Honeybees' don't construct a beehive like a wasp would build a nest (in the shape of a ball, and of paper), and the beehive isn't made of honey or even wax. Evidence by the attached photos that after swarming, and before a suitable site for moving into is located, the honeybees will form a cluster, keeping the queen protected, wherever they've decided to stay, and comb building doesn't usually commence until they've accepted the relocation site.

An emerging swarm is truly a sight to be seen and heard, and can be, usually is, somewhat frightening to the uninitiated. However, recently swarmed honeybees (other than the Africanized version) are quite docile, and only interested in protecting their queen and seeking out a new home.

What enticed me to report this is that honeybees have been dying in large numbers, and years ago I decided to not use any medications on my bees. Stress kills, and in addition to all the natural enemies of the honeybee, man just pushes them over the edge with hive manipulations and the introduction of medications; leave them alone for a while and they'll take care of themselves, as they have since the beginning. Like most informed people I've been concerned for the honeybees well being, and bothered them not at all for the last few years, leaving them to their own designs. What a welcome surprise to find they were so healthy and their numbers had grown so that not only did a primary swarm come from this hive, but a secondary and a tertiary as well. I hived the first swarm, and the second swarm was gone before I had the opportunity to gather it, but I was successful with acquiring the third, and quite happy about the entire episode.

Can't wait to observe what becomes of them. I hope you enjoy the photos I took, and if you've an interest visit another of my web sites.

Honeybees, Apis mellifica.