North Staffordshire Beekeepers For everyone interested in honeybees in and around North Staffordshire

A Guide to Swarm Control

Swarm control and prevention are phases that occur in the management of your bee colonies. These are not practiced by all beekeepers, and you may find that they are not needed in your colonies. However it is wise that you have an understanding of both elements.

  • Swarm prevention involves strategies to delay or stop the colony from initiating events that lead to swarming.

  • Swarm control strategies are more direct interventions that are used to prevent the loss of a swarm.

A PDF booklet about practical swarm control courtesy of The Welsh Beekeepers Association and Wally Shaw is available and is a recommended read for all beekeepers.