Swarm season is almost here, and right around this time, while there are still chances for unexpected cold snaps - my mind and focus switches to spring readiness and swarm prevention and preparation.
With 11 hives coming out of the winter I expect a very large number of swarms but I hope to catch most and control and reduce the number down.
Bee spring behavior
As the forager bees are bringing in pollen and nectar (you can’t see the nectar but you definitely see the yellow sacks of pollen in this video) - the guard bees stay guard. I imagine they verify every bee that comes in for the entry password. You can’t definitely see this behavior clearly in this video.
Guard bees and forever bees, at the reduced entrance of one of the hives. I will probably need to increase the entrance on this hive very soon.
Next week, after the cold snaps, hopefully the last one of the season, I plan to reverse the boxes on all double hives, that way the queen is forced to use all the space better (she always has a tendency to go up), as well as add a second deep on the single boxes also. I might even consider adding the supers on some. Will need to assess and see…
Swarm traps
A swarm trap is just a box, that can comfortably house up to 4 or 5 frames, hung up in a tree and baited with some swarm bait (lemon grass oils and sometimes queen pheromones). I put a hook on mine and hang them only as high as I can reach without getting on a ladder. This way, I can take the swarm down easily without needing to balance myself on a ladder when buzzed in all directions by bees.
Hives are strong and ready for explosive spring growth.