Knowing the warning signs that your hive is preparing to swarm is the first step in prevention. Here is a list of swarm signs that may indicate the hive is ready to swarm:
1. Increased honey production: One sign that your hive is about to swarm is an increase in honey production. The bees may be working extra hard to store up extra food before they swarm.
2. Queen cells: If you notice queen cells being built in the hive, this is a clear sign that the bees are preparing to swarm. The presence of queen cells indicates that the bees are getting ready to raise a new queen to take over the hive after the old queen leaves with a swarm.
3. Congestion at the hive entrance: Another sign of an impending swarm is congestion at the hive entrance. If you notice a lot of bees clustering around the entrance, it could be a sign that the hive is becoming overcrowded and the bees are preparing to swarm.
4. Restless behavior: Bees in a hive that is about to swarm may exhibit restless behavior. They may be seen flying around the hive more than usual, or clustering in large groups inside the hive.
5. Increased number of Drones: As the hive prepares to swarm you will often see an increase in the number of drones in the hive. The increase in drone population is a natural part of the swarming process.
6. Bees leaving the hive: Finally, one of the most obvious signs that your hive is about to swarm is the sight of bees leaving the hive in a large group. This is the actual swarm leaving with the old queen to find a new location to build a new hive. By this time it is too late to intervene. You’d better find a ladder!