ST JOHN’S, Antigua : Beekeepers have been very busy these past few weeks as honeybees are once again swarming as it is their nesting period.
However, the season has proven to be a nightmare for some people who have come face to face with thousands of the insects outside their homes, schools or businesses across the country.
Extension Officer within the Ministry of Agriculture Sereno Benjamin said there is no need to worry because the bees are very docile and non-aggressive during the mating period, which usually starts in April and ends in July.
He has urged residents not to kill the bees because they are essential to the human food chain since they pollinate food crops and provide honey.
This week OBSERVER Media received reports of bees on a school compound, at a bakery and at a Herbert’s home.
Benjamin suggests people call the Ministry of Agriculture between 8 am and 4 pm at 462-1065 or 462-1007 for assistance in removing the insects.
Outside of that time period, people can contact Benjamin at 764-1260 and he would organise removal of bees with the assistance of a member of the Antigua & Barbuda Beekeepers Co-operative Society or any other beekeeper outside the society.
“Killing the bees would not be good for the environment. The best thing to do is wait them out if they are not accumulating in an area you have to constantly use because most times they are going to leave when a bee scout finds a good place to set up a hive.
“Swarming bees are quite tame when swarming, although the sheer number of bees may feel like a threat to anyone not used to dealing with honeybees,” Benjamin said.
He said the bees would only become aggressive if attacked when they start to establish a hive.
“Don’t wait until they start to set up a comb to call for assistance because they are aggressive then,” he added.
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