As beekeepers and enthusiasts, we’re all familiar with the buzzing excitement that spring and summer bring into our apiaries. One of the most common yet fascinating occurrences during these seasons is a bee colony forming honey bee swarms. While we often picture swarms high up in the air or dangling from tree limbs, there’s another scenario that might catch us off guard: a bee swarm on the ground.
Encountering a large swarm of bees settled on the ground can be both intriguing and puzzling. Why aren’t these bees airborne or clustered up high as we’d expect? More often than not, the answer lies with the queen and her capacity to fly. This blog post aims to shed light on the phenomenon of ground bee swarms, delving into the reasons behind this behavior and how both beekeepers and the general public can safely handle these situations.
Bee swarms on the ground indicate queen flight issues, such as injury or disease, requiring careful assessment by beekeepers to ensure safe relocation.
Use hive boxes or bee vacuums to gently collect ground swarms. Prioritize queen safety and monitor swarm health after relocation to your apiary.
Approach ground swarms calmly with protective gear. Avoid disturbing bees, and relocate them promptly to protect their health and prevent environmental threats.
Table of Contents
Recap On What A Honey Bee Swarm Is Honey Bee Behavior During a Swarm Reasons For A Ground Swarm Identifying a Honey Bee Swarm on the Ground Safety Precautions When Dealing with a Honey Bee Swarm Poisoning A Swarm Of Bees Collecting A Ground Swarm Using a Nucleus Box or Hive Box: Utilizing a Bee Vacuum:
Recap On What A Honey Bee Swarm Is
Just to give a quick review of what a honey bee swarm is, it's when a colony of bees divides, leaving behind a virgin queen and or queen cells in the hive.
A portion of the honey bees, usually about half and the old colonies' queen, will fly off and collect nearby. In less than a week, they will usually locate a new cavity to move into and start a new hive.
The new queen in the old hive will go out on mating flights for a week or so, and then she will start to lay eggs in the hive, and it will proceed as it did before.
This is a normal process and what bees want to do multiple times every year. When catching a swarm, it is usually the old queen you are catching. Read our detailed blog on What Is A Swarm Of Bees.
Honey Bee Behavior During a Swarm
Honey bee behavior during a swarm is a complex and fascinating process. When a swarm occurs, the bees are in a state of transition, and their behavior is driven by the need to establish a new colony. Here are some key aspects of honey bee behavior during a swarm:
Scout Bees : Scout bees play a crucial role in finding a new location for the swarm. They search for a suitable site, often returning to the swarm to communicate with the other bees through complex dance patterns. This dance conveys information about the direction and distance of potential new homes.
The Old Queen : The swarm is led by the old queen, who is responsible for laying eggs and ensuring the survival of the colony. The queen’s pheromones help to regulate the behavior of the other bees in the swarm, keeping them cohesive and focused on the task of relocation.
Worker Bees : Worker bees, who are responsible for foraging and caring for the young, are also present in the swarm. They help to protect the queen and the swarm, and are responsible for collecting food and resources for the new colony. Their primary focus during a swarm is to ensure the safety and success of the relocation process.
Drones : The swarm is often accompanied by a small number of drones, who are responsible for mating with the queen . While their role is less prominent during the swarm, they are essential for the continuation of the colony once a new home is established.
Reasons For A Ground Swarm
A colony of bees will swarm for only a few reasons, but it feels like the size and shape of a swarm will have a thousand variations. And the location where they go sometimes makes sense, and other times it doesn’t. We have all had the huge 10 lb swarm of bees hanging that is just out of reach, and we wish we could have it back.
Ideally, they land chest-high on a nearby tree, but that doesn’t always happen. Understanding swarm behavior can help beekeepers predict and manage these occurrences more effectively.
A swarm can land in so many places, including on the ground. Which is more of a unique location for a swarm to go to, but it means something significant is happening.
When a swarm lands on the ground, it is usually because there is something wrong with the swarm as a whole or there is something wrong with the queen. Usually, when a swarm leaves the colony, they essentially hear the queen out of the hive and onto a nearby object.
