Swarm control guidance
Swarm Management
Free reference guides for honey bee swarm control. Compare proven methods like the Demaree, plan follow-up inspections, and reduce the risk of losing colonies to swarming during the busy spring season.
Demaree Method
AvailableA swarm-control method that separates the queen from most brood, reducing congestion while keeping the colony strong and productive.
Review the method, generate a follow-up plan, and save the checkpoints as scheduled inspections.
Pagden split
Coming soonPlaceholder for a future guide covering the classic artificial swarm split.
Artificial swarm
Coming soonPlaceholder for a future guide focused on moving flying bees and brood apart.
Choosing a method
Use this section to compare swarm-control approaches and pick the one that fits your hive setup, labour rhythm, and management style.
- Start with a method whose follow-up schedule you can reliably meet during the swarm season.
- Prefer techniques that match your preferred brood arrangement, available equipment, and comfort finding queens quickly.
- Once you choose a method, open its guide page for the step-by-step reference and planning tools.
Critical timing
The first follow-up is the point where timing matters most.
If that queen-cell check slips beyond the recommended window, cells may be close to emergence and the colony can quickly return to swarm mode.