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What is a Honey Bee Swarm?

Honey bees are very interesting creatures with a distinct set of behaviors you don’t normally observe in other flying insects. One key turning point in the lifecycle of a bee is being a part of a honey bee swarm.

Honey bee swarms, in simple terms, are groups of bees (about two-thirds of the total bees in a hive) and their old queen leaving their old hive to establish a newer colony, one where every bee can do its job freely.

Swarming is a natural process of bee colony reproduction that occurs when a bee colony outgrows its old home and the place becomes too congested or populated. In this case, worker bees build special wax cells to raise a new queen who will be in charge of the colony and assume the duty of laying eggs once the old queen moves out. 

The swarm that leaves the colony chooses a nearby location (about 100 feet away from the old colony) to settle, which could be either a tree branch or the side of a building.

Then, scout bees are sent away to look for or build a new hive. Eventually, the swarm moves from this temporary abode to a newer, more spacious, well-protected, and sun-facing colony.

Why Do Honey Bees Swarm?

The entire honey bee colony works like a living organism. Honeybees give birth to honey bees, and in a similar manner the old colony produces a newer one. This is why swarming is often referred to as the reproduction of a honey bee colony.

Swarming begins when a honey bee colony becomes very crowded. This creates a scarcity of resources that bees need to thrive or produce pure organic honey. Eventually, the health of the entire colony begins to decline, making it essential for the bees to swarm.

In the warmer weather, bees rear a lot of broods to increase their worker population. This is done to prepare the hive for the upcoming foraging season. However, this rapid population growth causes the honey bees to outgrow their hives.

The rapid population growth also makes it nearly impossible for the queen bee’s pheromones to control the workforce. This affects the proper functioning of the hive negatively.

The pheromones released by the queen suppress new queen rearing, inhibit worker reproduction, and stimulate worker cohesion and other activities like cleaning, foraging, brooding, etc.

The absence of the queen’s pheromones disrupts all these processes. This urges the worker bees to signal for the swarm.

The increasing population inside the hive increases internal temperatures and humidity and reduces ventilation. As bees are very serious about what goes on inside the hives, it triggers the swarm.

Another less common factor is the weather that is prevalent around the hive. If the weather outside is very humid or warm, it can lead the bees to swarm to get away from this unpleasant living condition.

When Do Bees Tend to Swarm?

The honey bees usually swarm during the spring season between March and May. This is the time when blooming plants are plentiful, leading to countless nectar and pollen sources that bees can forage.

Before this period, bees spend an entire winter inside the hives reproducing and growing in number. As the weather becomes warmer, about half of the bees start considering swarming to make a new colony, which makes room for a newer queen to take charge of the older colony to better regulate the hive’s functions.

Bee Swarming Process: The Rise and Fall of Honey Bee Colonies

When the hive becomes too congested, it is time for the worker bees to signal the swarm. They start by building swarm cells inside the old hive for potential future queens.

A swarm cell is a special space that typically hangs from the bottom of the brood frames of the hives. If the swarm cell is in the middle of the frame, it usually means the bees are not swarming. Instead, they are simply replacing the sick or very old queen with a newer one.

Before leaving the hive, the old queen lays eggs in these special queen cups, which then hatch into larvae. These larvae are fed royal jelly by the worker bees until they grow enough to assume the role of a queen.

The virgin queens emerge from these cells and look for other swarm cells. They kill other developing queens until only one remains in the hive.

The old queen quits laying eggs which reduces her weight. This makes it easy for her to fly out of the hive with the worker bees. On the swarm day, usually between 10 AM to 2 PM, the worker bees move frantically. They chase the queen out of the hive until she is willing to comply. The honeybees leaving the hive stuff their bellies with nectar so that they have enough energy for the journey.

The queen then leaves with a massive cloud of bees, eventually resting on a tree branch. The queen then emits pheromones that signal the workers bees to cluster around her.

The cluster stays in this location while the scout bees look for their new home. In some cases, the entire cluster will leave one temporary location and move on to the next, about a mile or more away, until they find a new hive.

Once the scouts find a location, they will come back and perform a waggle dance to indicate the direction of the new hive.

Once a new hive is located, the entire cluster will move there and start developing comb, brood, etc., giving rise to a new colony where bees can store nectar and create raw honey.

