Honey bee swarming is a natural phenomenon, representing a colony’s primary method of reproduction and expansion. It involves a portion of the colony, including the old queen, leaving the original hive to establish a new one. This behavior is a carefully orchestrated process essential for the species’ survival.
When Bees Take Flight
Honey bee swarming typically occurs during the warmest part of the day, usually from late morning to mid-afternoon. Most swarms are observed between 10 AM and 2 PM. This timing aligns with optimal environmental conditions that facilitate the bees’ journey to a new home.
Ideal conditions for swarming include warm, sunny days with calm winds. Bees require air temperatures of at least 55°F (12.8°C) to fly effectively for extended periods. While higher temperatures generally increase the likelihood of swarming, strong winds can make flight difficult and hazardous. Swarms are most common in late spring and early summer, from April through July, when weather conditions are consistently favorable.
Why Bees Swarm and What Triggers It
Swarming serves as the primary method of reproduction for honey bee colonies, allowing them to multiply and spread. The process is initiated by a combination of internal conditions within the hive and external environmental cues.
A primary internal trigger for swarming is overcrowding or congestion within the hive. As the colony’s population grows, especially during periods of abundant resources, the available space for brood rearing and honey storage becomes limited. This congestion can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the queen’s pheromones, signaling to worker bees that it is time to prepare for a split. The old queen also reduces her egg-laying and loses body weight, making her lighter and more capable of flight.
Environmental factors also play a role in triggering swarming. An abundance of nectar and pollen, often found during spring and early summer, fuels colony growth and contributes to overcrowding. Favorable weather conditions, such as warm temperatures and ample daylight, also signal to bees that it is an opportune time for colony division and expansion.
What to Do When You Spot a Swarm
Encountering a bee swarm can be startling, but swarming bees are generally docile and not aggressive. They are focused on finding a new home and have gorged themselves on honey before leaving the original hive, making them less inclined to sting. Unlike bees defending their established hive, swarming bees have no brood or food stores to protect.
Maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the swarm. Do not spray them with water or insecticides, as this can agitate the bees and increase the likelihood of stings.
Swarms are often temporary, clustering on objects like tree branches for a few hours to a few days while scout bees search for a permanent nesting site. If a swarm is in an inconvenient or concerning location, contacting a local beekeeper or beekeeping association is the recommended course of action for safe removal.