[leonphelps]

Hello,

Saw a swarm about 40' in the air. Got to it on a roof with a ladder. It fell to the ground then swarmed back together on a chain link fence. I placed a 5 bar under it that had comb covered with lemongrass oil and honey.

The bees started slowly going into the 5 frame but never went completely in. I did see the queen and put her in the middle of two bars by hand.

Bees seemed to go in for a while then stopped around dusk.

Not sure what next step should be. Still close to 3 pounds outside of the super. It is now dark.

any suggestions appreciated.

figure out how to get a photo here. tried uploading pics, linking to google + and my own hosting site.

 

[tomkat]

Just wait. Not much help,,,,maybe spray some lemongrass oil on the box.

 

[Colobee]

Patience, and good luck! Try not to disturb them much, especially around mid-day. If you have them contained (screened), they can stay a day or two in a cool, dark garage, being fed and settling in. If vigin, she should have access fly/mate in 3-5 days.

 

[Mr.Beeman]

I like to hive all my swarms in a ten frame medium super. Most often there is just the right amount of space for them all to fit inside and there is no messing with them.
Bugging bees = bugging out.
Good luck

 

[bbbthingmaker]

From the photo it looks like you are trying to get them to go into an open top box. They like a dark cavity. Put a top and bottom on and let them find the entrance. If the queen is in there they will probably march right in.

 

[leonphelps]

have a top cover on with a 2" hole and the bottom has a 2" hole at the entrance. there is a bottom on it.

if nothing changes by dusk, I am going to move them to a 10 deep and see what happens over night. probably some more lemon grass oil and honey in there.

 

[Michael Bush]

>probably some more lemon grass oil and honey in there.

Four drops of lemon grass essential oil is helpful. More is counterproductive...

 

[leonphelps]

thanks for the input.

 

[leonphelps]

got tired of half in and half out. put the queen in a queen box then moved her to a 10 frame deep box. 3/4 bees went in but 1/4 stayed out.

Ill leave her in there for a day then let her out and see what happens.