When Bees Take Flight: Understanding and Managing Swarms
- Ashley Marie
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
Spring in the apiary is a magical time—everything is blooming, the hives are bustling, and nature is fully alive. But it’s also swarm season. For new beekeepers, the sight of thousands of honey bees pouring out of a hive and taking to the sky can be overwhelming. But don’t panic. Swarming is a natural, fascinating part of honey bee behavior.
A swarm is simply how a honey bee colony reproduces on a colony level. When a hive becomes too crowded, or conditions inside signal that it's time to grow, the bees split into two groups. The original queen leaves the hive with about half the colony, searching for a new home. The remaining bees raise a new queen and carry on in the original hive.
Characteristics of a Swarm
A swarm often looks like a buzzing cloud moving through the air before it settles in a temporary location—like a tree branch, fence post, or even a car mirror. This resting phase gives scout bees time to find the ideal new home. During this stage, swarms are generally very docile. Why? Because the bees have no brood to protect, and they've gorged on honey before leaving the hive, which keeps them calm and focused.
While a swarm might look intimidating, it's one of the least dangerous times to be around honey bees. Still, always observe from a safe distance and avoid disturbing them.
Why Do Bees Swarm?
Swarming is triggered by a combination of factors, including:
Overcrowding in the hive
An abundance of resources (nectar and pollen)
Genetics of the bees (some strains are more prone to swarming)
Environmental cues like temperature and daylight
It’s nature’s way of ensuring survival and expansion, but for beekeepers, it can mean losing half a colony and potentially a honey-producing workforce.
Bell & Bee Tips: Managing and Responding to Swarms
Preventing Swarms:
While you can’t stop bees from naturally wanting to swarm, you can manage the conditions that trigger it. Preventing swarms starts with understanding what your colony needs. Here are a few way you can stay one step ahead:
Regular Hive Inspections: Check for signs of swarm preparation, like queen cells, especially in spring and early summer.
Provide Space: Add extra boxes to reduce congestion. A crowded hive is a swarming hive.
Split Your Colony: If your colony is booming, consider splitting it manually to simulate a natural swarm.
Replace the Queen: Older queens are more likely to trigger swarming. Requeening every 1–2 years can help manage swarm tendencies.
Queen Cells - A Sign Bees Are Going To Swarm
Prepare for Swarms:
Swarm season doesn’t have to catch you off guard. Here are a few ways you can turn a potential loss into an opportunity:
Set Up a Swarm Trap: Consider placing baited swarm traps around your property during swarm season. These can attract your own bees if they decide to leave—or even catch a feral swarm, giving you an extra colony without the chase.
Know the Timing: In most regions, swarm season begins in early spring and can extend into early summer. Keep an eye on weather patterns, nectar flows, and colony activity—warm days following rain often trigger swarms.
Keep Equipment Ready: Have extra hive boxes, frames, a nuc box or two, and swarm bait/lure on hand. If a swarm happens, you’ll need to act quickly. A well-stocked apiary means you can rehome a swarm without scrambling.
Set Up Bait Hives: Place baited swarm traps or empty hives around your property, ideally 8–15 feet off the ground and away from heavy foot traffic. Use a bit of old comb or swarm lure to increase your chances of catching a swarm, either yours or a feral one.
Educate Neighbors and Friends: Let your neighbors know it’s swarm season and what to do if they see a cluster of bees. Reassure them that swarming bees are typically docile, and give them your contact info in case a swarm lands nearby.
If Your Bees Swarm:
Even with the best planning, swarms can still happen—it's part of beekeeping. The key is knowing how to respond quickly and calmly to give yourself the best chance of recovery.
Stay Calm: Remember, they’re usually gentle. Don't panic or try to swat them away.
Locate the Swarm: If it’s nearby and accessible, you may be able to recapture it.
Add a Frame of Open Brood: If you capture the swarm, place it in a hive or nuc box and include a frame of open brood. Bees have an instinct to care for brood, which encourages them to stay and accept the new box as home.
Learn from It: A swarm is a great teacher. Reflect on what was happening in the hive beforehand—what did you miss, and how can you adjust? Swarming isn’t a failure—it’s part of the rhythm of the hive. With some planning and awareness, you can reduce the chances of losing a colony and maybe even catch a free one in the process.
Swarm Of Bees In A Tree
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