As spring brings more beehives, local beekeepers remove, relocate colonies

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - The saying goes ‘April showers bring May flowers,’ but they also bring bees to Central Texas.

Last May the Austin Fire Department reportedly responded to more than a dozen bee-related emergency calls.

Officials also says there have already been numerous calls for help, with removing hives from homes across the area.

Nona Evans has been a beekeeper for years, just recently her beehives has hit full occupancy.

That’s because some of her honeybees have come from unwanted beehives.

”It’s so excited to get to provide a safe haven for bees that just landed in the wrong spot," said Evans. 

Evans is a volunteer with the Austin Area Beekeepers Association and has removed bees from local homes and businesses. 

“For some reason here in Texas, bees love to live in our water meter box," Evans said. "So even the water meter company will post on a forum when there’s a hive that needs to be removed." 

So far this year they’ve removed more than a dozen beehives. 

“Swarms in people’s garages, there was one that was in part of a tractor so bees like a protected space with a small opening,"  said Evans. 

She says most people assume a beehive are the size of a wasp’s nest, but don't realize the sheer magnitude of what bees can do.

Evans says the recent rains and floods have contributed to more hive removals and bee relocation. 

“Mother Nature has thrown us so many curveballs lately from tornadoes, hurricanes, to floods and of course our first response is people but those of us who keep bees can’t help to think what happens to the hives," Evans said. "So there are all sorts of efforts to rescue hives that might have been damaged."

Evans says it’s important to capture and transport bees safely so they can continue their work for the queen along with continuing to pollinate.  

“We love to give bees a safe home where they can thrive,” said Evans. 

She says if someone comes across an unwanted beehive, it’s best to reach out to an expert. 

“Call somebody that can help you move them into a safe space, a managed hive where they will thrive and help us create all of our food," said Evans.