Bees go away or leave their nests mainly due to a few key reasons:
- Absconding (Leaving Completely): This happens when the entire colony abandons the hive. Reasons include environmental stressors such as repeated loud noises, bad smells, too much interference from beekeepers, predators like skunks, or parasites such as small hive beetles. The bees simply decide the environment is too hostile and search for a better place.
- Swarming (Colony Reproduction): This natural process involves the old queen and about 60% of the bees leaving the original hive to find a new home. They temporarily cluster in a location while scout bees search for a suitable cavity to establish a new hive. They leave once a new home is found.
- Unfavorable Conditions: Bees may leave if the hive lacks proper comb, brood, or pheromones, or the environment is unsuitable. For instance, newly introduced bees in packages may leave if they dislike the hive conditions.
- Health Issues: Parasites like varroa mites can weaken colonies leading to bees leaving individually over time, a phenomenon sometimes called "death by a thousand cuts".
In summary, bees leave when their current home is no longer safe, suitable, or comfortable due to threats, poor conditions, reproduction needs, or disease. This behavior ensures their survival by seeking better environments.
