SWARMs 2014. Busier than usual?

[Father Fox]

Is this year swarmier than usual?
If so, why? Weather?
Or have I just got bees that are more inclined to swarming? (Nice tempered Buckfast)

 

[Erichalfbee]

Mild winter, early spring, lots of early forage. Early build up to reproduce and fly away

 

[Hivemaker.]

Is this year swarmier than usual?

Not here, and the weather has been rubbish so far... apart from about eight decent days.

 

[madasafish]

Fewer HB swarms than usual.

But as on the BBKA's swarm list, LOTS more calls for tree bumbles - easily double last year.

We had a warm April, .. and then lots of wet and cool weather...

 

[Roola]

Not here, and the weather has been rubbish so far... apart from about eight decent days.

Stay positive Peter! A chance of some nice weather next weekend (although could be a bit thundery as warm air 'could' be drawn up from the continent then mid month showing some early signs of settling down to some nice warm weather with high pressure nudging in. Fingers crossed.

 

[Swarm]

Not here, and the weather has been rubbish so far... apart from about eight decent days.

Pretty much the same here.

 

[smuggler]

I have hived up 6 swarms out of 9 visits in three weeks.
I went from no bees to 6 potential colonies in that time. I have never had so may calls and i am at the bottom of the list in my area.
My lucky month!!

Only 2 visits were for bumble bees and one was a swarm that took up residence in a hollow tree. No chance of getting that one out, but next day they moved on.

Lets hope for good build up and strong colonies for the winter.

You never know I may get some honey next year