks Al for the great information for those who do not keep bees and want to know what to do if they have a swarm land in their yard.

When honey bees swarm, the first place they cluster is usually within a 100 yards of their old hive. From there they send out scouts looking for a new home. When the scouts return they have to convince the Queen that the one they found is the best. Then the whole swarm will go to the one chosen. If the Queen doesn't like it, the scouts have to look again. And so goes the process.

Another note, the bees in a swarm are at their most docile state. You can literally rake them into a catch box with your bare hand if you are gentle.