Are you noticing more bees flying around your hive? Or maybe they’re hanging out by the entrance, clustering in unusually large groups? If you see bees gathering outside the hive, especially at night, don’t panic!
I know I sound like a broken record, but bees are extraordinary creatures. Not only do they produce honey, but they also have remarkable ways of regulating the temperature inside their hive throughout the year. During the winter, they cluster together to generate heat and stay warm – see my post about how bees prepare for the winter. In the summer, they do something similar—but for a different reason. When the temperature and humidity inside the hive get too high, brood can’t properly develop, and honey remains in a liquid state. While worker bees are usually busy fanning the hive to regulate the temperature, sometimes the summer heat becomes too intense, and the bees need to take additional measures. That’s when you’ll start seeing bearding.
What Is Bearding?
Bearding is when bees cluster outside their hive in large groups, creating a “beard” of bees hanging from the entrance or along the sides of the hive. This behavior typically occurs during hot and humid weather, when the hive becomes overcrowded or lacks proper ventilation.
The purpose of bearding is to help the colony cool down. When the temperature inside the hive rises too high—usually due to overcrowding or inadequate airflow—the bees leave the hive to reduce congestion and create better ventilation. By clustering outside, they give the brood (developing larvae) a chance to stay cool, since excessive heat can harm both the brood and the honey.
For the brood to develop properly, the temperature inside the hive should remain between 90-95°F, while the humidity needs to be around 50-60%. If the hive becomes too crowded or the temperature rises beyond these limits, even the fanning bees inside may not be enough to cool the colony down. That’s when bearding happens.
Bearding is completely normal and is a sign of a healthy, strong colony. It typically occurs when the colony has reached peak population and is busy creating and storing honey. The bees on the outside of the hive work together to bring the temperature back to optimal levels, and on particularly hot days, you might even see them fanning their wings near the entrance to help push cooler air inside.
How Long Will Bees Beard?
Bees will hang out outside their hive for as long as necessary to cool down the temperature inside. The duration of bearding can vary depending on the weather, ranging from just a few hours to several days.
Bearding is more common during the hottest part of summer, especially if your area is experiencing a heatwave. During these conditions, bees may beard continuously until the temperature inside the hive drops to a more manageable level.
It’s important to note that every hive is different. Factors such as the colony’s health, breed, size, and how long the hive has been established can all influence the frequency and duration of bearding. Some hives may beard for longer periods than others, so don’t be alarmed if your bees seem to spend more time outside the hive than you expect.
Should I Be Worried About Bearding?
In most cases, bearding is completely normal and not something to worry about. However, it can sometimes signal that the hive is overcrowded or lacking enough space for the colony to expand. If your bees are bearding frequently, it’s a good idea to inspect the hive and make sure there is adequate room for the bees to continue building comb and storing honey.
Check your hive’s structure to ensure that the bees have enough space to grow. Depending on the hive design, you may need to add an extra honey super or additional bars to accommodate the expanding colony. Routine hive inspections are key to staying ahead of space issues before they become a problem.
In short, make sure your bees have ample room to grow and store honey. If you’re unsure or have ongoing concerns about your bees bearding, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local beekeeping club or network for advice.
What Do I Need To Do When My Bees Are Bearding?
If your bees are bearding, it’s important to ensure they have access to water. Like humans, bees need plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. Make sure there’s a nearby water source, such as a shallow dish or birdbath with stones for landing, so the bees can drink without risk of drowning.
This is also a good time to check the hive’s ventilation. Bearding may indicate that the hive’s airflow is inadequate, which could contribute to overheating. Make sure there is enough ventilation to allow the bees to cool the hive efficiently.
If possible, position your hive in a location that provides afternoon shade. Bees are generally more productive when they’re not in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. By giving them some shade, you allow the bees to conserve energy and use it for honey production instead of cooling the hive.
If your hive is in full sun and you can’t relocate it, consider adding a shade cloth or umbrella to protect the colony during the hottest hours.
Another option is to improve the ventilation within the hive. Small ventilation holes in the box handles or a screened bottom board can enhance airflow. However, be mindful not to overdo it, as bees prefer a relatively low-ventilation environment. Too much airflow can disrupt the humidity and temperature balance they work hard to maintain inside the hive.
Are My Bees Planning To Swarm?
Swarming is a natural process where a colony splits into two, with the queen bee leaving the hive accompanied by a large group of worker bees. This is the bees’ way of ensuring survival when the colony becomes overcrowded. While swarming is a vital part of the bees’ life cycle, it can lead to the loss of your queen and a significant reduction in your hive’s population if you’re not prepared.
Swarming is often triggered by overcrowding, a shortage of resources, or the presence of queen cells in the hive. When bees are preparing to swarm, you’ll notice a few key signs. The colony will become particularly active, with bees flying around the hive and buzzing loudly. You might also see large groups of bees clustering on surfaces outside the hive. This behavior is different from bearding, where bees form a cluster at the entrance, typically facing in the same direction and remaining relatively still.
Swarming typically happens in late spring and early summer, with the peak swarming period occurring during the warmer parts of the day, usually between 10 AM and 2 PM. During this time, the hive will be at its most active, with bees leaving in droves and producing a noticeable buzzing sound.
To prevent a swarm, it’s important to regularly inspect your hive for signs of overcrowding. One of the clearest indicators that your bees are preparing to swarm is the presence of queen cells. Queen cells are larger than regular brood cells and are positioned vertically. Their presence is a strong sign that the colony is preparing to split, and a swarm may be imminent.
If you find queen cells, it’s time to take action. You may need to split the hive to prevent the swarm and ensure the colony’s continued health and productivity.
For more information on why bees swarm and the early signs of swarming, visit my post: Bee Swarming Signs
Final Thoughts
Bearding is a natural behavior for honeybees, particularly during the heat of summer. While it may sometimes be confused with swarming, the two behaviors are distinct, and beekeepers should not panic when they observe bees bearding outside the hive.
Here are a few key takeaways about bee bearding:
- Provide a water source: Bees will need water, especially during hot weather, so ensure they have a nearby source.
- Check for adequate ventilation: If your bees are bearding, it may be a sign that the hive is too hot or poorly ventilated. Consider adding additional airflow where necessary.
- Add space if needed: If bearding is accompanied by signs of overcrowding, you may need to expand the hive to give the bees more room to build comb and store honey.
- Don’t disturb the beard: Bearding bees are not aggressive—they’re simply trying to regulate the hive temperature. Avoid disturbing the cluster or forcing them back into the hive.
- Observe the behavior: When bees are bearding, they tend to stay still, facing the same direction. Some may be fanning their wings to improve airflow into the hive.
By understanding why bees beard and what it signals, beekeepers can take proactive measures to ensure the hive remains healthy and the bees are comfortable.
