Outside North Quad. What do we think this means? [photo] [Sign taped to construction cones: "Honey Bees in Area! Protected species, please do not disturb. Bees are looking for a new home and will disperse soon!"]
State & Huron
» Want more items like this one? Visit the Stopped. Watched. page.
Possibly reminiscent of this [photo] from two years ago, when bees swarmed a bicycle saddle.
If they are honeybees that have swarmed, they are in trouble. They won’t have time to build up sufficient stores before winter once they do find a new home. Hopefully a bee keeper will be involved in relocating them. With help (feeding) they might make it. Bees normally don’t swarm this late. As for how long before they move on? I’ve collected a swarm that hung out in a tree for 3-4 days. Swarms are normally very calm and easy to handle. A swarm that hasn’t moved for days gets a bit more edgy and unhappy.
It is great that North Quad protecting the bees and doing a bit of educating rather than harming them. It is just not a great time of year for bees to have decided to set up a new home.