Bees Swarming?

1. Identify What You Are Seeing

• Honey Bees: Typically golden-brown with black stripes. They are social and live in large colonies. Honey bee swarms are often seen in spring or early summer.
• Bumblebees: Larger, with fuzzy bodies and a distinctive black and yellow pattern. They are less aggressive and usually nest in the ground or in cavities.
• Carpenter Bees: Resemble bumblebees but have a shiny, black abdomen. They bore into wood to create nests.
• Wasps and Hornets: These are not bees but are often mistaken for them. Wasps have slender bodies and smooth, shiny skin. Hornets are larger and more aggressive.

2. Assess the Situation

• Swarming Behavior: Swarms are generally non-aggressive as bees are searching for a new home. This behavior is common in honey bees and typically occurs in the spring.
• Nesting: If bees are actively entering and exiting a specific area, they may have established a nest.

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