Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Bees?

As beekeeping grows in popularity, some may wonder whether an area can be too densely populated with bees. Urban beekeeping certainly has an upside, but is there any downside to too much? In suburban and rural areas, overpopulation is not a concern. In larger cities, like Los Angeles, the capacity for bees can become too great. Too many bees in an area risks reducing their survival due to limited resources. Many factors contribute to this, including urban development. More buildings mean less nectar-producing landscaping, and bees are forced to travel further to forage. It may seem that bees are not limited because they are free to go where they want, but they typically do not travel great distances to forage. They use local flowers, which is why beekeepers plan their gardening to provide year-round sources of nectar and pollen for their bees.

Bees Foraging Further

Like a forest overrun with too many deer, food sources become scarcer, leading to starvation. In the same way, too many bees foraging the same area may end up short of what they need. As bees are forced to travel greater distances, they can burn all the energy they collect during their flight and even end up in a deficit. Urban bees may work harder for their food, but bees are highly adaptable. Honeybees are foragers with laser focus. Foraging bees spend an entire day foraging the same type of flower, so if bees can’t locate a large area with the same species of flower, they often need to travel further.

Swarming to Less Populated Areas

Some beekeepers may experience an increase in swarming activity as bees move to less populated areas. Ultimately, it is up to the beekeeper, and part of their responsibility, to prevent swarming, which may result in more hives and further exacerbate the problem of too many bees in a confined, overcrowded area. Planting more flowers is helpful, but it can't offset the impact of growing bee numbers. Urban beekeepers must consider the larger picture when adding hives, recognizing they are sharing this space with other beekeepers and wild beehives.

Swarming Bee Removal

Bees are not naturally aggressive during swarming, but they can still end up in a precarious spot that requires professional live bee removal. If bees end up in a home's attic, basement, floor, or walls, this can become problematic. Bees removed by a professional humane bee removal company must be rehomed. Swarming bees from one crowded area may end up overcrowding another.

A swarm may be inconvenient, unexpected, or scary, depending on a person’s knowledge of the swarming process. It is entirely natural and highly recommended to allow bees to move on organically. If at all possible, swarms should be left alone because they are seeking a new home. Disrupting them is not ideal because it can interrupt the natural process bees use to stay together as they identify a new location to call home. If swarming occurs near your home, it is wise to ensure your home is bee-proofed, so bees don’t think inside your structure is a good place to set up shop.

Undeniable Bee Facts

It is undeniable that bees are essential pollinators for sustainable food production and agriculture. Although bees are not the only pollinator, their role is significant. Beekeeping has become a hobby for individuals in the city and rural areas. Responsible beekeeping is critical to ensuring bees have what they need and that they are given the space they need to thrive. An overcrowded area may lead to a lack of resources for too many bees. Bees need water and food to survive, and planting flowers can help them go farther without having to travel as far. However, as the number of beekeepers in an area increases, additional actions may be needed to ensure bees have the resources they require.