Encountering a swarm of bees can be unsettling, but understanding what is happening changes the moment entirely. A swarm is not an attack. It is a transition. When a honeybee colony grows too large, the old queen leaves the hive with part of the colony to establish a new home. During this brief journey, the bees cluster together—on a branch, fence, or wall—resting while scout bees search for a suitable location.
In this state, bees are focused inward. Their priority is protecting the queen and conserving energy, not defending territory. Contrary to popular fear, swarming bees are typically calm and non-aggressive. Because a bee dies after stinging, they avoid it unless they feel directly threatened. Most swarms move on within 24 to 48 hours, leaving without incident if left undisturbed. Continue reading…
