Newbie Q: swarm stragglers

[electromaggot]

Hi y'all,

I posted on the "Swarm Removal" section about a swarm in my yard in Dallas, although they've now moved on, after nearly a week. I even clipped the branch and relocated the swarm to my porch Thursday night before a severe stormfront came through. I was worried the bees would get pummelled with hail! I know nothing about bees, but luckily the move went just fine.

As I said, now the swarm is gone, but I see a number of bees returning to the branch. Were these stragglers out scouting or pollen-collecting when the swarm moved, so now they're "homeless"? Will bees who know the new hive location return to the branch & guide the stragglers, or is any other kind of "calling card" left behind? Am I overthinking this? Are the stragglers just expendable?

I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts, whether based on research, observation, or just pure opinion. Thanks!

Tadd in Dallas

[Ross]

There are always a few that are slow, dumb, unlucky, etc. They drift to other hives in the area or die. Just my thoughts, but I see it a lot.

[dcross]

It's possible they're foragers/scouts from other hives nearby drawn to the scent of the swarm.