We’ve had several honey bee swarms end up in trees near our home this late Spring. That coupled with my recently buying a few jars of raw, unfiltered honey got me to looking into how honey is actually made. I found a most fascinating explanation right here at Mickelberry Gardens in nearby Troutdale, Oregon.
“Swarming is the completely natural way the hive replicates itself. When there’s plenty of honey, pollen, and brood (honeybee larvae) and everything is going well for the hive, the worker bees begin feeding a few larvae royal jelly, to create a new queen. The old queen leaves with about half of the workers in the hive. In a great leap of faith, they swarm out together and form a large clump nearby, often on a tree branch. Then scout bees search for a suitable new place for a hive.
Bee swarms are extremely vulnerable to the elements, and many die. Also, especially in urban environments, the bees sometimes choose a site that is not appropriate, like your mailbox, garbage can, or barbeque grill.” Swarm Removal
SwittersB & Exploring 
OH wow this is super scary looking! I’m allergic so I would not be anywhere near this! my goodness you are brave!
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No MM, just careless. 🙂
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Nah I’ll stick with brave!
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OH wow!! That is a HUGE hive!! What a shot, Switters!! Love, Amy ❤
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Thank you for such kindness Amy!
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I didn’t know that about going off to form a new hive. I worked on an estate and bottled gallons of honey. The work tables were in a huge empty garage with the doors open. Lots of bees came but didn’t bother us. I learned to ignore them but, since, have re-learned to flinch. I also made goat cheese from the goats that lived there. Best stuffed manicotti in the world. How I do go on. . .
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Ah very interesting and special memories for sure. Thank you for sharing that.
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Neat picture. My husband has capture many swarms and began new hives. I have seen the air full of bees when one of our hives would swarm. I chose not to be outside when that happens.
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Yes, it makes one nervous. I think I would be much more nervous if yellow jackets or hornets. Been tangled up in their spin cycle a couple of times.
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Yes, I have done the yellow jacket thing, they are very mean. Hornets are very dangerous and I hope I never have to deal with that one.
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