How many bees live in a hive at the peak of summer?

Answer 1

In the region of 60,000 bees is the generally accepted answer, though the numbers can vary a bit from that because:

1 - some strains of honey bee (e.g. those from the Mediterranean) are more prolific than others (like the native northern black bees);

2 - how good the weather is (has been) and how much food is about for the bees;

3 - whether the colony has swarmed earlier in the Summer;

4 - to some extent, the amount of room in the hive (once they become cramped for space they are more likely to swarm).

Answer 2

The average swarm is around 20,000 bees. When they settle in a new home, the colony will grow up to 40,000 to 60,000 before splitting and swarming again. However, the exact point at which swarming will take place depends on the amount of space available. Swarming will take place once the available space is used up.

Answer 3

She can lay up to 2,000 eggs a day.