Experts sound alarm as North America’s bees start swarm season unusually early
North America's bee swarm season has started 17 days earlier than last year due to a warm winter, raising concerns among experts about the impact of climate change on honeybee behavior. This shift follows record colony losses in 2025, with over 60% of US honeybee colonies dying off, largely due to varroa mites and changing environmental conditions. The early swarming complicates beekeeping practices and increases pressure on already declining wild bee populations.
- ▪The 2026 bee swarm season in North America began 17 days earlier than in 2025 due to unusually warm winter temperatures.
- ▪Beekeepers reported losing more than 60% of honeybee colonies in the US last year, the highest die-off rate in recorded history.
- ▪Warmer winters are disrupting bees' natural reproductive cycles, leading to year-round breeding and earlier swarming, which may accelerate varroa mite reproduction.
- ▪Honeybees are outcompeting wild bees for nectar and pollen, exacerbating declines in wild bee populations.
- ▪Climate-driven changes in bloom timing and hive development are forcing beekeepers to adapt their management strategies earlier in the year.
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This year’s unusually early swarm season follows several years of record bee colony declines worldwide, a new report says. Photograph: bo1982/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenThis year’s unusually early swarm season follows several years of record bee colony declines worldwide, a new report says. Photograph: bo1982/Getty ImagesBeesExperts sound alarm as North America’s bees start swarm season unusually earlyAfter record losses last year, beekeepers report a warm winter has led to bees ‘waking up earlier’ this yearMaya YangSun 17 May 2026 08.00 EDTLast modified on Sun 17 May 2026 08.02 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleAfter a series of record-breaking US heatwaves, the 2026 bee swarm season in North America has started 17 days earlier than last year, pushing beekeepers to adapt to a…
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