Bee hive!

[Bisto]

Yesterday when I got home from college I was shown a bee hive hanging off a branch on a tree in our garden. The structure seemed to be about 40-50 cm long.

My family told me that during the day a swarm of bees came by, apparently looking for a place to build their new home. After checking some places around the house (and my grandparents's house), they settled there on the tree I was shown. When I saw their hive they looked like they were still working (then again, when don't they?).

When I came out later, the branch had broken from the hive's weight. Now lots of them were moving to a log we had happened to put there supporting the tree. Fast forward today, my grandpa moved the broken branch (with the hive they had built) out from our home. Later he went to see it and they had all left it -- they are all on the log now; apparently the queen moved there.

Now my family is concerned on whether they are dangerous to us (and to our dog), and mostly whether they'll stay here or are just passing by. (Summer is just starting here.) Does anyone know about bee habits to answer this? Is there a way to move them without killing them all, etc.? (Yeah, I'm thinking about Mr. Jed here but everyone is free to share their thoughts.)

[mossrose]

We need Jed's advice here.

[Jedidiah]

A swarm will generally hang around for anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. They are at their least defensive since they do not have a hive to defend. Unless the queen is injured they will move on as soon as they find a hollow place to build. I don't know about bees in your area, but I would guess you are outside the range of the "killer bees." If there is any concern I am sure that a local beekeeper would be happy to come and collect them for you. Let me know if you have any other, or more specific, questions.

[Bisto]

A swarm will generally hang around for anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. They are at their least defensive since they do not have a hive to defend. Unless the queen is injured they will move on as soon as they find a hollow place to build. I don't know about bees in your area, but I would guess you are outside the range of the "killer bees." If there is any concern I am sure that a local beekeeper would be happy to come and collect them for you. Let me know if you have any other, or more specific, questions.

Thank you for your reply!

An aunt called a beekeeper who may come tonight or during the week. So far the bees have been quiet enough, so nothing of note there.

[Jedidiah]

Thank you for your reply!

An aunt called a beekeeper who may come tonight or during the week. So far the bees have been quiet enough, so nothing of note there.

Even beekeepers can be delayed by Christmas.

[Bisto]

Last I checked they were gone, but I missed when and how. Presumably they left :)

[Jedidiah]

A swarm like that will only stay in one place until they find a new home site. Then it is off they go.

[DesertBerean]

If the beekeeper moves the swarm is there a guarantee the swarm will stay wherever the keeper puts them?

[Cow Poke]

Even beekeepers can be delayed by Christmas.

I hear they moonlight as Santa's elves!

[Jedidiah]

If the beekeeper moves the swarm is there a guarantee the swarm will stay wherever the keeper puts them?

Depends. I have never had a swarm leave once it was hived. If somehow the queen is missed they will try to go back to her.