Scarce bees means lower fruit and vegetable yields, especially melons, apples, squashes, and cucumbers . Apis mellifera was brought over to the U.S. from Europe by the early colonists. Swarms escaped from captivity and quickly flourished around the countryside. Bees now need human help to survive the mites, so raising bees has never been more important. Scientists are working toward a solution to the widespread mite problem.
Some people fear being stung by a swarm.
When a crowded hive swarms, a queen leaves the old hive and goes looking for a new home. Often the swarm will settle on a tree limb to rest for a while before proceeding to a new location. With the queen go many worker bees, each carrying a load of honey to feed the swarm during its establishment period. These workers cluster tightly around the queen. If you stay away from the swarm, they will not bother you.