In the old hive, the new queen emerges after 16 days of the swarm. This queen takes mating flights to find drones that she can mate with. This allows her to start the process of laying eggs and rebuilding the old hive’s population.

Honey Bee Absconding

Absconding is different from swarming. In swarming, about half or two-thirds of the worker bees, along with their queen, move out of the hive. But in absconding, the entire population of the colony leaves the hive.

There can be many reasons behind this tough decision. The absconding may happen due to a lack of food or water near the hive. It can also result from the presence of parasites, diseases, or external predator threats. Honey bees usually abscond around fall when the hive’s conditions become somewhat less habitable.

Honey Bee Supersedure

Another important process inside a beehive is supersedure. It is the process of replacing the hive’s queen with a newer one without any swarming. If the queen is very old, sick, or defective in some way, worker bees decide to replace her with a younger one. This is usually done after killing the previous queen, who is not able to perform her duties very well.

Is Bee Swarming Dangerous?

Honey bees in the process of swarming do not pose a great threat to humans. Bees only sting when they feel like their hive is in danger. But in this case, they are more interested in looking for a new place to rebuild the colony, which lowers their guard.

Moreover, before leaving, the bees consume a lot of nectar, as we mentioned before. This also reduces their activity, which leads to fewer dangers to humans.

However, it is still advised that you don’t mess around with their cluster as it can trigger their defensive response.

Conclusion

Swarming is the natural phenomenon wherein a significant portion of bees move out with their old queen in search of a new hive. This is usually the result of bees outgrowing their old hive. Swarming divides the bees from the original hives into two groups.

As one group leaves, the remaining bees rebuild the hive with their new queen. The bees that move out find a new hive where they can take care of their brood, reproduce, and store nectar or honey.

This way, swarming gives every bee of the colony a chance to start afresh in a hive that has more space and resources for everyone. This is what makes swarming very essential for the survival and growth of any bee colony that has more members than the hive can support.

Visit us at Geohoney to explore our premium quality raw honey products sourced from the best honey producers from all over the globe. 

Known for its commitment to purity, sustainability, and exceptional taste, GeoHoney offers a diverse range of raw, unprocessed monofloral honey varieties sourced from eco-friendly beekeeping farms around the world. With this exciting expansion to Amazon.com, customers can now conveniently explore and purchase GeoHoney's premium selection with the trusted ease and speed of Amazon's platform.

Our mission has always been to reconnect people with nature through the purity of real honey, said Basem Barry, Founder and CEO of GeoHoney. “Being available on Amazon.com is a huge milestone that brings us one step closer to every household that values health, quality, and sustainability.”

GeoHoney’s lineup on Amazon includes its best-selling White Honey, Wandoo Honey, and a variety of other monofloral treasures, each rigorously tested for authenticity and free from additives or artificial ingredients. Every jar embodies GeoHoney’s dedication to preserving bee health and protecting biodiversity.

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About GeoHoney:

GeoHoney is a global honey brand committed to providing the purest raw honey sourced from sustainable farms across 60 locations worldwide with 300 varieties of Honey. With a focus on bee conservation and eco-conscious practices, GeoHoney blends science, nature, and innovation to deliver unmatched quality and taste.

• Reasons Why Honeybee Populations are Declining Globally

• What Would Happen if Bees Disappeared?

• Reduced Crop Yields and Consequent Food Crisis

• Ecosystem Collapse

• Impacts on Livestock

• Dangers to Biodiversity

• Adverse Economic Consequences

• Effective Bee Conservation Strategies

Reasons Why Honeybee Populations are Declining Globally

A study by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) of the UK shows that the number of pollinators has dropped by a staggering 25% since 1987.

If this trend continues, the honeybees and other pollinators will soon face a huge population decline, which will eventually lead to severe consequences for every ecosystem and living being of the planet.

This suggests there is an urgent need to educate the general population about the activities that contribute to this decline in the number of pollinators.  

The following are some of the main reasons behind the decline of bee populations worldwide.

• The use of pesticides on crops that bees forage leads to the weakening of their immune system and impaired navigation and reproductive capabilities, which directly leads to population decline.

• Deforestation and urbanization lead to habitat loss or fragmentation, which kills millions of bees every year.

• Modern agricultural practices focus on high-yield crop varieties and have no regard for flowering plants or wildflower preservation. This decline of wildflowers reduces floral sources that bees can visit, which leads to nutritional deficiencies and poor health of the bees.

