Newsletter: May 2026
Archived issue: this newsletter was sent on 10 May 2026 and was correct at the time. Back to the archive
The Hive-Five Monthly News Round-Up
May 2026: Packed Newsletter and Packed Hives
Hello beekeepers,
A swarm in May is worth a bowlful of hay - but what exactly is a swarm in April worth? Still up for debate.
Across the UK, colonies are building hard. Brood nests are expanding, drones are well established, and in many areas, swarms have been widely reported for several weeks now.
I've split 50% of my hives already and played Robin Hood between my strongest & weakest hives to balance the books.
Make sure entrances are fully open and unobstructed - congestion at this stage will slow foraging and increase swarm pressure.
May is where colonies peak in intent. If they're going to swarm, they're thinking about it now.
On a more seasonal note - forage is building well in most areas, with hawthorn starting to come through and giving colonies a real push.
On to the bee news… Here's a curated look at what's happening across the UK and beyond.
Honey and Provenance
New honey labelling rules on the way
New rules agreed in Europe will require honey producers to clearly list the countries of origin in blends - replacing vague labels like “EU and non-EU honey.”
Countries will need to be listed in order of quantity, giving consumers a much clearer picture of what they're actually buying.
While not yet fully implemented in the UK, changes like this tend to follow - either through regulation or retailer pressure.
This won't fix the honey market overnight - but it does make it harder to hide low-quality blends behind vague labelling.
Supermarket honey perception gap
A low-cost supermarket honey ranked highly in taste testing - again highlighting how little consumers understand about sourcing and quality.
There's still a clear gap between real honey and what the public thinks honey is.
Asian Hornet Updates
Asian hornet sightings continue early into 2026
The National Bee Unit's rolling updates continue to record yellow-legged Asian hornet sightings across the UK, with Kent again among the affected areas.
The BBKA reported that by mid-April there had already been 8 confirmed sightings in the UK in 2026 - five of them in Kent.
The message remains unchanged: early reporting and vigilance are critical.
National Bee Unit: Yellow-legged hornet rolling update
Global response ramps up
New Zealand has brought in UK expertise to help prepare for Asian hornet threats - a sign of how seriously this is now being treated worldwide.
Pressure is increasing globally. Expect continued emphasis on early detection and rapid reporting.
UK & Environment
‘No Mow May’ underway
Gardeners are being encouraged to leave lawns uncut to support pollinators during a critical forage period.
Bee welfare proposal rejected
Plans to create a dedicated bee-support site have been turned down - highlighting the gap between awareness and practical action.
Youth pressure for environmental protection continues
Calls for stronger legal protection for nature are gaining momentum.
Bees and colour preference
Bees continue to show strong attraction to specific colours and flower types - useful when thinking about forage planting.
Thunderstorms and pollen spikes
Storm conditions can increase pollen levels significantly - affecting both bees and beekeepers. This resonated with me - one sharp rain shower and I am reaching for the Beconase.
Experimental research on bee control
Scientists are exploring ways to influence bee movement - early-stage, but shows the direction of research.
Bee Health & Science
Varroa resistance concerns continue to grow
Researchers are increasingly focusing on resistance to common varroa treatments, particularly amitraz.
The concern is simple: over-reliance on one treatment approach may eventually reduce effectiveness.
Rotation and integrated management are becoming more important worldwide.
Naturally varroa-resistant bees being studied
Researchers in California are investigating hybrid honey bees that appear to suppress varroa populations naturally.
While still early-stage, it highlights the growing interest in breeding bees with stronger natural resistance traits.
Inside the Hive: Swarm Pressure Building
Across the UK, colonies are now:
- running strong brood patterns
- producing drones consistently
- increasing nectar intake where forage allows
- beginning swarm preparation in many cases
This is the key transition point.
What to focus on this month
- Inspect regularly - this is not a passive period
- Watch for queen cells (charged, not just play cups)
- Manage space proactively
- Keep entrances fully open
- Act early on swarm control - not after the fact
A Final Note
May rewards decisive beekeeping.
The biggest mistakes now:
- missing early swarm signs
- assuming “one more week” is fine
- reacting instead of planning
Once they've committed, you're behind.
The bees are at full pace now. The job is to stay just ahead of them.
Until next month,
Natalie, Colin and Michael
Hive-Five Beekeeping