A Chorleywood resident experienced an ‘amazing’ moment when a giant swarm of bees took over her garden.
Marie Page was at home on the morning of Friday, May 11 when she looked out her window to see the unnerving sight.
“The sky was black with them”, Marie Said, of the flying insects which she estimated numbered in their thousands and made a “lovely buzzing sound”.
In a post on social media, Marie shared a photo of the creatures, asking for advice on how best to deal with them.
Marie explained that she felt no particular ill feelings towards her new lodgers, who by now had taken up residence in one of the trees in her garden.
She said: “No, I’m not scared of them.
“They are an essential part of our eco system and we should do all we can to protect them.
“It was amazing to see but I can see how some people would be very scared.”
Marie added that, as the insects were doing no harm, she was in no hurry to move them along, but added that, if others wanted to collect them, they were more than welcome to.
She said: “They aren’t doing us any harm. I will wait and see. If a local beekeeper wants them, I’m happy for them to come and collect them though.”
The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) has issued the following advice on what to do if a similar swarm moves into your garden: “First thing to note is that when they are their most active they are simply working and are no cause for alarm.
“Honey bees are under threat and feral colonies appear to be in decline so they should not be destroyed unless absolutely necessary.
“You then need to identify your bees – honeybees are small and vary in colour from golden brown to almost black.
“If you are sure you are looking at a swarm of honey bees then it’s time to contact your local Swarm Collector.”
Picture courtesy of Marie Page
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