Before I started keeping bees I saw 3 clustered swarms. I knew they were bees but didn't have a clue of anything beyond that. 2 of them flew away and the other apparently died in the chimney of the home I grew up in. When winter rolled around the potbellied stove was chok-o-block with long-dead bees as I set up the fire. I lit it and never thought another thing about it. In hindsite I was lucky there wasn't a hive in that had set up in there. It was a stone chimney from 1857 and there's no telling what would have happened. I've not seen one on my own since I started keeping bees. I get people who call me about them now. Get on some of those swarm retrieval lists including the one on here.Are you just more in tune to seeing/finding swarms since beginning beekeeping or are you just getting calls and going to the location of the swarm? I just wonder because in my 34 years I have never seen a bee swarm.![]()
I certainly will. Just need a hive first so I can set up shop...lol...A friend of mine owns the local pest control service here in town so I plan to get ahold of him as well in case he gets calls for swarms. That way if I am ready I can assist in the removal so if nothing else I can prevent them from being sprayed and get them moved someplace safe.Get on some of those swarm retrieval lists including the one on here.
I'll second that. Early next spring call every pest control company in the area and get your name in front of them. Don't forget to drop off a quart of honey or buy them lunch if they set you up with a swarm. You'll be surprised how anxious they'll be to call you on the next one.I called all the pest control companies.
I got one last Thrusday. My last swarm call of the year is typically the week of 4th of July.Hey Ted I just hived one last night...it was about 4-5 pounds...I'll take it!