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That Buzzing Cloud in Your Yard: Understanding Honey Bee Swarms It’s a sight that can be both awe inspiring and unsettling: a large, buzzing mass of thousands of honey...
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Home > Blog > California Beekeepers: Ready for Early 2026 Swarms?
January 25, 2026
While much of the country is hunkered down in the dead of winter, things are already starting to stir in the Golden State. With mild temperatures persisting even in January, honey bee colonies may be thinking about expanding sooner than you think. Are you ready to claim those early swarms?
Even if you think it's too early, it's time to prepare your equipment, check your swarm traps, and get ready for swarm season. With California's diverse microclimates, active bees are always a possibility. And with nearly 600 beekeepers on the Swarmed network in California, you'll have some competition for those prime swarms.
Want to increase your chances of claiming those early-season swarms? Consider becoming a Swarmed Contributor. Beekeepers with SMS or WhatsApp alerts claim significantly more swarms than those relying on email alone.
Ready to start receiving free local swarm alerts and claim valuable early-season swarms? Sign up for Swarmed today and join a community of beekeepers dedicated to rescuing and protecting honey bees.
https://beeswarmed.org/beekeeper-signup (opens in a new tab)

That Buzzing Cloud in Your Yard: Understanding Honey Bee Swarms It’s a sight that can be both awe inspiring and unsettling: a large, buzzing mass of thousands of honey...
Read More...May 31, 2026

As the days grow longer and flowers begin to bloom, you might notice more honey bees buzzing about. This increased activity sometimes leads to one of nature’s most fas...
Read More...May 31, 2026