The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s “What Is True?” team investigated a claim that there has been more bee activity because of this year’s mild winter.
RESULTS: These claims are true.
While swarms are starting earlier across the country, traditionally warm locales like south Mississippi may be less affected than places farther north. Learn what to do if you see a bee swarm in the full fact-check below:
This year, residents of southeast Mississippi might see honeybee swarms earlier than usual because of an unusually warm winter. Jeff Harris, a professor of entomology at Mississippi State University whose research focuses on honeybees, said he recorded more swarms than normal in early April, earlier than he typically sees. However, he said there is not enough data yet to determine whether the trend is occurring statewide or elsewhere.
According to Harris, warm winters allow honeybee colonies to grow faster. He said a hive can go from about 20,000 bees in winter to 50,000 or 60,000 bees in spring. When the hive becomes overcrowded, the old queen leaves with about half the bees to establish a new colony. That group of bees is a swarm.
According to the Mississippi State University Extension Service, in southeast Mississippi, honeybees are the only true bees that form swarms. They are fuzzy with golden-brown coloring and cluster in large, exposed, temporary swarms on branches or structures while searching for a new home.
They can be mistaken for other common bees and wasps in southeast Mississippi including:
— Bumblebees: Oversized, furry and excellent pollinators. They typically nest underground or near ground level.
— Carpenter bees: Shiny, hairless black abdomens. They bore perfectly round holes into porches, eaves and exposed wood, causing structural damage.
— Yellowjackets: Sleek, bright yellow-and-black wasps. Aggressive carnivores that build paper nests underground or inside wall voids.
Harris said honeybees play an important role in agriculture and the environment. If a honeybee swarm lands in your yard, he recommends calling a local beekeeper. He said many beekeepers will collect the swarm for free and relocate it safely to a managed hive.
About “What Is True?”
The RHCJC “What Is True?” team of graduate investigators examines everything from viral online posts to local community rumors. If you have a question, submit it through the “What Is True?” inquiry form on the RHCJC website or call 855-IS-IT-TRU (855-474-8878).
