It's bee season - Never do these 5 things if you see a swarm
Don't bother them and they won't bother you.
When people see bees, their first reaction is panic, especially when they are swarming. Allan Bosel , owner and operator at Michigan bedbug specialists , explains that bees are swapping because their populations develop, reproduce and end up moving to new areas to start new hives. And thanks to the warmer weather, you could spot them more often. "You will see swarms like a cluster or a ball of bees hanging from a tree, a vehicle, a hangar, etc. for about 24 to 72 hours" ", explains Nancy Tedford , an environmental specialist for Department of Florida of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Of course, seeing so many bees both can be a little frightening, but they will only get angry if you disturb them. Realizing that they are not a threat to you can be reassuring, however, you should always be properly prepared if you meet one. We talked about experts you should never do if you see a swarm of bees.
Read this then: If you see this frightening bug in your house, don't kill it, experts warn .
1 Swat on them.
It may seem obvious, but trying to escape them only makes them more likely to prick you. "Pulling or hitting bees will only feel threatened and potentially cause an attack," said Ben Hilton , founder and publisher at The gardening scheme .
The bees are generally very soft when they fat, there is therefore no reason to continue them. Although a bee bite can be painful, multiple at the same time can be quite dangerous, especially if someone is allergic. They will certainly become more aggressive if you try to move them. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
Heather Wilson , amateur beekeeper and founder of Hearl bees , recommends staying calm and not moving. "Pretend that bees do not bother the signs," she advises.
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2 Kill them.
If you meet a swarm of bees, do not try to hurt them or kill them. MIGUEL CAMPEROS , Vice-president of operations Sunvara , said that bee populations decrease, so killing an entire swarm can be detrimental to your local environment. If you grow plants or if you have a garden of any kind, keeping the bees is actually more beneficial in the long term.
Bees are responsible for the pollination of foods we eat, as well as trees, plants and flowers. "In most states, bees are protected and killing them is a crime that is liable to significant fines," said Frank Mortimer , Master Beekeeper, president of the New Jersey Beekeepers' Association, and author of The people of the bees and the insects they love.
3 Spray them with water.
The spraying bees with water is a very bad idea. Again, it will only make them wave and give them more reasons to prick you.
Wilson explains that bees are trying to stay away from the rain as much as possible. "This changes their moods and if they assimilate a spraying of water to sudden rain, they will be quickly irritated," she said.
Their wings are also affected by water. "It should be noted that the wet bees have trouble flying, making them rest on the ground, which can present a risk for children, pets and even adults if you work accidentally," explains Hilton .
4 Cover them with pesticides.
Unlike real parasites, bees Help your plants and vegetation prosper . "Pesticides are toxic to bees and not only harm bees, but also other beneficial insects and the environment," said Hilton.
Chemicals can also disperse the swarm, which is not a good thing when they try to settle. The swarming bees to protect their queen, says Hilton Better life . If you choose to spray any type of pesticide or insecticide, you deliberately disrupt the swarm - and you could literally not choose a worst time.
"During a swarm, the bees are alert and naturally have an increased consciousness and a response to potential threats, increasing the risk of bites," said Hilton.
5 Remove it yourself.
You can put yourself in danger if you try to get rid of the swarm yourself - it is certainly not a DIY project. Mortimer says that it is important to keep in mind that "a swarm will not stay in its temporary location for a few days, because once a space for a new house is, all bees will fly away."
If the swarm does not disappear after this short period of time, it is preferable to call an anti -picking or professional pest control service. "Many beekeepers are experts in manipulation of bees, so they are the best people to call," said Bossel.
When you call a beekeeper, don't forget that it may not delete the bees for free. "It's their time, equipment and skills," explains Tedford, "they may even have to buy or rent special equipment for your withdrawal." But it will be the safest option for you and bees.