Perché lo sciame è tornato? Nell’alveare c’era qualcosa…

A swarm leaves the hive. Thousands of bees rise into the sky, the old queen should be at the center of the mass, and a new colony seems ready to start its life elsewhere. But what does it mean when the same swarm suddenly returns a few hours later? It's one of the most mysterious situations in beekeeping. The swarm departs, moves away from the apiary, and then returns precisely to the hive it had just left. The bees cover the step and return inside as if nothing had happened. But the return of a swarm is almost never good news. In this video, you'll discover the three main causes. The first possibility is that the queen didn't leave with the swarm. A heavy queen, very active in laying eggs, may have difficulty flying. She may fall in front of the hive, get lost among the bees, or remain inside. Without her pheromones, the workers gradually realize that the center of the colony is missing. They then follow the most familiar scent and return to their original hive. The second cause is failure to find a new home. Scout bees check hollow trees, old buildings, and protected cavities. They assess space, entrances, humidity, and safety. If they don't find a suitable location, or if different groups advocate different destinations, the swarm may not reach an agreement and decide to return. The third cause is a sudden change in weather. Strong winds, rain, or cold can make flight too dangerous. But this doesn't eliminate the swarming instinct; it only postpones it. After returning, it's necessary to open the hive and check for the presence of the queen, fresh eggs, and queen cells. If the hive is still overcrowded and full of mature queen cells, it could swarm again the next day. The swarm didn't return for nothing. It left a message. And ignoring it could cost the beekeeper his entire colony.