As bee colonies expand throughout the spring and summer, they will face numerous challenges. These include pollen collection, honey storage and brood rearing.
When a colony becomes overcrowded or overworked, the queen may decide to swarm. Fortunately, beekeepers can prevent this from occurring with some advance planning.
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Feeding a Swarm
Honey bees (Apis Mellifera) spend much of the year building wax comb, storing honey and rearing brood. When their colony runs out of space in its hive, the bees divide and swarm in search of a new home.
Swarming poses a particular risk to bees. The queen and approximately half of their workers from the original colony join this mass movement, leaving them more vulnerable than ever.
Bees without comb, food stores or babies may flee when relocated; thus, beekeepers must take immediate steps to ensure their safety when moving them to a new location.
If you come across a new swarm, it is best to capture them before they leave and encourage them to remain by providing some open brood from the original colony.
A swarm will typically remain in its cluster for two or three days before flying off to search for a new nesting site. During this period, it will flap its wings and release an chemical signal that helps guide other bees toward it.
Feeding a New Colony
New colonies don’t have the resources to store nectar or pollen, so feeding them sugar syrup is a beneficial start. Be careful not to overfeed though as this could result in queen loss or colony collapse.
As a general guideline, feed your bees as much syrup as they will eat – usually one quart daily. They may take it all in one go or consume it more slowly.
Bees must empty each brood box of at least a certain number of frames before winter sets in, so don’t stop feeding until this has been accomplished.
Keep an eye on the combs and look for signs of fresh eggs, young brood, or any signs of brood disease. These observations will give you insight into the health of your colony.
Feeding a Colony After a Swarm
Bees typically swarm when their original colony of bees cannot provide them with enough resources to survive the winter. When bees swarm, they leave their old hive in search of a new one.
A typical swarming event occurs between March and April when there is abundant nectar flow and pollen available. Furthermore, this time of year coincides with the spring bloom of a variety of flowering plants which provide bees with plentiful sources of nectar and pollen.
Once a swarm arrives at its destination, it begins to build comb and raise brood. Additionally, it collects pollen and nectar which it then brings back to the colony to nourish its larvae.
Swarming should be avoided at all costs, as it carries the potential risk of death for both the parent colony and any swarm that occurs. Thus, it is best to postpone swarming until all factors are in favor and your colony has established a large brood nest.
Feeding a Colony After a Drone Aggregation
When you have a newly arriving swarm of bees, it is essential to feed them properly so that they remain healthy and strong. Not only should you give them food but also an environment which is secure and comfortable for them.
For example, many bees will expend more energy trying to find food and water, altering their incubation cycles accordingly. It is possible that these modifications could have an adverse effect on the swarm’s reproductive cycle – potentially leading to negative consequences for your colony.
However, you may be able to feed the swarm using the same method used for feeding your colony. For instance, using honey and beeswax from your regular supply could work just as well on the swarm.
By doing this, they will experience less stress and can focus on building a new swarm of bees. Furthermore, it helps protect them from becoming lost in the wild, where they could become prey to predators.