Shortly after that, usually hours, the colony will temporarily be located in another new place. There is where they will hunt for a final home to move to. But when a swarm is collecting on the ground, it’s because they don’t have another choice. That is where the queen landed, and for some reason, she wasn’t able to fly off. So the swarm stays with her on the ground.
There are a few common reasons why a queen might end up grounded and unable to fly.
Physical Injury: She could have sustained physical damage, which could have happened recently or months or a year ago. When beekeepers move frames around in the hive, they can accidentally damage a queen, making her unable to fly. I know personally I have damaged a queen while marking her. They ended up superseding that queen.
Health Issues: Age or health problems can diminish her strength and flying ability. Sometimes a queen is just in such poor health that she is unable to fly. She could be sick or diseased from varroa mites or viruses. There is a particular virus called Deformed Wing Virus that can make worker bees, drones, or queen wings shrivele up.
Human Intervention: There is a technique that beekeepers will use specifically to force a swarm to the ground called queen clipping. A clipped queen means the wing of the bee is partially cut, preventing it from working well. It’s enough damage to the wing to prevent her from flying high but not enough to make the workers think she is damaged. This technique is often done to high-value queens or by beekeepers who want to reduce the losses that can come from swarming.
For beekeepers, a bee swarm on the ground presents both a challenge and an opportunity for beekeeping. The challenge lies in carefully assessing and addressing the queen’s condition. The opportunity is in the ease of capturing the swarm due to its accessible location. It’s crucial to gently manage these ground swarms, ensuring the safety of the queen and her honey bees .
Identifying a Honey Bee Swarm on the Ground
Identifying a honey bee swarm on the ground can be a challenging task, especially for those who are new to beekeeping. Here are some key characteristics to look out for:
Large Cluster of Bees : A honey bee swarm on the ground is typically a large cluster of bees, often covering an area of several square feet. This cluster is usually dense and can appear as a moving, buzzing mass.
Calm and Docile Behavior : The bees are usually calm and docile, but can become aggressive if threatened or disturbed. It’s important to approach them with caution and avoid any sudden movements.
Scout Bees : The swarm is often surrounded by a “cloud” of bees, which are scout bees searching for a new location. These scouts are constantly coming and going, evaluating potential new homes for the swarm.
Presence of Dead Bees : The swarm may be accompanied by a small number of dead bees, which can be a sign of a healthy and thriving colony. Dead bees are often found on the periphery of the swarm, indicating natural attrition.
Proximity to Food Sources : The swarm may be located near a food source, such as a nearby tree or a patch of flowers. This proximity ensures that the bees have access to nectar and pollen while they search for a new home.
Safety Precautions When Dealing with a Honey Bee Swarm
When dealing with a honey bee swarm, it’s essential to take safety precautions to avoid getting stung. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
Wear Protective Clothing : Including a beekeeping suit, gloves, and a veil. This gear provides a barrier between you and the bees, reducing the risk of stings.
Approach Slowly and Calmly : Approach the swarm slowly and calmly, avoiding sudden movements that may provoke the bees. Bees are less likely to sting if they do not feel threatened.
Use a Smoker : Use a smoker to calm the bees, as this can help to reduce aggression. The smoke masks alarm pheromones and encourage the bees to stay calm.
Avoid Touching or Disturbing the Swarm : Avoid touching or disturbing the swarm, as this can cause the bees to become aggressive. If you need to move the swarm, do so gently and with care.
Keep Children and Pets Away : Keep children and pets away from the swarm, as they may not understand the risks and may accidentally provoke the bees. Ensuring a safe distance helps prevent accidental stings.
Seek Professional Help : If you are not experienced in dealing with honey bee swarms, it’s best to seek the advice of a professional beekeeper or bee removal service. Professionals have the knowledge and equipment to safely handle and relocate the swarm.
By following these safety precautions, you can minimize the risk of stings and ensure a safe and successful interaction with a honey bee swarm.
Poisoning A Swarm Of Bees
At times, people who encounter a swarm of bees are fearful of it. It's common to overreact to it. When the best choice is to call a local beekeeper or leave it alone, they often will spray it with a wasp or hornet spray.
