A natural event in the lifecycle of honey bee colonies, swarming behavior is a recurring theme in beekeeping that new beekeepers must be taught to recognize and that reliably delivers one or the other interesting or amusing anecdote amongst more experienced apiculturists. Many beekeepers mainly focus on “swarm prevention”, while others would never consider managing swarming behavior at all. Instead, they embrace the benefits for honey bee health and varroa population reduction without trying to interfere.
No matter where on the spectrum of “Swarm Management” beekeepers find themselves after a few years of gathering experience: All should be able to interpret their colonies behaviors and activities in springtime to take educated decisions about the level of intervention they deem necessary. Here, we present an overview of the indicators of swarming behavior, possible interventions from beekeepers as well as the benefits of “letting bees swarm”.
The instinct to swarm is deeply ingrained in the biology of honey bee colonies. As a natural form of reproduction at the colony level, swarming ensures the survival and expansion of the species. It is triggered by a combination of internal factors – such as population growth, pheromonal changes, and the age or fertility of the queen – as well as environmental cues like increasing daylight and resource availability.1 As the colony grows stronger, the queen’s pheromone signals can become less effective at unifying the large number of workers. This weakening of cohesion within the hive initiates a cascade of behaviors that culminates in the preparation to swarm.2
Within the hive, the onset of swarming is marked by several distinct behaviors.3 Worker bees begin to build queen cells, specialized structures resembling peanut shells in shape, in which new queens are raised. At the same time, the queen’s egg-laying rate may slow, and scout bees start to explore the surrounding environment for potential new nest sites.
The hive becomes a hive of decision-making activity – literally – as bees evaluate when and where to divide the colony.4 These collective decisions are not centrally directed but emerge from complex group behaviors and communication systems like the waggle dance and the buzz-run.3
For beekeepers, understanding the swarming instinct is essential. It is not just a biological necessity to the colony but a sophisticated social process that reflects the colony’s health and vitality. Swarming is both a risk – through potential loss of bees – and an opportunity to grow new colonies and observe one of nature’s most remarkable cooperative behaviors.1
To prevent the potential chaos of a sudden swarm, it’s crucial to spot the early signs of swarming behavior. By keeping an eye on subtle changes in the hive, beekeepers can decide to intervene early, expanding the hive or splitting the colony before the bees leave. The most reliable sign of impending swarming is the presence of queen cells. Finding queen cells in the hive, especially when they are capped, indicates that the colony is preparing to swarm. Beekeepers should take immediate action by inspecting the frames and determining whether the bees have fully initiated the queen-rearing process.5
They can then decide whether removal of the queen cell in combination with adding additional space to the hive or splitting the hive will be effective in preventing the colony from swarming. Removing all queen cells or queen cell cups from a colony is not recommended if it is performed as the only measure to prevent swarming. If the colony has already taken the decision to swarm, proceeding this way can result in a queenless colony.6
Another key indicator is colony congestion. As the population of the hive grows in spring, the available space for the brood nest, food stores, and bees becomes crowded. A lack of space in the hive can trigger swarming. Bees need adequate room for the queen to continue laying eggs and for the worker bees to store nectar and pollen. If the colony begins to feel overcrowded, the bees will start preparing to split. To address this, beekeepers can add additional space by inserting empty frames or supers to alleviate congestion.7
Worker bee behavior can also indicate a developing swarm. Increased activity, restlessness, and frequent departures from the hive indicate that the bees are preparing for the move. One of the most notable behaviors is the buzz-run, which is the prelude to the swarm’s departure. This is a form of communication among bees, where scout bees begin to search for a new site, while the worker bees prepare for the exodus. This behavior is often observed in the days leading up to swarming, and it’s crucial for beekeepers to notice this shift in hive dynamics.3
Changes in the queen’s laying pattern represent another strong signal of a coming swarm. As the colony prepares to divide, the queen may reduce her egg-laying output, which leads to a decrease in the overall brood population. When combined with overcrowding and queen cells, this is a clear indication that swarming is imminent. Regular inspections of the hive in spring will help you spot these signs and allow you to act before the bees decide to leave.8
