Swarm season is officially here—and with it comes one of the most exciting moments in beekeeping.
This week, Ana shares a real-time account of catching her very first swarm—an unforgettable experience that started months ago with preparation, patience, and a bit of hope.
We’re also diving into swarm season tips, including how to improve your chances of attracting a colony, plus a new video from the PerfectBee team on assembling frames and installing foundation.
PerfectBee on YouTube: Frame Assembly & Foundation
Whether you’re preparing for a new package, replacing old frames, or getting ready for a swarm, having properly assembled frames is essential.
We have a new video where we walk through:
- How to assemble wooden frames
- How to install plastic foundation in new frames
- How to install plastic foundation in already assembled frames
This is a great starting point for new beekeepers—or a helpful refresher as the season ramps up.
https://test.perfectbee.com/store/hive-components/frames-and-foundation/
Seasonal Beekeeping Tip: Swarm Season—How to Improve Your Chances
If you’ve ever thought about catching a swarm, now is the time.
Swarming is how honey bee colonies reproduce, and during spring and early summer, scout bees are actively searching for a new place to call home.
The good news? With a little preparation, you can make your apiary an attractive option.
What bees are looking for:
- A cavity about the size of a deep hive box
- A dark, protected interior (old comb helps!)
- A small, defensible entrance
- A familiar scent (like lemongrass oil or swarm lure)
A few practical tips:
- Place traps off the ground (6–15 feet is ideal)
- Face entrances south or southeast when possible
- Avoid placing traps near heavy activity or disturbance
- Check periodically—but resist opening too often
Even if you don’t catch a swarm this season, setting traps is a great way to learn bee behavior and be ready when the opportunity comes.
Read more about why bees swarm.
And check out this lesson about capturing and installing a swarm of bees.
https://test.perfectbee.com/store/accessories-and-tools/nucs-and-swarm-retrieval
Ana’s Journey to Beekeeping: From Loss to a New Beginning
From Bolivia to Bees continues this week with BREAKING NEWS in her beekeeping journey: I Caught My First Swarm!
After losing both of her colonies over winter, Ana took a proactive step—setting up swarm traps and preparing for a fresh start.
What followed was weeks of patience, small signs of activity… and then an unforgettable moment when thousands of bees filled the sky and chose her trap as their new home.
From selecting the right box size and scenting it with lemongrass oil, to choosing placement and finally transferring the colony, this story offers a real, honest look at what it’s like to catch a swarm for the first time.
It’s a powerful reminder that even after setbacks, beekeeping always offers another chance.
https://test.perfectbee.com/beekeeper-stories/ana/i-caught-my-first-swarm
Swarm season is a powerful reminder of just how resilient honey bees can be.
Whether you’re starting fresh, catching a swarm, or simply preparing your equipment, this time of year is full of opportunity.
Stay curious, stay prepared—and enjoy every moment of the season.
We’re glad to be part of your beekeeping journey.
Until next time,
The PerfectBee Team
