Spring is a season of renewal. And for honey bees, it’s moving season. Across fields, forests, and farmlands, entire colonies lift off and take to the skies.  

Some take flight in massive, swirling swarms, a ritual of reproduction and expansion. Others are gently coaxed into crates by beekeepers, carefully transported to orchards or farms. However, it happens... the great migration begins. 

There are an estimated 2 to 8 trillion honey bees worldwide (about 250 to 1000 bees per person!). From billions of bees hitting the road for pollination to wild swarms embarking on their quests for new homes, spring hive relocation is an intricate and fascinating process.  

So, what are the wonders of the buzzing world, and why does it matter? 

Swarm Season: Bees on the Move 

In early spring, honeybee colonies expand rapidly, thanks to abundant nectar and pollen. But when a hive becomes too crowded, a natural and dramatic event unfolds swarming. 

Instead of individual bees flying off on their own, an entire section of the colony – along with the old queen – leaves the hive in search of a new home. Left behind are the younger worker bees and a new queen, who take over the original hive. 

When bees swarm, thousands cluster together on a tree branch, fence post, or even a car, while scout bees search for the perfect new home. These scouts perform waggle dances, essentially “pitching” potential new locations to the rest of the colony. So how do they decide where to move? The scouts “vote” by dancing, and once they reach a consensus, they boogie towards their new future home.  

Despite their intimidating appearance, migrating swarms are typically docile. Without a hive to defend, they are focused only on relocation. My dad was golfing once, and he heard a buzz in the distance. He turned to see a small, dense, black cloud in the distance. Second by second, it got bigger, and louder. He fell flat onto his stomach as the bees passed over him, and they continued on the journey to their new home. 

The Great Pollination Migration 

Beekeepers also relocate hives – but for very different reasons. 

One of the biggest mass bee migrations happens every spring during the California almond bloom, where over 2 million hives are transported to pollinate almond trees. Why so many bees? Almond trees rely almost entirely on honeybee pollination, so beekeepers send truckloads of hives across the country to ensure the blossoms get their full attention. 

But almonds are just one of the many stops on the bees’ cross-country tour. After almonds, beekeepers transport hives to apple orchards in Washington, blueberry farms in Maine, and citrus groves in Florida. And along the way, they might just happen to make some pretty unique local honeys. These stops follow the bloom cycles of different crops. Without traveling bees, many of our favorite foods – like cherries, avocados, melons, and pumpkins – would struggle to grow. 

However, there are challenges to bee relocation. Long-distance moves can expose bees to stress, diseases, and pesticides. Overworked colonies may become weak, which is why sustainable beekeeping practices – like giving hives recovery time between moves – are essential. 

How Do You Move a Beehive? Very Carefully. 

Moving thousands of beehives isn’t as simple as loading them onto a truck. Bees are creatures of habit. If a hive is moved too short a distance, foraging bees may return to the original spot, confused to find their home missing. 

So, the next time you drizzle our honey on your toast or pizza, remember: you’re savoring a drop of nature’s magic, crafted by bees and beekeepers – the ones who make it all possible.