One of the most exciting—and rewarding—moments in beekeeping is catching a swarm. It’s nature’s way of giving you a free colony, already equipped with a queen and a workforce ready to build. Using a swarm trap is one of the simplest and most effective ways to take advantage of this natural process, especially here in Virginia where swarm season typically kicks off in early spring. Why Bees Swarm Swarming is how a honey bee colony reproduces. When a hive becomes crowded—usually in spring when...

How the USDA Helps Cover Bee Losses If you’re a beekeeper, you already know—losses happen. Whether it’s harsh winters, pesticide exposure, or unexpected colony collapse, losing bees isn’t just frustrating… it’s expensive. That’s where the ELAP program comes in. What Is ELAP? The USDA Farm Service Agency Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm- Raised Fish Program (ELAP) is designed to help producers recover financially from losses that aren’t covered by other disaster...

We’re excited to announce that Gees Bees will be setting up at the Deep Roots Home & Garden Center Spring Festival on March 28, 2026 in Locust Grove, Virginia! This is a great opportunity to come out, enjoy a day at the garden center, and support local vendors. We’ll be bringing our pure, local honey, harvested right here in the Locust Grove area. If you’ve been looking for real, raw honey straight from a local beekeeper, this is your chance to stock up. At our booth, you’ll be able to:...