Beekeepers should also observe the timing of swarming. While early signs of swarming often appear in late spring as the colony grows, some hives can begin to show signs even in early spring, especially if there is an early nectar flow or unusually warm weather. Bees can respond quickly to environmental conditions, so it’s critical to inspect hives regularly during the early parts of the season, especially when the weather changes. Proactively managing hive conditions early on can reduce the likelihood of unplanned swarming.7
An increased number of drones in the colony also serves as an indicator that swarming may be near. Drones are male bees whose primary role is to mate with a queen during swarming, and they typically appear in the hive as the colony begins to prepare for reproductive activities. A sudden increase in drone activity and presence may suggest that the colony is nearing its swarming phase.2 Beekeepers should monitor the population of drones during this time to help gauge the colony’s reproductive timeline and act accordingly to prevent a swarm from leaving.8
If you miss the early signs of swarming, the process will often unfold quickly, and there may be little you can do to prevent it once the bees have started to prepare for the split. While swarming is a natural and healthy part of the colony’s life cycle, beekeepers who are focused on honey production may find the loss of part of their workforce detrimental. However, all is not lost. Even once the bees begin the process of swarming, there are still some strategies for mitigating the impact.
If the swarm has not yet left, consider splitting the hive. This involves dividing the colony into two separate hives, removing some brood, bees, and potentially a queen cell to create a new colony. Splitting the hive will prevent the bees from swarming completely, as they’ll be more focused on settling into their new arrangement. This action also helps reduce the likelihood of swarming in the future by providing more space for the bees to thrive.1
If the bees have already swarmed, the first step is to inspect the hive for remaining queen cells. A new queen is essential for the survival of the colony, and her presence will help keep the remaining workers productive. If no queen cells are present or if the hive seems weak, requeening may be necessary. Introducing a new queen can help refocus the colony’s efforts and prevent the bees from swarming again.9
Additionally, even if the bees have swarmed, the first actions taken after the event can help revive the remaining hive. Colonies that have already swarmed still have potential to recover. New queens will soon emerge and begin laying eggs, allowing the remaining bees to rebuild the colony. However, even after the bees have swarmed, some beekeepers argue that allowing the colony to experience swarming behavior naturally is beneficial for long-term colony health: by practicing limited intervention, beekeepers could reduce their impact on the natural cycle of reproduction while managing the colony in a way that benefits both the bees and the beekeeper.10
When bees swarm, they typically leave the hive and cluster on a nearby object, such as a tree branch, fence post, or even a nearby building.11 For beekeepers, capturing these swarms is an excellent opportunity to expand your apiary without purchasing new bees. Swarm collection requires a bit of patience and skill, but with the right tools, it can be a straightforward process.
To begin, carefully locate the swarm and observe its behavior. When bees are swarming, they are typically calm and clustered together, waiting for scout bees to find a new home. Approach the swarm slowly and use a gentle motion to avoid disturbing the bees too much. Protective gear, including a veil, gloves, and a suit, is essential to prevent stings. Even if the bees appear calm, always be prepared for sudden movements. It’s also important to consider the environmental conditions—bees may be more agitated in windy or rainy weather, so it is best to wait for clear conditions when possible.
Once you’re ready to retrieve the swarm, use a swarm box or a hive with frames to house the bees. Carefully cut the branch or shake the cluster into the box. It’s important to ensure that the queen is in the box, as she is the central figure that holds the swarm together. If the queen is captured, the rest of the bees will follow, and the swarm will settle in the new hive.12 When shaking the bees into the box, be gentle but firm, as bees may try to cling to the surface. If the swarm is particularly high up, you may need a ladder or a long-handled pole to capture it safely. Make sure that the ladder is stable and secure before climbing, as falling can cause injury both to you and the bees.
