Winter losses should just be a memory except if like me you have ended up with only one colony. This has led my plans for 2026. Do I split my only colony or hope I can pick up a healthy swarm.
I was sitting in the garden summoning up the energy to split my colony when the decision was taken out of my hands. I was just dosing in the sum when the unmistakable hum of the bees change from a gentle background noise of bees carrying out their daily business to one of urgency. As soon as I clambered up the slope to the apiary the sky was awash with bees flying in all directions. Time to suit up and collect my swarm kit.
By the time I reached the house it was clear that the swarm had taken temporary residence in a low lying branch in an apple tree next door. On with the suit. Smoker lit. Swarm box in hand I went next door and up to the apple tree. The bees were nowhere to be seen. But there was a commotion back in my garden. The swarm had decided to take over the empty hive next to their home base. Thus completing the split I had planned.
The usual ‘June Gap’ when there is a dearth of nectar has been short with the early abundance of bramble flowers. Just check your hives to make sure your bees have enough stores to take them into July.