When do bees typically begin the capping process?

Bees typically begin the capping process when the honey cells are full and the moisture content of the honey has reached a sufficiently low level. This is a critical stage in honey production because capping serves to seal the honey in the cells, preventing moisture from entering and preserving the honey for long-term storage. Once the moisture content drops to around 18% or less, bees apply a wax cap over the cells, indicating that the honey is ready for storage and will not ferment. This process is essential for ensuring the quality and longevity of the honey that the bees are storing for future use, especially as a food source during times when foraging is not possible, such as winter.

The other options, while related to bee behavior, do not accurately describe the specific conditions under which capping begins. For instance, overcrowding or swarming may prompt different actions and are not directly linked to the capping process itself. Meanwhile, the onset of winter also does not trigger the capping process but rather indicates a period when the bees are more focused on survival and management of their resources.