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LIFESTYLE

search of a new home. How amazing is this? It is important to note, that by law, home Association and/or SABIO?
They instinctively know the size required owners are entitled to arrange (and should • Will the bees be re-hived on site or after
for the new colony. During ‘inspection’ of fund) the removal of a colony which is the bee removal?
a potential site, they fly around gathering located within the perimeter of their • Could you please provide an update on
information about their surroundings, property. If the bees occupy boxes or man how the bees have settled in at their
including potential water and food holes outside the boundary walls, it is up new location?
sources. On their return, the scout bees to the council to organise and fund the
perform an intricate ‘waggle dance’ which bee removal. Often the fibre companies, Did you know? It takes 12 honey bees all
communicates the location of their new Rand Water, Eskom etc have contracts in their life’s work to produce ONE teaspoon
home with surprising accuracy. place with accredited service providers. of honey. Know where your honey comes
from and be prepared to pay fair prices
If you have witnessed honey bees Unfortunately, some unscrupulous bee for real, honest honey.
swarming, you will know that it is both removal ‘experts’ do NOT re-hive the
fascinating and scary to see thousands swarm when it is possible to do so. These Natasha is a SABIO and Southerns
of bees flying by in a buzzing cloud. One individuals do not take care of the brood Beekeeping Association Member. She is
can often hear the bees before spotting (baby bees) and often throw the comb and also a Honey Judge Steward with the
the swarm. As with any wild animal, it is bees into plastic drums which they discard
important to keep a safe distance from a before moving on to the next bee removal. SA Honey Judge Guild and a registered
swarming colony and certainly from an The brood needs to be kept at a constant DAFF member. She is passionate about
established honey bee nest. However, temperature of around 36°C in order to honey bee education and does honey bee
during swarming, the honey bees are survive. Ideally, the bees should be re- talks and private honey tastings - email
at their most vulnerable without the hived into a catch box or larger brood box natasha@lyonfamily.co.za, if you
protection of an established home. En as soon as possible. Failing to do so will
route to their new home, they will often result in the demise of the colony. would like to arrange a honey bee talk
do ‘pit stops’ by settling on nearby tree or honey tasting.
branches or objects for a few hours. This Here are some guidelines to follow if
is done as the queen bee cannot fly for honey bees ‘move in’: For further information regarding
long distances. • Always keep a safe distance from a honey bee removals, please email
colony or swarming bees. Southerns Beekeeping Association
THE SWARMING INSTINCT • Never attempt to smoke, poison, spray
There are many factors which trigger or remove bees. Honey bees are very info@southerns.co.za or visit SABIO
the swarming instinct. As temperatures defensive and an attack can be fatal. (www.sabio.org.za).
begin to warm up, the inflow of nectar • If clusters of swarming bees can be
and pollen triggers the queen to lay more seen hanging from a branch or tree, it is You can also visit The Medicine Garden
eggs and therefore a colony can rapidly advisable to let them be for a day or two (www.medicinegarden.co.za) for com-
outgrow its occupied space which may as the bees will often move on. Again, panion planting to manage garden
prompt swarming. It could also be that never try to spray, smoke or ‘catch’ the
the queen, who lives between 4 and swarm. pests and see seasonal lists of what to
7 years, is aging, and the worker bees • If bees occupy a space for 2 or more plant for bees. The CANDIDE garden
respond by raising a new queen. It is weeks, seek the services of a professional App is also a wonderful resource.
never a good idea to have two queens bee removal service.
in one household (nudge-nudge, wink-
wink!). And so, the old queen prepares to NOTE: Ideally, in urban locations, bees
swarm off with some of the worker bees should be relocated at night. It can be
to establish a new colony. They even pack VERY dangerous to do bee removals
‘lunch’ by filling their separate honey during the day. However, sometimes the
tummies with honey to sustain them on size of the colony and location of a bee
their journey. removal requires a day time removal. In
addition to safety considerations, one third
WHEN HONEY BEES MOVE IN… of the colony is out foraging for nectar
In Celtic mythology, the honey bee is a and pollen during the day. Removing the
messenger between our world and the colony during the day will result in the
spirit realm. It is often associated with foraging bees returning, only to find the
wisdom. In ancient Egypt, it was believed queen and the rest of the colony have
that the sun god Ra created the honey disappeared. Without the protection of
bee from his tears and that messages the super organism, they will die off.
were delivered to earth by honey bees
‘dripping’ straight from the face of Ra. Finally, here are some important
questions to ask your bee removal
Honey bees will naturally occupy roof service provider:
cavities, meter and pool motor boxes, • Are you a registered beekeeper?
drums, waste bins, bird logs, hollow • Can you please include your DAFF
tree trunks and any space in which they registration number on the invoice?
feel at home and protected from the • Is it safe to do the removal during the
elements. Every colony’s choice is unique. day?
Removing an established colony of honey • Where will the bees be relocated to?
bees takes skill and experience. • Are you a member of your local Bee

INTRA MUROS SEPTEMBER 2020 17