• Bees are also being increasingly affected by diseases and parasites like Varroa mite, Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), or Nosema, which affect their performance and shorten their lifespans.

What Would Happen if Bees Disappeared?

Honeybees are the main producers of organic honey that humans have been using for thousands of years. However, this is not the only role these tiny creatures play. The following are some major consequences of honeybee extinction that show why we must protect them at all costs.

1. Reduced Crop Yields and Consequent Food Crisis

The biggest effect will be the reduction of crop yields and variety if bees suddenly disappear. These creatures pollinate 90% of the crops that humans, livestock and other animals feed on. 

Without them, a huge number of fruits, vegetables and nuts would have no way to reproduce and grow. Lower yields of the crops will lead to much higher food prices.

Apart from that, using artificial means of pollination will also lead to a drop in the quality of these crops. This can result in severe food scarcity and malnutrition.

2. Ecosystem Collapse

Apart from providing us with raw honey, bees also play a key role in creating a balanced ecosystem. Without bees, most plant species will go extinct, which will deal a severe blow to the ecosystem.

Without plant diversity, animals that feed on these plants will also starve and suffer a huge population decline. This will drastically alter the composition of the ecosystem and that will lead to an imbalance that will be nearly impossible to restore.

3. Impacts on Livestock

Livestock feed on grains, corn, oats, hay and similar plants. All of these plants need honeybees for their reproduction. With them gone, livestock around the globe will face severe malnutrition.

With a decline in livestock populations, key commodities like cheese, milk, meat, butter and other dairy products will also become very scarce.

4. Dangers to Biodiversity

Most plants and crops around the world rely on honeybees for their growth. With a decline in the bee population, the biodiversity of the planet will greatly suffer as the variety of plants that can grow will be very limited.

This will trigger a vicious chain reaction where a loss of flowers will create a decline in the bee population and this, in turn, will lead to even less pollination of the plants.

Another consequence of this is the loss of food and shelter for the herbivores. This will lead to fewer herbivores and that will create food scarcity for animals that feed on herbivores.

This will lead to the destruction of many key ecosystems around the planet. With this, the global biodiversity will suffer irreparable damage, making the planet much less habitable for every being.

5. Adverse Economic Consequences

Without bees, farmers, local beekeepers and major food processors will face severe financial strife. Every industry related to food processing will be disrupted, creating financial issues for employees at every level.

If bees are gone, $577 billion global food production and about $8.5 billion global honey market will suffer terribly. Reduced crop yields will destroy the farming sector, which is the economic backbone for most countries. This way, a world without bees will lack economic stability, making it hard for most people to earn a sustainable living.

Effective Bee Conservation Strategies

All of the above-mentioned consequences are completely avoidable if we follow the recommended bee conservation practices both in personal and collective capacities.

The following are a few things we can do to protect these pollinators.

• Farmers can use integrated pest management methods that involve minimum pesticide usage and more targeted pest control methods to make sure bees are not exposed to these harmful elements.

• Another effective approach is to create bee-friendly habitats and to restore existing ones. We can grow more wildflower meadows and pay attention to the conservation of natural landscapes to minimize habitat fragmentation.

• Educating beekeepers about sustainable practices is another way to protect bees. Farmers can learn about hive management, disease diagnosis and prevention and regular pest monitoring to ensure their bees are safe at all times.

• Another key thing to do is to educate the general public about the decline in the bee population and its consequences.

• Collaboration between policymakers, researchers and communities is also important in creating and implementing better bee conservation policies.

Conclusion

Bees are responsible for global food security, ecosystem stability, biodiversity and a sustainable economy. Without these hardworking creatures, both humans and animals will face severe food shortages.

With the loss of biodiversity, plants and trees, other issues like global warming and climate change will also get even worse. This is why it is safe to say that honeybees are the ones keeping the planet stable and healthy.

But due to careless human activities, the population of these creatures is declining at an alarming rate. This situation needs to be addressed on a priority basis if we are to prevent this keystone species from going extinct.

By adopting better agricultural and beekeeping practices and paying attention to bee habitat restoration, it is possible to minimize the damage and ensure safety for the bees.

Visit us at Geohoney to explore our premium quality raw honey products sourced from the best honey producers from all over the globe. 

