Swarms

Bees swarm when overcrowded, typically in spring, as the queen and workers seek a new home. Swarming bees are passive; please avoid interference. Learn about the difference between swarms and colonies, and how to handle them safely.

What is a Swarm?

Bees swarm when they feel overcrowded. It is a natural occurrence especially in spring. A swarm occurs when the queen bee, accompanied by several thousand worker bees leaves the nest or beehive and searches for a new home. Upon leaving the nest or hive, the swarm will often only travel a short distance (up to 100m) and gather on a nearby tree branch, house eave or other handy structure while scout bees travel further afield to locate a permanent site.

If you have a bee swarm in your backyard or local area please do not try and kill or interfere with the bees. Swarming bees are quite passive as their focus is on finding a new home and they will have filled up with honey before leaving but if you don’t know what you’re doing and you attack them, you are likely to anger the bees and get stung. The bees will not harm you if they are left alone!

What is a Colony?

A colony is an established group of bees. Bees found in roofs and behind walls, within logs etc that have made honeycomb and have laid brood are colonised. Removing a bee colony is more complex than collecting a swarm and may need a beekeeper specialised in removing colonies.

Swarm Collection and Colony Removal

Many amateur beekeepers will collect swarms in their local area as a community service. The beekeeper will need to know the exact location of the swarm, its size and how long it has been there. They will need to be able to get a bee box (also known as a mini hive or nucleus hive) to the swarm and may leave the box there for a day or two. They will probably collect the bee box at night. Remember to check to see if they charge any fee to cover expenses.

Click here to find a swarm collector in your area.

Swarm vs Colony Know the Difference!

Please don’t spray a swarm or colony of bees! Remember the important role bees play in the fertilisation of agricultural crops, such as many of our nuts, fruit and vegetables.

Honey Bee Swarms vs. Colonies: Distinguishing Between the Two

Honey bee swarms and colonies are two distinct aspects of bee behavior and organisation. Understanding the difference is essential for beekeepers and anyone interested in bees.

A honey bee colony is a permanent group of bees that live together in a hive. It typically consists of a single queen, thousands of worker bees, and a few drones. The colony works collaboratively to gather food, care for the queen and brood (eggs and larvae), and maintain the hive. Colonies are structured and organized, with specific roles for each bee, ensuring the survival and productivity of the group.

In contrast, a honey bee swarm is a natural phenomenon that occurs when a colony becomes overcrowded or when the queen leaves the hive to establish a new colony. During swarming, a large group of worker bees, along with the old queen, leave the original hive and cluster nearby, often on a branch or other structure. This swarm can be temporary as the bees scout for a suitable new home. Swarming is a reproductive strategy for bees, allowing them to expand their population.