Knowledgebase

Haralson has a new bee swarm hive overnight #874691

Asked June 25, 2024, 6:59 PM EDT

My Haralson just today is now covered in a huge bee hive swarm. It must have just formed during the day today. The Haralson is a great tree for us, Its about 8 years old, Its bearing fruit this year, some of which I bagged and some I let go. struggles with Plum curculio, but otherwise in good health. I dont want to choose between the bees or the tree, but I dont want to lose this tree. Should I be concerned about damage to the tree? Theyre making a huge hive on the center trunk about 7 ft up. Non agressive. I can get plenty close with no issue. thanks in advance for your advice. FYI, I cull the fruit by up to 2/3rds right after I see it form, and I spray insecticide to control plum curculio, but this year I missed the window and they got to most of the fruit anyway.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

What you have described sounds like swarming honeybees.  If so, the swarm might have chosen the tree as a temporary resting place until it finds a permanent hive location.  In that case the swarm will move on when that happens.  This could be in a matter of hour or a few days.

Learn more here:

https://ag.purdue.edu/department/btny/ppdl/potw-dept-folder/2022/honey-bee-swarm.html

Go here if the swarm is still present and you need assistance:

https://mnbeekeepers.com/honey-bee-swarms/

If what you have described is not a honeybee swarm, please reply to this message and attach sharp photos of what you are seeing.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2024, 5:07 PM EDT

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