6. Improves Gut Health

The phytochemicals and flavonoids present in honey can streamline digestive processes, which reduces the risks of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhoea, bloating and other gastrointestinal issues.

Honey also contains prebiotics that promote the nourishment of healthy gut bacteria. This also leads to much better digestive health.

Conclusion

Honey is an extremely precious natural sweetener that keeps you energetic and fit throughout the day. A teaspoon of honey gives you about 21 calories along with several minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. This amazing nutritional profile of honey is what sets it apart from other refined sugars that you see in the market.

Having honey regularly can improve both your physical and mental well-being. It reduces risks of allergies, heart diseases, digestive issues and several other chronic and seasonal illnesses. This is why most health experts suggest everyone needs to add this amazing natural sweetener to their diet.

You can visit us at Geohoney to check out our wide selection of pure and raw monofloral honey products sourced from beekeepers from all over the world to give you the best value for your money.

Best Honeycomb Sources You Need to Check Out

The following are a few sources that you can consider when buying raw honeycomb to get the best value for your money.

1. Local Beekeepers and Apiaries

Local beekeepers labor day and night to take care of their hives and honeybees. These beekeepers produce original organic honey and honeycomb products that they sell directly to the customers.

The honeycomb you get from this source is fresh, high-quality, and free of preservatives or other additives. This gives you peace of mind that the honeycomb you are purchasing meets the highest quality and purity standards.

You can find local beekeepers by searching “local bee farms” or “local apiaries” on Google Maps. You can also visit Facebook Marketplace or websites like Craigslist to find local beekeepers who sell honeycomb.

2. Reputable Online Retailers

You can buy raw honeycomb online from retail stores that work with beekeepers from all over the world to bring you the purest products. However, when buying online, you need to look at the product photos and customer reviews before ordering. This can help you separate mediocre and adulterated honeycomb products from authentic ones.

You also need to ensure the honey is raw and unfiltered by looking at the label. And finally, the online seller must offer you a minimum shipping time as honeycomb is sensitive to heat.

3. Organic Grocers and Health Food Stores

You can also find raw honeycomb in sources like Whole Food Markets, Natural Grocers, Sprout Farmers Markets, and Local Co-ops. These sources typically sell honeycomb that belongs to trusted brands that adhere to strict quality control standards.

However, you still need to make sure these sources give you certified honeycomb products that were harvested by beekeepers using sustainable and bee-friendly methods.

4. Local Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s Markets in your area also give you authentic honeycomb sourced from local beekeepers. You can find fresh and minimally processed honeycombs from these markets with ease.

This is also a great way for you to support local beekeepers in their efforts to preserve honeybees. Farmer’s Markets feature local beekeepers who give you honeycombs that were harvested a few days ago. You can also chat with beekeepers in these markets to get more insights into the floral sources and the harvesting practices they use.

This can help you find honeycombthat is sure to meet all of your flavor and health requirements.

5. Specialty Food Shops

You can also visit specialty food stores, delis, and cheese shops to buy high-quality honeycomb at very reasonable rates. These specialty stores give you rare honeycomb varieties that you don’t find in a local farmer’s market or in the shop of a regional beekeeper.

These stores have highly knowledgeable staff who can guide you better when it comes to selecting honeycomb products that meet your culinary, medicinal, and healthcare needs best.

Conclusion

High-quality, fresh, and raw honeycomb is a valuable commodity that boasts an amazing taste along with several health benefits. However, when buying this product, you need to make sure it is authentic which is only possible when you choose a reliable source.

When buying honeycomb, you can visit your local beekeepers or organic food stores to get quality products. There are some online retailers and specialty food stores as well that promise premium quality honeycombs. In this case, you can look at customer reviews and their overall reputation in the market to reach a decision.

This will make it much easier for you to buy a honeycomb product that guarantees unparalleled deliciousness along with a wealth of health benefits.

Visit us at Geohoney to explore our pure, unprocessed, and raw honeycomb products sourced directly from trusted beekeepers from all over the world.

• Benefits of Honey for Men

• It Boosts Testosterone Levels

• Enhances Stamina

• Enhances Fertility

• Supports Prostate Health

• Provides Immune System Support

• Improves Heart Health

• Scientifically Proven Right Times for Men to Eat Honey

• Early in The Morning

• During the Evening

• At Night Before Sleeping

• Before and After Workouts

• When Feeling Sick

Benefits of Honey for Men

Before we go ahead and discuss the scientifically proven most effective times for men to eat honey, let’s first look at some benefits of honey that make it a valuable addition to men’s daily diet.

