Beekeeping in May: Threats to Bees and What You Should Be Doing Now
As spring reaches its peak in May, beekeepers across Portugal and beyond are seeing their hives buzzing with activity. The days are longer, flowers are blooming, and nectar flows are at their best. But this is also a critical month for hive health—May is when threats to bee colonies become more pronounced and proactive management becomes essential.
At Abadia Rural, we support beekeepers with high-quality materials and guidance. In this article, we’ll look at the main challenges facing bees in May and what you can do to protect your colonies.
Main Threats to Bees and Hives in May
1. Varroa Mite Infestations
The Varroa destructor is one of the most dangerous parasites for honey bees. By May, mite populations may be increasing rapidly due to brood expansion. These mites feed on bee larvae and can transmit deadly viruses.
What to do:
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Monitor mite levels using sugar rolls or sticky boards.
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If infestation is high, consider organic treatments (like formic or oxalic acid) or mechanical methods like drone brood removal.
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Always rotate treatments to avoid resistance.
2. Nosema Disease
A microsporidian disease affecting the digestive system of adult bees, Nosema can lead to colony decline in spring, particularly after a humid or rainy early season.
What to do:
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Check for signs: dysentery, sluggish bees, poor brood patterns.
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Keep hives well-ventilated and dry.
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Consider treating with natural supplements or certified products.
3. Wax Moth & Small Hive Beetle
Warmer temperatures mean pests like wax moths and hive beetles start to become more active, especially in weaker colonies.
What to do:
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Strengthen weak hives or consider combining them.
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Keep hive areas clean and store spare combs properly.
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Install beetle traps if needed.
4. Swarming Season
May is peak swarming season. While swarming is natural, it means you may lose half your colony if not managed.
What to do:
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Regularly inspect hives for queen cells.
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Add extra space by supering.
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Practice controlled splits to reduce swarm risk.
Essential May Beekeeping Tasks
To keep your hives healthy and productive, here’s what you should be doing this month:
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Inspect every 7–10 days: Look for signs of disease, swarm cells, brood pattern health, and queen status.
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Super hives: Add honey supers to give bees space and prevent crowding.
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Feed if necessary: If nectar flow is delayed, provide supplemental feeding.
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Ensure water availability: Bees need clean, fresh water, especially as temperatures rise.
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Mark new queens: If you’ve requeened or your hive has replaced a queen, now is the time to mark her for easier tracking later.
Beekeeping Supplies for May at Abadia Rural
At Abadia Rural, we stock everything you need to protect and support your hives in May:
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Anti-varroa treatments
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Protective gear
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Feeders and supplements
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Hive tools, boxes, frames, and wax foundation
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Swarm traps and bait hives
We are also the exclusive representatives of Swienty, and carry premium-quality apicultural equipment from Bruni and Kefla.
Explore our beekeeping catalog online or visit our central store to get expert advice and the best tools for your bees.
Final Tip
In May, your bees are working at full force—but so are the threats. Stay ahead of disease, pests, and swarming by being proactive. A strong May leads to a successful honey harvest later in the season.
Abadia Rural is here to help you every step of the way. Visit us or contact us for all your beekeeping needs.