We have a list of beekeepers you can call if you need it.
Fear can lead to the misguided decision to use poison in an attempt to eliminate what is perceived as a threat. Such actions are both unfortunate and unnecessary, as swarms are generally non-aggressive and the insects are simply following their natural behavior. And will soon leave.
Signs of a Poisoned Hive:
Wet Bees: Bees that appear wet or are unable to fly properly can be a sign of poisoning.
High Mortality: A significant number of dead bees in and around the swarm is a clear indicator. Bees in a swarm do not die in mass, even in a small swarm.
Dead Bees with a Cluster Above It: Finding dead bees on the ground, with a small cluster of living bees above them, suggests that the swarm has been sprayed with poison.
Extended Proboscis: Bees with their tongues or proboscis sticking out are often a symptom of poisoning.
Unfortunately, calling local beekeepers for a poisoned swarm is a waste of time. No beekeeper should take any portion of poisoned bees and place them in any of their hives. It's a lost cause at this point. We have found that asking if the swarm has been sprayed with anything is a great question to ask before going out to rescue a swarm.
Collecting A Ground Swarm
When you encounter a bee swarm on the ground, there are primarily two effective methods to safely capture and relocate them. Each method requires a gentle approach to ensure the safety and well-being of the bees and the queen. Effective bee relocation techniques are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of the bees and the queen.
When the swarm is on the ground, they will always be there and can’t leave. But they are vulnerable to getting run over or stepped on, and don’t have any protection from the elements. The honey bees stay there, but you will want to remove them when you can.
The first thing to look for is the queen, dead or alive. When the swarm is on the ground, it’s fairly easy to look over the whole swarm for the queen. Take your time and look for where most of the bees are collecting.
If you can find the queen, the best thing to do is to cage her in a dedicated queen cage or something similar. Then you can proceed with capturing the rest of the swarm.
Using a Nucleus Box or Hive Box:
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Preparation: Prepare a nucleus box or a standard hive box. You can attract the bees more effectively by using a bee lure, lemongrass oil, or an old brood frame.
Collection: Gently place the box near the swarm. If the queen has been found, put her in the box. The rest of the swarm typically follows the queen. If the queen isn't visible, use a soft bee brush to gently herd some of the bees into the box.
Usually, when you place the box on the ground right next to the swarm, this is enough. Once the bees start walking into the box, you just have to wait until the rest follow.Waiting: The process of allowing the bees to move into the box usually takes a while. It can take as little as 30 minutes but possibly a couple of hours. If you can, you can leave the equipment there overnight and collect it in the morning.
Relocation: Once you have a sufficient amount or all the bees in the box, it can be closed up and transported to a dedicated hive. When moving the bees, you can put a buzz bag around the box. If the queen is dead, they will need to be combined with another colony or given a queen.
Utilizing a Bee Vacuum:
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When to Use: A bee vacuum is a useful tool, especially for larger swarms or when the bees are spread over a larger area. The best part of a bee vac is it can be used quickly, and you don't need any other boxes or equipment to collect the swarm. If you are charging for swarm collection, a bee vacuum is essential for doing a good job quickly.
Vacuuming the Swarm: Carefully vacuum the bees, ensuring you do it gently to avoid harming them. It’s important to periodically check the vacuum's container to ensure it's not overcrowded.
Transfer to a Hive Box: After vacuuming the swarm, transfer the bees to a hive box. As with the first method, leave the box near the swarm site for a while before relocating it to your apiary.
Whichever method you choose, it's crucial to monitor the health of the swarm and the queen once they are relocated to your apiary. Keep an eye on the queen's laying pattern and the overall condition of the swarm to ensure successful integration into their new home.
Adam Hickman
Adam Hickman owns Foxhound Bee Company and is a certified EAS Master Beekeeper. Before ever selling a box through Foxhound Bee Company, Adam wrote beekeeping blogs for education. Adam regularly teaches beekeeping classes through Foxhound Bee Co and also through his local beekeeping club.