1. It Boosts Testosterone Levels

Honey contains Vitamin B and Boron, both of which play a role in the utilization of estrogen and testosterone. Honey also contains Chrysin, which raises the testosterone levels in men by inhibiting its conversion into estrogen.

With higher testosterone, you get healthier bone and muscle mass and a more efficient metabolism.

2. Enhances Stamina

Honey contains natural sugars in high amounts, which serve as fuel, giving your body a quick energy boost. Honey has the power to replenish lost energy, which makes it effective for men who engage in physically draining activities.

Honey also increases the Nitric Oxide in your blood, which prevents erectile dysfunction. Nitric oxide promotes glucose regulation and glycogen replenishment, which gives you more stamina for longer physical activities.

3. Enhances Fertility

Honey improves sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. This makes it an ideal dietary choice for men who suffer from oligospermia or low sperm count.

4. Supports Prostate Health

Honey has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant features that promote prostate health in men.

5. Provides Immune System Support

Honey has antioxidants like phenols and flavonoids, minerals like zinc, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins like A and B6, all of which protect your body from seasonal and chronic illnesses by giving it a superior immune system.

6. Improves Heart Health

When you buy organic honey and use it regularly, it can regulate your cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. This leads to a much healthier cardiovascular system.

Scientifically Proven Right Times for Men to Eat Honey

Following are some scientifically proven times when men can consume honey to get the benefits listed above.

• Early in The Morning

The best time to eat honey is first thing in the morning. You can either have a tablespoon of honey raw or mix it in a warm glass of water and drink it in the morning. This gives you enough energy to start your day and to stay charged up until evening.

Having honey in the morning has many other benefits as well. Here are the main ones 

• Removes toxins from your system

• Hydrates your body

• Gives protection against bacterial and viral infections

• Enhances your digestive system performance

• Prevent allergies

• During the Evening

You can also have monofloral honey in the evening to get the best results. This is the time when you are exhausted and drained both physically and mentally after an entire day’s work.

Having honey at this time can replenish your system. This prevents burnout and allows you to stay relaxed.

Following are some additional health benefits of having honey during this time.

• Gives you carbohydrates that you need to maintain your energy levels

• Gives you an energy and nutrient boost

• Keeps you physically and mentally active 

• At Night Before Sleeping

Scientists also advise having a small amount of raw honey or water before you go to bed. You can also pair it with a glass of warm milk to promote better sleep.

Eating honey at night comes with many benefits, and the following are just a few of these.

• Leads to a sound sleep

• Improves liver functions and soothes acid reflux

• Regulates your blood pressure and boosts metabolism

• Keeps you hydrated throughout the night

• Before and After Workouts

Men can also have honey before and after intense workouts. The high sugar content and plenty of carbohydrates that you get from a small amount of honey can keep you going for hours.

As honey is easily digestible, it quickly converts into energy that your body needs for longer exercise routines.

Having honey after the workouts can quickly replenish your energy levels, which makes it a great alternative to energy drinks that contain harmful processed sugars.

Here are some benefits of eating honey before and after workouts

• Replenishes energy and blood glucose levels

• Improves workout performance, results, and recovery

• Instantly refuels your body

• When Feeling Sick

Honey is also a great alternative to over-the-counter pills for people who suffer from seasonal allergies, common colds, coughing, and the flu. Honey’s antibacterial properties make it effective for soothing a sore throat.

It also has natural decongestant and cold-fighting characteristics, which make it effective for treating colds, suppressing coughing, and fighting other viral infections.

Conclusion

Honey has a lot of health benefits, especially for men. It can enhance fertility, boost stamina, and increase sexual performance. Apart from that, it can also keep their energy levels maintained and their immunity strong.

However, consuming honey at the right time is the key. Men can have honey before and after workouts, in the morning and at night, and in the evening to stay healthy and energetic.

Men who eat honey regularly during these times can enjoy a healthier and more fulfilled life as it keeps them nourished throughout the day and relaxed during the night.

Visit Geohoney today to order our top-quality raw honey to stay healthy, energetic, and fit throughout the day.