I am new to the world of both blogging and beekeeping. I hope to chronicle, as so many have done, my experiences into the hobby of beekeeping. I will post anytime I do anything with the hive. I will also try to keep a hive diary on here for records.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Another swarm call!
I got another call at 5:30 about a swarm of bees in a bush. They were SUPER gentle. The swarm was about the size of a cantaloupe.
Is there a good book out there on how to retrieve swarms? I'm super paranoid that my bees are going to swarm this year and instead of attaching themselves to a tree or a bush they will end up on a chair in my neighbors yard or the side of their house. Last year when they swarmed I got lucky and they went high into a tree (30-40 feet).
There isn't one I know of. Basically give them some drawn comb, some brood and some space and try to give the limb or branch a hard shake. Most will fall straight down and into the box. Then you close it up and let the stragglers find their way in. Close it up and head out.
Is there a good book out there on how to retrieve swarms? I'm super paranoid that my bees are going to swarm this year and instead of attaching themselves to a tree or a bush they will end up on a chair in my neighbors yard or the side of their house. Last year when they swarmed I got lucky and they went high into a tree (30-40 feet).
ReplyDeleteThere isn't one I know of. Basically give them some drawn comb, some brood and some space and try to give the limb or branch a hard shake. Most will fall straight down and into the box. Then you close it up and let the stragglers find their way in. Close it up and head out.
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