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Why Are There So Many Bees in Las Vegas Right Now?
- Pete Rizzo
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
How warming temperatures, desert wildflowers, and hive swarms combine to create a seasonal boom in bee activity.
Right now—roughly late December through May—Las Vegas experiences a surge in bee activity driven by warming temperatures, longer daylight, and an explosion of rosemary, desert wildflowers, and landscape blooms.
Honey bee colonies build up rapidly after winter, often reproducing via swarming, while native plants such as mesquite, creosote and desert willow offer abundant nectar and pollen. Urban gardens, date palms, and irrigated ornamentals further extend foraging opportunities.
Though the peak is in spring, bees remain active into summer and even fall when water-ed plants bloom. This article explains the ecological triggers, key forage sources, swarming behavior, and practical tips for homeowners—and Vegas Bees is the local expert ready to help.
Why Bee Activity Peaks in Spring
Temperature and Daylight
Spring days in Las Vegas see average highs climb from the mid-60s°F in February to the mid-80s°F by May, with daylight extending past 14 hours—ideal for bee foraging and brood rearing.
Colony Growth and Swarming
After winter’s scarcity, honey bee colonies ramp up brood production. Once a colony outgrows its hive, roughly 30–60% of the workers and a new queen will leave in a swarm, seeking a new nest site.
Desert Blooms and Nectar Sources
Wildflower Season (Late Feb–Early Apr)
Southern Nevada’s desert wildflower “super bloom” typically spans late February through early April, fueled by winter rains. Visitors can spot desert marigolds, lupines, poppies, and more across the Vegas Valley, Red Rock Canyon, and Lake Mead areas.
Key Native Forage Plants
Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) blooms April–June, offering deep-reaching nectar.
Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) flowers March–May, supplying pollen and nectar peaks in April.
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) blooms March–June along washes and riparian areas, prized by honey bees.
Date Palms (Phoenix dactylifera) in urban landscapes flower March–May; research shows bees forage heavily on their blooms when well-irrigated.
Urban and Garden Blooms
Ornamental and landscape plants—including fruit trees, rosemary, and Texas sage—extend the forage window into summer and fall by providing irrigated blooms.
Swarming Behavior: What Homeowners See
What Exactly Is a Bee Swarm?
A swarm looks like a cloud of bees clustering on a branch or structure. It’s a natural colony reproduction stage; these bees are generally calm and focused on scouting, not defending.
Why So Many Swarms Now?
High nectar and pollen availability coupled with optimal temperatures triggers rapid hive expansion—leading to more swarms.
When to Call Vegas Bees
Visible cluster of bees hanging on walls, fences, or trees
Bees entering voids in walls or equipment boxes
Large numbers of bees foraging repeatedly on your blooms
We relocate swarms safely and humanely—no-kill, all-natural removal.
Beyond Spring: Summer and Fall Activity
Summer: Intense heat shortens wildflower blooms, but bees shift to irrigated gardens and cultivated blooms. They also work to fill honey stores from spring nectar.
Fall: Late-season blooms—like rosemary and Texas sage—support a final foraging push before winter.
FAQs
What months are peak bee season in Las Vegas?
Peak bee activity and swarming run March through May, aligning with desert wildflower and tree bloom peaks.
Are these bees dangerous?
Swarming bees are less defensive than hive bees—they’re full of honey and focused on relocation. However, always call professionals to avoid aggravating them.
How long do swarms last?
Typically, swarms cluster 1–3 days while scout bees find a permanent home. They usually move on once the bees agree on their new home site.
Why do bees forage so heavily in spring?
Spring’s milder climate and abundant flowers allow bees to gather maximum nectar and pollen, restoring colony strength after winter.
Let's Sum It Up
The current surge in bees around Las Vegas is a natural seasonal phenomenon driven by warming temperatures, extended daylight, and an explosion of both wild and cultivated blooms.
Understanding the “when,” “where,” and “why” helps homeowners coexist safely—and know when to call Vegas Bees for expert, humane swarms relocation.
Ready to turn your bloom season into a bee-friendly opportunity? Contact us today for fast, safe, and eco-friendly bee removal!
Betsy and Pete
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Us: The Authors
We're Betsy and Pete, passionate Las Vegas beekeepers trained by a master in the field. With hundreds of successful bee and bee swarm removals under our belts, we're not just experts; we're enthusiasts committed to the well-being of these incredible pollinators.
We manage dozens of beehives, both natural and honey-bearing at our Joshua Tree Preserve.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Education is an ongoing journey, especially in a dynamic field such as beekeeping. That's why we continually update our knowledge base, collaborate with other experts, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in bee control methods and beekeeping practices.
We also provide top-tier beekeeping supplies, offering everything a beekeeper needs, from beginners to experts.
