The Bees Have Swarmed!

April 23, 2021 - Well, the bees at the Library continue to be active. If you have walked by the hive lately you have probably seen a big bee beard on the front of the hive, as well as a small beard attached to the bottom entrance of the hive. The beards have been there almost every day during this warm stretch of weather.

Besides the bee beards, the staff at the Library have been on pins and needles waiting for the hive to swarm. We look at the weather forecast and ask ourselves “Will today finally be the day?!” The staff has been checking on the hive throughout the day, every day.  So, you must be asking yourself, did the bees swarm yet or not??

The answer is: Yes! Three times! But…the first two were attempted swarms and the third was successful! During the first two swarms the queen bee returned to the hive. The first attempted swarm was on Monday, April 12th, and the second attempted swarm was this week, Wednesday, April 21st.  Then the successful swarm was also on Wednesday, April 21st, just three hours after the last one! It was a busy day for the hive. 

We are grateful for the hive’s keeper, Susan Knilans, who comes by at a moment’s notice to check on the swarms. Thank you Susan! We are also so thankful to Pixie who came every time as well to help gather the swarm. Thank you Pixie!

Since the swarms happen quickly and at a moment’s notice, we wanted to share some footage of the last swarm. Turns out it can be hard to get a good photo or video of a bee swarm, but we think the staff got some great footage. Check it out below!

Does this mean swarm season is over? Nope, the hive may still possibly swarm three more times this season, it just depends. Susan has alerted us that we may see another, smaller swarm in as soon as 10 days from the last one.

This concludes your bee hive swarm update. We will keep you posted on any developments.

Elliot Stapleton

Library Associate

4.23.21