They may still swarm if they think the location isn't a good one for them.

A neighbor had 2 swarms come out and go beyond reach because he keeps stressing them.

My son had bees in the wall of his house and was unable to find a beekeeper to salvage them. He was greatly relieved when they recently decided to swarm and move out on their own! How late is too late?

They can swarm anytime during the season but generally February through June is the usual swarming season depending on where you live.

Thanks.

Harvested our first honey of the year yesterday. Sadly, we lost one hive.

Congratulations on the honey harvest. on the loss of your hive.

Ditto what Margaret said.

Hello all,
Just entered the world of bee keeping last week. Bought 4 hives,

At first I wondered what I had got myself into after a little reading, but then I decided it is a great challenge. Didn't know the 1st thing about them but I'm a quick study. The bee guy Mathew at our local Farm Supply store was so gracious to come over to my house and help me do the initial inspection. It appears they are doing good. The single box hive is a recent split and they needed more food for winter. Matt suggested I feed them so they can get a little more honey going. I'm feeding them a 2:1 syrup now. Will not be harvesting any product this fall since the seller had harvested shortly before selling them. Got to see one of the queens during the inspection (couldn't locate the others) which was the first time I'd ever seen one. Wasn't quite what I expected, not much bigger than a drone. Now I need to order up a smoker.

Congratulations on your new hives Tom. Welcome to the beekeeping forum and ATP.

Keeping honey bees isn't as challenging as it seems when you read about them. Once you get some experience behind you it will be really easy.

Tom!

Tom!

The honeybees have taken to hanging out on my zucchini and squash plants. Each day they come and go to the bottom of the leaves. Then they look like they are vacuuming! Honestly. I can't figgure out what they are doing. Oh, those leaves they like so much have powdery mildew badly. I know that has something to do with it. They ignore the plants with no mildew and didn't come visit the squash before I had the mildew.

Rita I was curious enough to research the reason honey bees would collect powdery mildew and found that they collect it as a substitute for pollen. This could happen if there's a shortage of pollen or if the pollen available isn't rich enough in protein to satisfy the honey bees needs. Apparently, the mildew spores do not harm the honey bees or their young.

Very interesting. I didn't know that. Thanks! Mystery solved.

Cool!

Nice to know.

My ex got stung several times yesterday cutting the grass around the hives. Never usually happens. My son said the bees are probably aggitated because they don't have honey and not enough pollen to make honey and other bees will try to steal their honey. I was surprised since I have tons of flowers still in blossom and the bees are all over them!

Was it overcast? They get a bit anxious when it's overcast --- they worry it might rain & hinder their work.

They also get aggressive when they are trying to store food for winter. They worry anything or anyone near their homes are going to rob them and t hey won't have enough to survive.

That is what he thinks it is, they are trying to store food. I think it was bright and sunny but I sure will remember that about overcast and stay away!

New member here... found the ATP site & forums from a link on the international Permaculture site. Besides my interest in all things Permaculture, we have a Top Bar hive in the backyard with a swarm we finally caught in a bait trap last spring after 2 years of effort! My first hive and they seem to be happy, so... looking forward to learning whatever I can from wherever I can.