why do bees swarm

Bees swarm primarily for two reasons: to find more living space when their current home becomes overcrowded, and as a natural form of colony reproduction. When the colony grows large and the space to raise brood and store resources becomes insufficient, about half the bees along with the old queen leave to find a new home. This split creates two colonies from one, enabling the species to reproduce at the colony level. Swarming typically happens in spring or early summer when the colony population grows rapidly and space gets limited. The swarm temporarily clusters in a nearby spot while scout bees search for a new suitable home, and then they move to that location together. The original colony stays behind with a new queen that emerges in the old hive. This natural behavior ensures colony survival and expansion.