Why is it important to protect a swarm of honey bees?
Honey bees are important to the production of food because of their part in pollination. Approximately 30% of our food is pollinated by bees. Honey bees are currently under threat because they are vulnerable to infestation by Varroa Destructor which is a parasitic mite that lives on the honey bee and has part of its life cycle in the hive. It feeds on developing bees and causes them to be deformed. This weakens colonies, makes them more susceptible to viruses, and causes them to die out.
Swarming is the natural method of reproduction of the honey bee. Half the bees and the old queen leave the hive and set up a new colony elsewhere. They are not usually aggressive at this stage.
If you find a swarm of honey bees, please use the link below. It will take you to the BBKA (The British Beekeepers Association) website where you can search for a local beekeeper.
Honey Bees
Wasps
Bumble Bees