May is one of the most exciting months in the beekeeping calendar. As temperatures rise and flowers burst into bloom, the hive transforms into a hive of activity (quite literally). Here's what's going on inside during this busy spring month.
The Colony is Booming
By May, the queen is in full laying mode — she can lay up to 2,000 eggs a day. The worker bee population is rapidly expanding, and the hive is buzzing with purpose. Every bee has a role: nurses tending to larvae, foragers collecting nectar and pollen, and house bees processing it all into honey.
Swarming Season
May is peak swarm season in the UK. When a colony becomes too large for its hive, the old queen leaves with around half the workers to find a new home. It can look alarming, but a swarm is actually a sign of a healthy, thriving colony. As a beekeeper, regular hive inspections during May help manage swarm impulses and keep your bees settled.
The Nectar Flow Begins
With hawthorn, dandelion, apple blossom, and oil seed rape all flowering, May marks the start of the main nectar flow. Forager bees are working flat out, and honey stores begin to build. This is when the magic of the hive really starts to show.
What This Means for Our Products
At Swabees, this is the season that makes everything possible. The beeswax we use in our lotions, balms, and candles comes from hives that are thriving right now. Every jar and bar carries a little of this May energy — the warmth of the season, the hard work of the colony, and the care of ethical beekeeping.
How You Can Support Bees This May
- Plant bee-friendly flowers like borage, lavender, and phacelia
- Avoid pesticides in your garden
- Leave a shallow dish of water out for thirsty foragers
- Buy from local, ethical producers who support sustainable beekeeping 🐝