How can we help the honey bee?
We have asked ourselves this question here at The Bug Man for many years. ย We practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in our business, this basically means to be successful at our jobs while making the smallest impact on our environment possible. ย Each year, we receive calls reporting honey bee swarms hanging from trees and the sides of houses. ย We attempt to seek out a beekeeper to catch and relocate these bees safely. ย Most of the time, the beekeepers are unable to respond in a timely manner because most of them have regular jobs and can’t get away. ย This year, we have solved this problem! ย Dan and Vicky Cassidy, owners of The Bug Man, have become the beekeepers!
Endor Farms – Honey Bee Apiary
Dan and Vicky Cassidy have started a small honey bee farm out in Rockvale to relocate and raise honey bees. ย They will be available to catch and relocate honey bee swarms to this property and to care for them. ย Dan and Vicky also have contacts (other beekeepers) in the local association that would be happy to take any hives that they are unable to keep. ย Dan and Vicky are members of the Rutherford County Beekeepers Association (since July 2014), and constantly seeking out additional training in this new field. ย Eventually, our customers will be able to purchase the local honey at The Bug Man office. ย We will keep everyone posted when it becomes available.
What to do if you see a honey bee swarm
Most people become worried and even scared when they see a honey bee swarm. ย While this is a normal reaction, the honey bees are not usually dangerous during a swarm. ย Their goal is to seek out a new home quickly before they run low on energy stores. ย The queen will land on a branch or wall and all the bees will gather around the queen bee and form a large ball-like mound. ย This is often referred to as a basketball of bees. ย This is the best time to contact a beekeeper. ย They may stay here for 30 minutes or 2 hours. ย Eventually, they will move on to another area until they find a suitable home.
When you see this cluster of bees, call our office and we will dispatch Dan & Vicky, with the bee response equipment. ย If successful, the honey bee cluster will be captured and relocated safely to Endor Farms and the bee will be able to pollinate the crops out in the country.
If you find a swarm of honey bees, call us at 615-217-7284 and we will dispatch our beekeepers!