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catching swarms

1K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  RonS 
#1 ·
I was hoping to try and catch a swarm this year, I have never done this before. Any tips or advice?

many thanks
 
#2 ·
Go to the Bee Removal forum on this site and sign up. Also, go to http://www.beecare.com/indexDynFrames.htm?http://www.beecare.com/Navigation/SideNavFrame.htm&0 and sign up. I have received about 6 swarm calls this spring, all from these two sources. When you get the call, make sure that the caller has a swarm, not a wasp nest. Ask how high the swarm is and know your limitations. 20' up a ladder holding a nuc, brush, or clipper is not the time to realize that you are in a tight spot. Also, ask if it is a swarm or a removal. Explain the difference. I don't do removals. Too much work for me, but maybe you have a background in basic carpentry (needed to minimize the damage to walls, etc.). For swarms, I don't think a beevac is necessary. For removals, it is. For swarms, I use a nuc, but others get by with as little as a cardboard box. For removals, you will need 5 gal. buckets for the comb. Also, you will need empty frames to tie in the brood comb. A good full beesuit is a necessity. Bees can get very testy during removals, and also during swarm capture, although some disagree. Have your equipment ready and in one place. Ask the landowner if they have called any other beeks. That happened to me once. Made for a quasi standoff.
 
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