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Bee colony going astray: Brave beekeepers save swarm of chestnut trees!
On June 3, 2025, a swarm of bees was discovered in the Volme community. Beekeeper Christian Conrad saved the people.
Bee colony going astray: Brave beekeepers save swarm of chestnut trees!
On June 3rd, a colony of bees was discovered in the Volme community, which had settled in a chestnut tree near the savings bank. This event occurred during the bee swarming season, which lasts from the end of April to June 21st. According to information from Lokaldirekt.de The bees left their hive because the colony had grown significantly and the old queen set off with part of the swarm to look for a new nesting place.
Department head Sylvia Gonzalez Algaba immediately informed beekeeper Christian Conrad about the swarm. Conrad came with a hydraulic platform and his daughter Franziska to capture the bee colony. Patience was required when catching the swarm. The queen was transferred to the swarm trapping box without any problems, whereupon the rest of the swarm followed. The captured swarm was left to gather in a shady spot for about one to two hours before Christian Conrad planned to return in the evening to finally collect the colony.
Swarm behavior and beekeeping
Swarming is a natural form of reproduction for honey bee colonies. Bees swarm particularly in May and June, usually around midday when conditions are optimal. A swarm forms when the colony is large enough and there is sufficient nectar and pollen. After swarming, the bees first gather in nearby places before flying on in search of a new nesting site, explains beejournal.de.
Beekeepers often try to prevent swarming as it can lead to honey loss and conflict with neighbors. Common methods include creating enough space in the hive and regular checks. If swarming instinct is detected, swarm cells are often broken out or the queen is caged to prevent premature swarm departure.
The captured bee colony legally belongs to the beekeeper who captured it, emphasizes Christian Conrad, who currently looks after around 30 bee colonies and is regularly called to help with rescue operations. Sylvia Gonzalez Algaba experienced her first swarm rescue in this incident and was instructed in the beekeeper's procedures. If you discover a swarm of bees, you should remain calm and keep your distance. It is advisable to inform the public order office in order to be able to establish contact with beekeepers.