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Where will honey bee swarms go after they initially forming outside of their hive?

Last Updated: November 10, 2009

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Scout bees from the swarm search for a protected location for the colony, such as a hollow cavity inside a tree or other structure. The scout bees communicate to the swarm and a “decision” is made, whereupon all the bees leave the branch and go to their new location. After arriving, the bees start to build wax comb and the queen lays eggs to start a new brood nest. After brood production begins, the new colony will become defensive of its home.

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