Colorado Wild Bees

Wild honeybees, or technically in the US feral honeybees, are simply honeybees that are living in an unmanned colony.

Why they are important
Wild bees are surviving even with disease and pest pressures that are taking a high toll on conventionally managed bee hives. However, there are only a handful of places where they have actually been documented and tracked. To really understand how they survive and if they can help the beekeeping industry, we need to know where they are.

Where they live
They can be living in a hollow tree, a wall, the eves in a house, or just about anywhere. Typically they are fairly docile, though don't get too close unless you are experienced with bees. Colorado does not (yet) have africanized honeybees, if you live in an area that does, you must be far more cautious of a wild hive. In Colorado it is safe to quietly observe wild bees from a few yards away.

What to do if you find a hive
If you are in Colorado, then let us know of course! You can use the Track A Colony link at the top of the page.

Honeybee colonies in Colorado don't really pose a threat to people, though can be a nuisance if they make their home in the wrong place. If the colony is out of people's way, then simply enjoy it. If it needs to be removed, contact us if you are in Denver, or a local beekeeper otherwise.