Why the Bees Vanished

Ever wondered why tens of thousands of bees suddenly leave their hive? 🐝 Spring means swarming season. With longer, warmer days, when nectar and pollen flow, colonies start to raise new queens. Before the first new queens emerge, a swarm ensues, and up to 70% of the bees leave with the old queen. This first swarm is the primary swarm. 🐝 Without her, the swarm is doomed. With her, the colony will look for a new homesite and a new beginning. 🐝 This one is not the biggest swarm I have caught this season, but it is definitely this hive’s first. — © Hinterland Bees