If the swarm is in a high or difficult-to-reach area, it’s important to have the right tools on hand, such as a long-handled pruner to trim branches or a bee vacuum to gently collect the bees into a container. Do not use forceful methods like spraying the swarm with water or pesticides, as this could harm the bees and increase your risk of being stung. Some beekeepers use a swarm lure – a type of scent or pheromone spray – to encourage the bees to move into the collection box if they are not easily accessible.13
After securing the swarm in the box, place the box in a sheltered area, allowing the bees to settle down and adjust to their new home. It’s a good idea to cover the box with a cloth to keep it dark and calm for the first 24–48 hours. This reduces the chances of the bees trying to fly out immediately. Once they settle, open the box and check to ensure that the queen is present and laying eggs. Continue monitoring the new colony over the next few weeks to ensure they are settling in well.13
In terms of safety, be sure to handle the bees with care and always have a first aid kit nearby. Bee stings can be treated by removing the stinger as soon as possible, applying a cold compress, and taking an antihistamine if needed. If you are allergic to bee stings or unsure of your allergy status, always wear protective equipment, and consider keeping an epinephrine injector (EpiPen) on hand when working with bees.14 Additionally, avoid wearing dark clothing or strong perfumes, as these can attract bees and make them feel threatened. Proper swarm retrieval requires both skill and caution, but with practice, it can become a rewarding part of beekeeping.
Swarm prevention remains a major topic of discussion in beekeeping communities, particularly for commercial operations where honey production is a priority. Swarming results in a loss of workers, which significantly impacts foraging efforts and can decrease honey yields. To mitigate the risks associated with swarming, beekeepers often employ various management techniques such as providing extra space in the hive, splitting colonies, or introducing new queens. These practices aim to reduce the likelihood of overcrowding, which is one of the primary triggers for swarming.1 In some cases, beekeepers will use artificial methods like queen excluders or periodic brood box inspections to identify when the colony is nearing a swarm and act before the bees can leave. These efforts help to maintain a consistent workforce, especially during the critical spring months when nectar flows are abundant.1
However, preventing swarming entirely may not always be beneficial to the health of the colony. Swarming is a natural part of the reproductive cycle of honey bee colonies, ensuring genetic diversity and the establishment of new colonies. It serves as a crucial mechanism for colonial dispersal, allowing bees to colonize new areas and expand their population. By preventing swarming, beekeepers risk impeding the bees’ natural reproduction process and may inadvertently reduce the overall vitality of their colonies. Genetic diversity is particularly important for enhancing the colony’s ability to adapt to environmental pressures such as pest infestations, disease resistance, and climate variability.15
Moreover, there is evidence suggesting that colonies allowed to swarm naturally experience lower levels of stress. Constantly managing a colony to prevent swarming can create instability in the hive, leading to higher levels of worker bee mortality and reduced brood rearing efficiency. Natural swarming can reduce the congestion inside the hive, providing the colony with more space to forage, brood, and store resources without the added stress of overcrowding.10
Colonies that swarm are often rejuvenated and able to focus more efficiently on maintaining a strong workforce for the following seasons. For beekeepers who prioritize sustainability and long-term colony health, allowing swarming may result in a healthier hive, capable of more efficient pollination, disease resistance, and honey production over time.16
While swarm management techniques can certainly benefit those focused on honey yields and reducing population decrease and/or colony losses during the season, they are not always the best solution for promoting bee health. Beekeepers must consider their overall goals when deciding whether to allow natural swarming to occur. Some beekeepers may opt for a middle-ground approach that balances the natural behavior of the bees with their own production goals. For example, some may allow swarming in certain cases but actively intervene when it appears the colony is in danger of losing too many bees. Other strategies might involve allowing for partial splits and queen rearing, which can maintain genetic diversity without significantly affecting honey production. As with many aspects of beekeeping, the decision on whether to prevent or allow swarming depends on the beekeeper’s individual philosophy and the long-term health of the hive.2
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by Véto-pharma 
by Véto-pharma 
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