As February winds down, many of us are starting to feel that subtle shift — longer days, a few more flights from the hive entrance, and the sense that spring isn’t far away. It’s a great time to prepare for the busy season ahead.
Seasonal Beekeeping Tip: Get Ahead on Swarm Traps
It might feel early, but now is the perfect time to start preparing for swarm season.
As daytime temperatures rise and bees begin foraging on warm days, colonies may also start scouting for potential new homes, sometimes weeks before the first major swarm occurs.
Setting up your swarm traps early ensures they’re already in place when scouts begin their search. Choose locations with morning sun and afternoon shade, ideally 10–15 feet off the ground and consider using a swarm lure or a piece of old comb to make them more inviting.
For a fascinating look into how honey bees collectively choose a new home site, Honeybee Democracy written by Thomas Seeley, offers remarkable insights into the decision-making process behind swarming. It’s a must-read for anyone wanting to understand why bees swarm in the first place.
And for safely collecting swarms, especially those in tricky or high locations, our bee vac system makes the process smoother and less stressful for both you and the bees.
For Colony Members, be sure to check out our in-depth article, How to Catch a Swarm, for practical, step-by-step guidance.
If you’re not yet a member, you can join the PerfectBee Colony today to gain access to this article and many more exclusive resources to support your beekeeping journey.
Getting ahead of the season now could mean saving a colony later—whether it’s your own or one you rescue from a nearby tree branch!
If you’re new to catching swarms or want to refine your technique, explore this helpful PerfectBee resource:
Ana’s Journey to Beekeeping
From Bolivia to Bees continues this week with Ana’s newest story, The Next 60 Days of Beehive Configuring and Inspections. She offers an inside look at her colony’s rapid growth through May and June — a season filled with discovery, adaptation, and plenty of buzzing activity.
From bustling landing boards and expanding honey stores to lessons in brood management and natural pest control, Ana captures the balance of curiosity and care that defines a new beekeeper’s early months. Her story is both educational and heartwarming — a true reflection of how hands-on learning deepens understanding.
The Next 60 Days of Beehive Configuring and Inspections
Beekeeping News: Honey Bees Navigate with Greater Precision Than We Thought
Researchers have discovered that honey bees may use more complex and accurate navigation strategies than previously understood.
While bees have long been known to rely on the sun and polarized light patterns, new findings suggest they also adjust their flight paths using visual landmarks and internal mapping cues, allowing them to return to specific foraging spots with remarkable accuracy.
This insight deepens our understanding of honey bee cognition and highlights once again just how advanced and adaptable these pollinators truly are.
Honey bees navigate more precisely than previously thought
We’re excited to announce the launch of our newly redesigned homepage and updated Colony Academy!
With a fresh new look, improved navigation, and a more user-friendly experience, it’s easier than ever to explore PerfectBee courses, articles, and community features — all designed to support you on your beekeeping journey.
Warm regards,
The PerfectBee Team
