Why do bees swarm?
Swarming is a natural process and usually occurs in the spring and early summer, as colonies divide. It is part of the bees’ natural process of reproduction which both wild and domesticated bees have carried out for millions of years. A swarm forms when the old queen and up to half the bees in a colony leave to find a new place to nest, leaving a new queen and the remaining bees in the original hive. Once they have left their home, bees are vulnerable to the weather and predators, so they will form a tight cluster to keep warm, dry and safe. This cluster will usually find somewhere to hang, for example from a tree branch, the eaves of a house, a fencepost, hedge or wall, or even a porch. The cluster of bees will buzz alarmingly – this will be the bees ‘shivering’ trying to keep warm and dry. The swarm will remain in its temporary position in a cluster from a few hours to a few days, while “Scout bees” will seek out a new permanent home. Once a suitable home has been found, they will al
A. Bees swarm usually during the Spring and Fall. When a colony becomes too large, the old queen will take about half the colony and leave in search of a new nest location. She leaves queen eggs behind, one of which will emerge as the new queen of the hive. A swarm looks like a large ball or lump of bees, entirely coving surfaces such as a tree branch. Some people will allow themselves to be covered in bees as a stunt, but I don’t recommend that approach. A swarming colony may appear and even sound alarming, but are not generally aggressive. A technician experienced in bee removal can trap and relocate a swarm if you need to have one removed. Above all, don’t panic and swing or swat at the swarm. Even happy bees have their limits.
