Swarming is a natural thing that bee colonies do but why do bees swarm?
The main reason that a bee colony will swarm is that it has reached a sufficient size to enable it to split into two and hence reproduce itself.
Whilst it is important for the colony to reproduce individual bees the main purpose of a bee colony is to grow sufficiently to enable it to turn one colony into two and so on. A bit like a cell splitting. Swarming is, therefore a sign of health.
There are a number of other factors that will enable bees to swarm and conditions need to be right. If a colony were to swarm when there is little or no food available then the swarm is likely to starve. The same is true if the colony swarms during a period of bad weather. We still don’t completely understand all the triggers for swarming but a combination of a large colony, a good nectar flow and good weather are vital. Without those the swarm will perish and the queenless colony that is left in the hive will be unable to get their new queen mated.
Swarming is, therefore a time of high risk.
A Swarm In May Is Worth A Load Of Hay
A Swarm In June Is Worth A Silver Spoon
A Swarm In July Isn’t Worth A Fly
The later in the year, the greater the risk.
One of the big problems these days is that swarms will often go into places where they are not wanted. Many people will not tolerate any animal living in their house (other than human) and will destroy a swarm if it sets up home in their house or shed. Good beekeepers manage their hives to reduce that risk for the bees and also stop them going where they are not wanted.
In later blogs we will look at the process of swarming and also swarm management. If you cant wait until then please pop over to the Cotswold Bees YouTube channel at Swarming Bees to see the a swarming hive.
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