Bee Invasion: What to Do

A bee invasion can seem alarming, especially when you suddenly come across a swarm of bees in your garden or even a queen bee inside your home. However, this often spectacular and sudden event is actually a natural part of the life cycle of Italian bees, which are essential for the environment and agriculture.

In this article, created by Apicoltura Laterza, we explain what to do in case of a bee swarm, why swarming occurs, and when it is necessary to call a beekeeper to intervene.

Why Does a "Bee Invasion" Occur?

What is often perceived as a bee invasion is actually the result of a process known as bee swarming. Swarming bees are not aggressive—they are simply looking for a new place to establish a hive, possibly near your home or garden.

During swarming, the new queen bee leaves the original hive accompanied by part of the worker bees in search of a suitable environment to build a new colony. This behavior can happen suddenly and is often described as an unexpected swarm of bees.

What to Do When Bees Swarm

When faced with a swarm of bees, the first thing to do is stay calm. Bees are not dangerous if left undisturbed. Here are some recommended actions:

Do not try to remove them yourself: Bees may feel threatened and react. It’s better to leave them alone.
Do not spray pesticides or chemicals: This harms both the environment and the bees, which are vital for pollination and public health.
Close doors and windows: If the swarm is near your home, closing entry points helps prevent them from coming inside.

If you're unsure what to do when you find a swarm in your garden, it's always best to contact a local beekeeper.

The Importance of the Beekeeper

An experienced beekeeper knows how to handle a swarm without harming the bees. Remember, these insects should not be exterminated—they are protected and essential for biodiversity.

Beekeepers only intervene in exceptional cases, such as when the swarm poses a real danger to people or animals. Often, bees stop temporarily before finding a new place to establish their hive. During these stopovers, the swarm remains clustered on a branch or wall for a few hours or days.

When they intervene, beekeepers safely recover the swarm and transfer it to a new hive, contributing to honey supplies and the continuation of the colony. Even the honey stores within the swarm can be preserved.

Queen Bee in the House: What Does It Mean?

If you find a queen bee inside your home, it’s likely the swarm became disoriented. Rarely, the queen may separate from the group and be attracted by light or scents. In this case:

Do not kill her: She is vital to the colony’s survival.
Turn off the lights and open the windows to help her find her way out.
If she doesn’t leave, calling a beekeeper is always the safest solution.

Italian Bees: A Heritage to Protect

Italian bees are among the most docile and productive in the world. They contribute not only to honey production but also to pollinating countless crops. Their well-organized colonies live in harmony with the surrounding environment and have complex survival mechanisms, such as honey reserves and nectar sacs.

When you witness swarming behavior, you're observing a crucial moment in the colony's life: the division process that ensures the species’ survival and expansion.

Bee Facts: Useful Curiosities

Bees communicate through dances and pheromones.
Each swarm is led by a single queen bee, the mother of all the other bees in the hive.
Worker bees live for 30 to 60 days, while the queen can live up to 5 years.
A bee swarm is temporary: if undisturbed, it usually moves on within 24–72 hours.

When Is Human Intervention Needed?

Human intervention becomes necessary when:

The swarm stops in a crowded place (schools, hospitals, homes).
There is a risk to people allergic to bee stings.
A queen bee enters a house and cannot find her way out.
Bees try to enter chimneys, attics, or wall cavities, which may pose a public health risk.

In such cases, it’s crucial to call a local beekeeper. They intervene only when necessary, avoiding the use of insecticides or risky DIY methods.

Conclusion

A bee invasion shouldn't cause fear. It is a natural event, a sign of the colony’s vitality. Swarming bees are looking for a fresh start—they are not aggressive and play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems.

If you come across a sudden swarm, don’t act alone. Stay informed, remain calm, and call an experienced beekeeper, who will handle the situation safely and respectfully.

Protecting bees means protecting our future. Apicoltura Laterza is always available to provide information, intervene safely, and contribute to a more sustainable world.