A Buzzing Surprise in the Parking Lot
Last week, the Burlington Centre parking lot became the unexpected site of a bee swarm, as nearly 20,000 bees found a new temporary home on a shopper’s Toyota Corolla. The incident, which saw the colony’s queen bee leading half of the hive’s population to the vehicle, left the remaining bees in a state of confusion, unsure of their next destination.
The Rescue Operation
Local beekeeper Dave Stotesbury was called to the scene to manage the situation. With a brush and a nuc box—a small beehive used for starting a new colony—Stotesbury spent an hour gently relocating the bees from the car to the box. The bees, attracted by the familiar scent of the nuc box, quickly adapted to their new environment. Remarkably, there were no reports of anyone being stung during the operation. The car owner, who had left the vehicle overnight, returned the next day to find it bee-free.
The Bees’ New Home
Stotesbury, who described the experience of collecting an unfamiliar swarm as both exciting and nerve-wracking, has placed the bees in a quarantine area within his main yard. Concerns about potential diseases or pests accompany the introduction of a new swarm, but if the bees prove to be healthy and strong, they will be moved to the yard to produce honey and pollinate the area.
The Mall’s Proactive Approach to Beekeeping
The Burlington Centre has taken a proactive approach to beekeeping by setting up hives on the mall’s roof, aiming to pollinate the surrounding area. Stotesbury, who is responsible for these rooftop hives through his business Backed By Bees, clarified that the bees involved in the car swarm were not from these hives, and their original hive remains unknown.
A Common Phenomenon
Swarming bees are not an uncommon sight, as Stotesbury pointed out, referencing a recent incident at an Arizona Diamondbacks game that was delayed due to a bee swarm. His quick response and expertise ensured a safe resolution to the situation, highlighting the importance of professional beekeeping services in managing such events.
