A Turkish biologist has warned the inhabitants of Istanbul not to approach any bee swarm as the number of pollinators in the city appears to be on the rise.
As there have been numerous reports about swarms of honeybees gathering in public places in several districts of Istanbul, Dr Fatih Dikmen explained: “This is not a harmful situation as long as people do not approach the bees that have swarmed.”
Speaking to the Daily Sabah newspaper, the Istanbul University biologist added that the clusters should be removed.
Dr Dikmen added: “They sting any living creature that comes close. Other than that, we can’t say that there is a serious situation to worry about.”
Swarming is “a natural process”, according to the British Beekeepers Association.
On its website, the institution explains: “It is the colony reproducing by the old queen leaving with some of the bees. They leave their hive and find somewhere to hang in a cluster until the scout bees decide on their new home.”
Referring to the situation in Istanbul, Dr Dikmen said: “Their numbers may increase but this does not indicate an increase in the honeybee population in Istanbul.”
The biologist emphasised that there was nothing to worry about.
Istanbul-based beekeeper Ali Sahbenderoglu pointed out that residents should inform an apiarist or the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture about any substantial honeybee gathering.
Prof Donald Lewis from Iowa State University in the United States said: “Stay back and keep others away from the swarm, but feel free to admire and appreciate the bees from a safe distance.”
