A swarm cell is a special cell built by honeybees in a hive, indicating preparations for swarming, a natural process of colony reproduction.
Understanding Swarm Cells
Swarm cells are typically larger than regular worker or drone cells, and they are specifically designed to house a new queen bee. Their presence signals that the colony is preparing to split, with the old queen leaving with a portion of the worker bees to establish a new colony elsewhere.
The Swarming Process
The swarming process is triggered by several factors, primarily overcrowding within the hive. According to the reference, a swarm cell develops when there is an overabundance of bees in the hive and they need to swarm to create more room. This leads to a sequence of events:
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Queen Cell Construction: Worker bees construct swarm cells, typically along the bottom or sides of the frames.
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Queen Rearing: The existing queen lays eggs in these cells, and the worker bees feed the developing larvae royal jelly, ensuring they develop into queens.
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Swarm Departure: Before the new queen emerges, the old queen, accompanied by a large number of worker bees, leaves the hive in a swarm to find a new nesting location.
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New Queen Emergence: The first new queen to emerge from a swarm cell will often kill any remaining queen larvae or pupae in other swarm cells.
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Colony Takeover: The new queen then takes over leadership of the remaining colony.
Why Bees Swarm
Swarming is the honeybee colony's natural method of reproduction. Overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, an aging or failing queen, or a perceived lack of resources can trigger swarming.
Management Implications
Beekeepers need to be aware of swarm cells and the swarming process to prevent the loss of bees. Here are a few management strategies:
- Regular Inspections: Check hives regularly for swarm cells, especially during the swarming season (spring and early summer).
- Splitting Hives: Create artificial swarms by splitting the hive into two or more separate colonies.
- Queen Cell Removal: Remove swarm cells to delay or prevent swarming (this is only a temporary solution, as the bees will often rebuild them).
- Providing More Space: Add more space to the hive by adding supers or frames to relieve overcrowding.
Example
Imagine a beehive bursting with bees, honey stores are full, and the bees start building queen cells along the bottom edges of the frames. This is a clear sign that the hive is preparing to swarm. The old queen will soon leave with a large contingent of bees, while the new queen from the swarm cell stays to look over the rest of the hive.
