Catching worker bees after moving hives??

[Beegreen]

I have to move my hives during the day to a new location. This is my first year with bees, the landowner wants the hives moved and I work nights which is basically why I have to move them. Since a lot of the worker bees will be out gathering is there an easy way to catch the bees when they return since the hives will no longer be there? I'm only moving 4 hives and I was thinking of setting an empty hive up with some frames in it but I don't know if the returning bees from all 4 of the hives will all go in to the one empty super or not? Unfortunately I do not have enough extra equipment to set up 4 supers with empty frames. Also, should I put some of that swarm catcher "stuff" in the super? Thanks in advance for the help..

[Electric Herb]

You could close up the hives the evening before after all the foragers are home. Use #8 screen on the entrance and the hole in the inner cover (if you are using one) and any other entrances/holes. Duct tape holds the screen in place well. Be sure to use straps to keep the hives together. After you have moved the hives the next day, remove the screens.

I have moved my hives a number of times this way without problems.

[Beegreen]

It's a long story as to why but I have to move the hives today per the land owner. No problems just a family member who is flexing his muscle with me. So, i'm getting ready to get the hives with in the next couple of hours and I would like to save as many of the returning worker bees as I can.

[honeyman46408]

Leave a nuc box there, most of the straglers will go in after you leave with the hives then go back later ?? or when ever and pick it up I think the BIG boys do that a lot.

[Tom G. Laury]

Also, it helps to close one eye and squint real hard with the other. Unless there is a good flow and you load them during heavy flight, you won't lose as many as it looks like. Morning usually has less bees in the field than afternoon. Just go, don't look back.

[PCM]

Good advice above !

If I May;
You may lose a few bees, however I'm sure you learned a lesson that has been preached over and over for years " Relatives will _ _ _ _ _ _ _ quicker than any one else "

PCM