Starvation swarming.

[Into the lions den]

On a few threads recently, and one current one, mention is made of a reason bees might be wanting to swarm is starvation.

I know its commonly given as a swarm trigger, and is often repeated, even in text books.

Question is, in a UK setting, has anyone ever actaully seen bees on the point of starvation swarm? Not talking about bees already in advanced swarm preparations and then a dearth sets in, although in our experience that is a situation that normally leads to the bees tearing down the cells. Talking about starvation triggered swarming, a common trait in African bees, especially scutellata.

We have, father and son, getting on for 60,000 hives seasons experience between us, and have never seen a starvation swarm.

So, is it actually largely a myth?

 

[Pete D]

Congratulations on over 1000 posts.

I have little experience in comparison but have seen a few swarms but all under normal circumstances.

I am not saying that it does not happen, although applying logic I cant see that it would............... I am starving.......... I know lets all become homeless and cold because that would take our minds off of it.

Pete D

 

[Chris Luck]

Another myth would get my vote, swarming in Europe in such circumstances would have no value.

Chris

 

[masterBK]

Are we talking about absconding where the queen and most of the workers fly off leaving brood and only a few / no bees behind? If so, I have seen this a few times but in each case there were no swarm cells present so not really a proper swarm situation as we normally describe. In one case, a hive brought in and placed on a large concrete patio ready for a beekeeping demonstration to a local BKA. It was a very hot day and after about two hours in full sun (obviously not this year!!) the whole colony cleared off in front of several beekeepers getting ready for the demonstration. In another case a beginner beekeeper in my association had just administered some apiguard (full dose but it was only a small colony on about 7 frames) and they all came out and swarmed up a tree. Some years ago one of my colonies heavily infested with varroa suddenly upped and went. This year, a swarm that I collected in April absconded a few weeks later leaving behind sealed and unsealed brood and very little in the way of stores.

 

[busybee53]

MasterBK I would have liked to have seen the faces of the beekeepers preparing a demonstration when the bees cleared off. Did you get a pic?

 

[Teebeeaitch]

I have always held the belief that as far as the UK is concerned, its 100% myth.

 

[beeno]

I have always held the belief that as far as the UK is concerned, its 100% myth.

Hi All,
Why should bees be any different from human beings If there is not enough food for all then some has to take a chance elsewhere i.e. the Irish potato famine. If you stayed you were dead if you went to America you had hope!