Buzzing with Activity: Miami Valley Beekeepers Prepare for Swarm Season

Spring has sprung in the Miami Valley, and with it comes a flurry of activity for our local beekeepers! The Miami Valley Beekeepers Association (MVBA) is buzzing with excitement (and a little bit of anxiety) as we prepare for the upcoming swarm season.

What is a swarm?

Swarming is a natural process where a honeybee colony splits, with the old queen leaving the hive with a large portion of the worker bees to establish a new home. This spectacular event is a sign of a healthy and thriving hive, but it can also be a bit of a shock for unsuspecting homeowners who suddenly find a cloud of bees congregating in their backyard.

What should I do if I see a swarm?

If you see a swarm, please do not try to remove it yourself. Swarming bees are generally docile, but they may sting if they feel threatened. The best thing to do is to call a local beekeeper. The MVBA maintains a swarm list, connecting homeowners with experienced beekeepers who can safely relocate the swarm.

How can I prepare for swarm season?

There are a few things you can do to prepare for swarm season:

• Make sure your hives are in good condition. This includes checking for cracks and holes in the hive boxes, and making sure the frames are properly secured.

• Monitor your hives for signs of swarming. These signs include a large number of bees clustered on the outside of the hive, and the presence of queen cells.

• Split your hives if necessary. If you have a strong hive, you can split it into two smaller hives to prevent swarming.

• Contact a local beekeeper if you have any questions or concerns.

The MVBA is here to help!

The MVBA is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting the art and science of beekeeping. We offer a variety of educational programs and resources for beekeepers of all levels. We also have a swarm removal service that can help you safely remove a swarm from your home or property.

Bookmark our website!

We encourage you to bookmark our website, https://www.miamivalleybeekeepers.org/swarm-removal, for more information about swarm season and how to prepare for it.

We are here to help you!

If you have any questions or concerns about swarm season, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!

We hope you have a safe and enjoyable swarm season!

From the MVBA