How To Split A Bee Hive 201

Check back soon for 2026 class dates. This hive split 201 class includes a slide show and hands-on beekeeping. If weather does not cooperate, we will reschedule or issue store credit.  Managing your colonies well is important for beekeepers, and one of the best ways to manage a colony is by splitting it. At its most basic level, splitting a colony means turning one colony into two. During our class, you will learn about how splitting a colony works. You will be able to come into our bee yard, where we will open our hives and demonstrate how to make a split.  This is a very common practice for beekeepers and bees. When beekeepers do this, it is called splitting. When bees do this, it is called swarming. When a colony of bees swarms, it can be heartbreaking for the beekeeper, as they will often lose the swarm.  Splitting the hive before the swarm is a great way to make the most of a strong colony of bees and is relatively easy to do. In our 2 hour class, you will learn about the common w