San Diego City Wire

San Diego County News CenterDirect To YouMarch 22, 2024

During springtime, the flowers bloom and the bees are busy. In light of this, experts at the County’s Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures advise, "The biggest one is—do not disturb them. And if they’re already disturbed, move away to a safer location." This time of year, sightings of honey bee swarms and nests are more likely as groups of bees leave their old colonies to establish new ones.

Bees play a crucial role in the environment and agriculture by pollinating flowers to produce many of the foods we eat. However, as noted, they can act defensively to protect their nests and young by stinging. In San Diego, two common types of honey bees are European honey bees and Africanized honey bees. European honey bees are known for their docile nature and are typically kept by beekeepers for pollination and honey production. On the other hand, Africanized bees are more aggressive and tend to swarm more frequently in response to disturbances.

If encountering a honey bee swarm or nest, it is important to be cautious. A honey bee swarm or nest will emit a distinct buzzing sound. Swarms, which may rest and send out scouts before settling permanently, are generally docile but should still be approached with care. Hives, where bees raise their young and store food, are defended territorially and bees will react defensively if disturbed.

Honey bees often nest in various protected locations like eaves, attics, trees, and utility boxes. Residents are advised to contact the utility provider for removal if bees are found in utility boxes. The County's Apiary Program regulates managed bee colonies and promotes responsible beekeeping in unincorporated areas.

In conclusion, it is essential to exercise caution and respect when encountering bees this spring to ensure a safe interaction for both humans and these vital pollinators.