I was sent two pictures the other day, something that reminded me of a past bee removal we did last spring.
It was a thriving wild bee colony, tucked away amidst the branches of a tangle of African Sumac trees.
This is a free-range, wild colony, constructing their home in their own unique way. What we see is a cluster of honeybees, thousands of them, all packed together and clinging to the underside of a branch. They're a living, breathing mass, demonstrating their remarkable social structure and cooperative spirit.
The color looks mostly a golden brown, with the hints of black that give away they are honey bees.
Notice the exposed honeycomb that dangles below the cluster of bees. It's a beautiful architectural structure, crafted with precision, and does not look filled with precious nectar to transform into honey.
The color is light and golden yellow, almost glowing in the sunlight. The comb has a pretty hexagonal structure, and you can see many of the cells are empty, while others appear hidden by the bees clustering on them.
The exposed comb is a clear indication that this colony is in the earlier stages of development. There is some old dried comb that has been detached from the main branch. It has a papery texture to it, much more drier than the new looking comb.
Why Did This Bee Colony Choose This Spot?
Wild bee colonies, especially honeybees, are becoming increasingly rare due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Their choice of location is often driven by a few key factors:
Shelter: They need protection from the elements, which is why they often choose tree cavities, rock crevices, or other sheltered spots. This particular location, while exposed, might offer adequate protection from wind and rain due to the surrounding foliage and branches.
Proximity to Resources: Bees need to be close to flowering plants and a water source to gather the nectar and pollen they need for survival. We can see some leaves and small flowers around the hive, which might indicate this location is ideal for them.
Suitable Temperature: Bees prefer locations that are relatively stable in temperature. This location, though, seems fairly exposed, which might mean that they chose it as a last resort or they could find no better area.
Safety from Predators: Though this hive is very exposed, it could have just been a stopping point for the swarm, or chosen because it is in an area with little human foot traffic or other large animals.
The Delicate Nature of Bee Removal. When (and How) to Intervene
While this colony is fascinating, it also begs the question: what happens when bees decide to set up shop where they might be a nuisance or, more importantly, in danger? This leads us to the complicated topic of bee removal.
Here's where a lot of information often gets lost in a story like this:
Who Owns the Property? The colony is located in a backyard, which means someone will have to decide how to proceed with the bees living there.
Is Removal Even Necessary? In this case, the decision has been made to relocate the bees, which makes it important to follow an ethical removal plan.
The DIY Approach vs. Professional Help: Attempting to remove a bee colony yourself can be extremely dangerous. It's important to understand the risks involved – you might not only get stung, but you also risk doing damage to the colony or the building structure. Professional bee removers have the tools, training, and experience to do the job safely. There are many different ways to remove bees and it often depends on the situation. Some might use vacuums to relocate the hive, or they will cut away the structure itself, while others might choose to try and move the queen to force a move for the whole hive.
Humane Removal vs. Extermination: A responsible approach prioritizes the bee's well-being. The goal should be to relocate the colony, not exterminate it. Many bee removal specialists are passionate about conservation and will take the extra steps to ensure the hive is moved to an appropriate area. Thankfully, this is exactly the plan for this hive.
The Process of Removal: Is this a young colony that has simply swarmed there and could be moved easily, or is it an established hive with a lot of comb and honey? How do the bees get moved? Are they boxed and relocated, or is this hive more complicated? The removal process depends heavily on the type of colony and the location of the comb.
Long-Term Solutions: Once a bee colony is removed, it’s important to address what attracted them to the location in the first place to prevent future infestations.
Story Gaps: Questions That Need Answers (and Now We Have Some!)
As captivating as this photo is, it also reveals a lot of unknowns. When telling a story about a bee colony, especially one that might require removal, we need to ask the customer, or person who sent us the picture, a few critical questions:
What is the immediate context? Where exactly is this colony located? It is confirmed that its in a backyard.
What is the long-term goal and price? The colony will be relocated. The cost of the removal will be $300.
What about the bees themselves? The bees are expected to survive the relocation and will be moved to a new beehive box in a safe apiary.
What about the ethical implications? How can we coexist peacefully with these important pollinators, and how can we ensure that removal is done as ethically and responsibly as possible?
The removal is being handled by Vegas Bees, who are no-kill beekeeping experts, ensuring the most ethical and responsible approach.
A Call to Action
This single image has sparked so many thoughts for me. It’s a reminder of the sheer ingenuity of honeybees, and the delicate balance between human needs and the preservation of the natural world.
It also is a reminder that more information should be taken into account before interfering with a wild colony of bees.
If you find a wild bee colony, please do not disturb it, and consider getting in touch with a local beekeeper or removal service if you believe it is at risk. We need to protect our pollinators and ensure their survival for generations to come!
What are your thoughts on wild bee colonies and bee removal? Have you ever encountered a wild hive? I'd love to hear your stories and opinions.
Betsy and Pete
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Us: The Authors
We're Betsy and Pete, passionate Las Vegas beekeepers trained by a master in the field. With hundreds of successful bee and bee swarm removals under our belts, we're not just experts; we're enthusiasts committed to the well-being of these incredible pollinators.
We manage dozens of beehives, both natural and honey-bearing at our Joshua Tree Preserve.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Education is an ongoing journey, especially in a dynamic field such as beekeeping. That's why we continually update our knowledge base, collaborate with other experts, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in bee control methods and beekeeping practices.
We also provide top-tier beekeeping supplies, offering everything a beekeeper needs, from beginners to experts.