Hordes of bees set to descend upon Düsseldorf
In the warmer months, it's not uncommon to encounter a swarm of bees in Düsseldorf. Here's what you need to know if you find one:
Bees do not belong to anyone when they form a swarm and have left their hive. A swarm can be identified by a large cloud of dark brown/gray bees with possible orange stripes, settling as a cluster above the ground. If unsure, the fire department can also be contacted for assistance.
Swarms of bees are usually reported to the local municipality (Stadt Düsseldorf) or the Feuerwehr (fire department), who can then notify local beekeepers or a specialized swarm service to safely collect the bees. However, direct search results specifying how to report a bee swarm in Düsseldorf for collection by local beekeepers were not found.
To report a bee swarm in Düsseldorf, you can contact the city’s public service hotline or the environmental office (Umweltamt). Alternatively, you can reach out to the Düsseldorf fire department (Feuerwehr Düsseldorf), which often responds to animal swarms. Local beekeeper associations or societies (Imkerverein Düsseldorf) frequently organize swarm collections and may have dedicated contact numbers.
As for wasps, they can be distinguished from bees by their yellow stripes, hairlessness, and spherical, gray, paper-like or ground-hole nests. Unlike bees, wasps will attack immediately if you get too close to their nest. Wasp activity increases as summer progresses, making it essential to avoid disturbing their nests.
Beekeepers are interested in collecting swarms, as they are beneficial for honey production and pollination. When a swarm gathers into a swarm cluster, scout bees are sent out to find a new home. This typically occurs in May and June, when one or more new queens emerge and the colony divides. The swarming season lasts from May to mid-July, with approximately 10,000 bees leaving the hive with the old queen to form a swarm.
Bees, when selectively bred, are generally gentle and not aggressive. However, they may react unfriendly when their nest is threatened or under certain weather conditions. If you encounter a swarm, it's best to avoid disturbing them and to keep a safe distance.
In conclusion, if you find a bee swarm in Düsseldorf, report it to the local authorities or the fire department, who will arrange for a local beekeeper to safely collect the bees. By doing so, you're helping to ensure the safety of the public and the continued presence of these important pollinators.
To facilitate the safe collection of a bee swarm in Düsseldorf, it's advisable to report their presence to the city's public service hotline, environmental office, the Düsseldorf fire department, or local beekeeper associations. This action ensures the continuity of bees as vital pollinators for the home-and-garden lifestyle, contributing to a thriving lifestyle and gardening environment.
