We had a fantastic time in Moapa, Nevada, spending some quality time with one of our more challenging beehives. These bees, once gentle and calm, had grown quite aggressive, and we documented their transformation. There were several reasons for this shift in behavior, many of which we’ve learned to recognize over the years.
Summer Heat and Monsoon Season Stirring the Bees
Las Vegas summers are notoriously hot, and as you can imagine, the intense heat can easily agitate bees. But this summer wasn’t just any summer—we were in the midst of a rare, once-in-a-decade monsoon season.
The drastic changes in weather may have affected the bees, making them more irritable and quick to defend their hive. In any case, the hive had become too aggressive to keep, especially with neighbors nearby. It was time for them to move to a new home.
Thankfully, a friend of ours offered to relocate the hive to his peaceful Moapa apiary. This secluded spot in the middle of the desert turned out to be the perfect retreat for our bees, far from any potential disturbances.
Suited Up and Ready to Check on the Hive
Upon arriving at the Moapa apiary, we immediately suited up—there were quite a few hives in the area, so caution was key. We were excited to check on our hive, especially since it was starting to get chilly.
The bees basked in the afternoon sunshine, and we were relieved to see them looking calm and collected.
As we approached the hive box, we weren’t swarmed or disturbed by the bees, which was a pleasant surprise. It was a good sign, though a little suspicious given their previous aggressive behavior.
We smoked them gently, opened the top, and to our delight, the bees were relatively docile. The cooler temperatures and their new environment had clearly done them some good.
Observing Their Progress and Preparing for Winter
As we checked on the hive, we noticed that their numbers had dwindled slightly, but they seemed healthy overall. They had plenty of honey stored, and we were relieved to know they had a good water source nearby.
Going into winter, our main concern is making sure they have enough food to last through the colder months, especially since they won’t be gathering nectar or pollen for a while.
Moapa gets much colder than Las Vegas, but the bees are well-protected in their insulated Apimaye hive box. These boxes are designed to keep the bees warm, and we made sure to close the screened bottom board to reduce ventilation, ensuring they stay cozy.
From Swarm to Super Colony: A Remarkable Transformation
Reflecting on how far this hive has come, it’s hard to believe they started as a small swarm we caught in early spring. Back then, there were only a handful of bees, but they quickly multiplied during the spring nectar flow.
It seemed like the colony doubled in size every day, growing so large that it became risky to keep them in our yard.
Now, they’re thriving at the Moapa apiary, surrounded by other hives that all seem to coexist peacefully. We were a bit anxious about bringing such an aggressive hive to this new location, but it turns out the bees have mellowed out considerably.
They’ve settled into their new neighborhood nicely, and we’re grateful to Dave for allowing us to bring them here.
Looking Forward to Winter and Beyond
We’ll be keeping a close eye on the bees throughout the winter, making trips to Moapa about once a month to feed them and ensure their water sources remain fresh.
The winter season is a quieter time for beekeeping, but we’re already looking forward to our next visit in December when we’ll bring them a little winter feast.
It’s always rewarding to see our bees happy, healthy, and thriving—even if they gave us a run for our money during their defensive phase.
We’ll be sure to take plenty of pictures during our next trip, and we can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and adapt in their peaceful desert home.
Betsy and Pete
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Us: The Authors
We're Betsy and Pete, passionate Las Vegas beekeepers trained by a master in the field. With hundreds of successful bee and bee swarm removals under our belts, we're not just experts; we're enthusiasts committed to the well-being of these incredible pollinators.
We manage dozens of beehives, both natural and honey-bearing at our Joshua Tree Preserve.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Education is an ongoing journey, especially in a dynamic field such as beekeeping. That's why we continually update our knowledge base, collaborate with other experts, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in bee control methods and beekeeping practices.
We also provide top-tier beekeeping supplies, offering everything a beekeeper needs, from beginners to experts.