When a hive swarms, the old queen and about half the bees leave, weakening the colony. You can usually spot it coming by checking for overcrowding, swarm cells, or a beard of bees hanging on the front. Prevention is key—adding space or splitting the hive can help keep your bees put and your colony strong.
As cooler weather approaches, one key decision can make or break your bees’ winter survival—how you configure the brood nest. From single deeps to double deeps, each setup has its pros, cons, and management needs. Learn which winter configuration best fits your bees and your beekeeping style.
