What signs indicate a bee colony is preparing to swarm?

The presence of increased bee activity and queen cells is a clear indication that a bee colony is preparing to swarm. Swarming is a natural reproductive process where a colony splits to form a new one, and this typically occurs when the colony becomes too populous or the resources are constrained. Increased bee activity serves as a sign that the worker bees are gearing up for this major transition. They become more active in their foraging and overall hive activities as they prepare for the future of the colony.

The formation of queen cells is particularly telling; these specialized cells are constructed by worker bees to rear new queens. When a colony starts producing these cells, it signals not just readiness to create a new queen, but also an intention to swarm. The old queen will leave with a portion of the worker bees to establish a new nest, while the new queens will emerge in the parent colony to continue its legacy.

Other options, while they may signal different conditions in a hive, do not directly indicate swarming. For instance, the presence of drones does not necessarily correlate with swarming but rather with the reproductive phase of the colony. Similarly, a reduced hive population could suggest issues such as disease or foraging problems, rather than preparation to swarm. Lastly, infrequent foraging