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How Long Does It Take Bees to Build a Hive After a Swarm?
- Pete Rizzo
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
When a swarm of honey bees takes off from their original colony, they’re racing against the clock.
They’ve got their queen to protect, a stomach full of honey for energy, and one mission in mind: build a new home.
So how long does it take bees to build a hive after they swarm? The short answer is about one to three weeks, but that depends on the weather, nectar availability, and the strength of the swarm.
Let’s break down what actually happens in those critical first days, and why not all swarms succeed.
Day 1: The Swarm Scouts for a New Home
When bees swarm, they don’t immediately start building. They cluster temporarily, often on a branch, fence post, or the side of a house, while scout bees search for a suitable home site.
The search usually lasts a few hours to three days. Scouts communicate potential locations through the famous “waggle dance,” and when the colony reaches consensus, they all relocate together.
At this stage:
No comb is being built yet
The bees are fueled by honey they carried from the old hive
Their primary focus is finding dry, dark shelter with enough space for growth
Days 2–5: The Move-In and Wax Production Begins
Once the swarm moves in, the real work starts. Worker bees consume honey to activate their wax glands, secreting small flakes that they chew and mold into hexagonal cells.
If temperatures stay above 70°F and nectar is available, they begin drawing fresh white comb within 24 to 48 hours.
During this phase:
First small sheets of comb appear
The queen starts exploring the new space
Workers begin forming the brood nest area
Days 5–10: The Queen Lays, and the Hive Takes Shape
By day five, a healthy swarm has visible comb and organized structure. The queen starts laying eggs in freshly drawn cells.
Bees can produce about one pound of wax for every eight pounds of honey they consume, so if forage is strong, they can draw several frames within a week.
What’s happening inside:
Queen lays the first batch of eggs
Workers store nectar and pollen in upper cells
The colony develops a stable internal temperature and humidity
Days 10–30: Rapid Comb Expansion and Full Hive Formation
This is when things accelerate. In optimal nectar flow, a strong swarm can build out a full hive box or cavity within three to four weeks.
You’ll typically see:
Fully drawn comb sheets
Capped brood
Capped honey and pollen stores
Organized hive layout with dedicated nursery and food zones
If the weather turns cold or nectar dries up, wax building slows drastically. The bees cluster to conserve energy rather than build.
What Affects How Fast Bees Build a Hive
Several factors control the pace of construction:
Temperature:
Wax production thrives above 70°F. Below 60°F, wax glands go dormant.
Nectar Flow:
Strong nectar flow equals fast comb growth. Dearth conditions slow progress.
Colony Size:
Large swarms build faster because more bees can maintain heat and secrete wax.
Moisture Levels:
Ideal hive humidity is around 50–60%. Too dry or too damp both stall production.
Hive Space and Size:
A properly sized cavity speeds development. Oversized spaces waste energy and heat.
How Beekeepers Know a Swarm Has Settled and Started Building
Beekeepers can track new hive progress without opening it excessively. Here’s what we look for:
Entrance activity: Bees flying in with pollen indicate brood rearing has started.
Weight increase: Noticeable hive weight gain means nectar and wax production are underway.
Visible comb edges: Through a window or under the cover, new white wax is the telltale sign.
Sound: A steady, calm hum instead of a frantic buzz means the colony is established.
After 7–10 days, a brief inspection (in warm weather) usually reveals drawn comb and eggs. By day 21, brood should be capped and the colony considered stable.
What Happens When Conditions Are Poor
Not every swarm succeeds. If temperatures are cold, nectar is scarce, or the queen fails to lay, the colony might stall or die before comb construction completes.
Common setbacks include:
Cold nights: Cluster contraction prevents wax building.
Nectar drought: No sugar intake = no wax production.
Small swarm: Insufficient bees to maintain heat.
Poor cavity: Damp, leaky, or oversized spaces slow development.
Beekeepers will provide drawn comb, syrup feeding, or insulation to help struggling swarms survive.
Stage | Timeline | What Happens |
Scouting for home | 1–3 days | Bees cluster while scouts find a suitable cavity |
Move-in & first wax | 1–2 days after relocation | Wax glands activate, first comb built |
Early nest formation | 5–10 days | Queen starts laying eggs in new comb |
Full hive structure | 3–4 weeks | Comb expanded, brood capped, food stored |
Under ideal conditions, bees can build the beginnings of a hive within a day or two and a fully functional hive in about three to four weeks after swarming.
Beekeeper Insight: Why Timing Matters
As a beekeeper, I can tell you: not all swarms are created equal. A large swarm in mid-spring with plenty of nectar can build like an architectural miracle. A small swarm in late summer might struggle just to survive.
If you ever see a swarm, call a local beekeeper right away. We can safely rehome them before they waste precious time trying to build in the wrong spot - like in your roof or attic.
FAQ: Bees Building Hives After a Swarm
How long does it take bees to start building after a swarm?
Usually within 24 to 48 hours once they’ve found a suitable cavity.
How fast can bees build comb?
A strong colony in good conditions can draw several full frames of comb in a week.
How long until the hive is fully built?
Most swarms complete initial comb and brood nest development in 3 to 4 weeks.
Can bees survive if they don’t build comb quickly?
Not for long. Without comb to store food and raise brood, the swarm will starve within weeks.
Do bees need the queen to start building?
Yes. Her presence stabilizes the colony and triggers sustained wax production.
How do beekeepers help swarms build faster?
By providing foundation frames, feeding syrup during dearth, and housing swarms in properly sized boxes.
What do bees use to build their hives?
Worker bees produce wax from glands on their abdomen and shape it into hexagonal comb.
What happens if a swarm doesn’t find a good home quickly?
They can run out of energy and die if they don’t locate shelter within a few days.
Do bees reuse old comb when they move?
No, they always build fresh comb in their new location.
How long before the new queen starts laying?
Usually within 3–5 days after the swarm settles, assuming she’s mated.
How can beekeepers tell if a swarm is thriving?
Look for new comb, nectar storage, and eggs. All signs of a healthy start.
Betsy & Pete
🐝Las Vegas’s All-Natural Live Bee Removal Team
About Us: The Authors
We’re Betsy and Pete - Beekeepers on a Mission in Las Vegas
We’re not just in the bee business, we’re in the bee-saving business. Trained by a master beekeeper and backed by hundreds of successful removals, we are dedicated to rescuing and relocating honey bees with care and precision.
Every swarm we save and every hive we manage reflects our deep love for the bees.
At our Joshua Tree Preserve in Arizona, we care for dozens of thriving hives. Some wild, some honey-bearing, and all are part of our commitment to ethical, sustainable beekeeping.
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Beekeeping is always evolving, and so are we. We stay on the cutting edge by continuing our education, connecting with fellow beekeepers, and refining our beekeeping practices and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for both bees and people.
Whether it’s advanced bee removal strategies or the latest natural methods, we’re always one step ahead.
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