How to Stop Your Bees from Swarming
- dunnybees
- Mar 14
- 2 min read
One of the biggest challenges for new beekeepers is preventing swarming. A swarm happens when a colony decides it’s time to split, and about half of the bees (along with the old queen) leave to start a new hive. While swarming is a natural process, it can mean losing a large portion of your workforce—and your honey production can take a hit. Here’s how to recognise the signs of swarming and what you can do to prevent it.
Why Do Bees Swarm?
🐝 Overcrowding: If the hive is too full, bees will feel cramped and look for a new home.
🐝 Lack of Ventilation: Poor airflow makes the hive too hot, increasing the chance of swarming.
🐝 Aging Queen: When the queen’s pheromones weaken, the colony may decide to replace her by swarming.
🐝 Natural Instinct: Some bee species, like Carniolans, are more prone to swarming than others.
How to Recognise Swarming Signs
🚨 Queen Cells: Large peanut-shaped swarm cells on the edges of frames mean bees are preparing for a new queen.
🚨 Increased Bee Traffic: If you see a sudden spike in bees hanging around the entrance, they may be preparing to leave.
🚨 Bees Acting Restless: If workers seem disorganized and louder than usual, a swarm might be coming.
🚨 Reduced Brood Production: The queen slows down egg-laying before a swarm.
How to Prevent Swarming
✔️ Give Them More Space
• Add an extra box (super) to prevent overcrowding.
• Make sure frames have enough room for brood and honey storage.
✔️ Perform Hive Inspections Regularly
• Check for swarm cells every 7-10 days in spring and early summer.
• If you see queen cells, remove them only if your hive is not overcrowded.
✔️ Split the Hive
• If your colony is strong, consider making a split by moving some bees and brood into a new hive.
✔️ Requeen the Hive
• If your queen is getting old, replacing her early can prevent swarming behavior.
✔️ Improve Ventilation
• Prop the hive lid slightly open or use a screened bottom board to keep the hive cool.
✔️ Provide Plenty of Forage
• If nectar flow is low, supplement with sugar water to prevent stress.
What to Do if Your Bees Swarm
If your bees have already swarmed:
✅ Look for a New Queen: Sometimes, a colony will raise a new queen naturally after a swarm. Check for queen cells before panicking.
✅ Try to Capture the Swarm: If the swarm is nearby, you can collect it in a hive box and start a new colony.
✅ Swarming can happen even to experienced beekeepers. Use it as a learning experience for next season.
Swarming is a natural part of a bee colony’s lifecycle, but with good hive management, you can reduce the chances of losing your bees. Regular inspections, providing enough space, and maintaining a healthy queen are key to keeping your colony happy and productive.
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