I really enjoy catching local swarms, and have done it for free in the past. I have also, at times got so many swarms that I had to start referring calls to other beeks, because all of my equipment was full. Here is my idea...
I can start charging a small fee to remove swarms. Capture them in 5 frame wooden nucs, and sell them. Would there be a market for "freshly caught swarms" in a wooden nuc box. I don't feel It would be ethical to sell them as nucs, due to the fact they have very little wax, no brood and are just a bunch of bees with a queen. (I'd guess I get the queen 95% of the time or more) I usually leave the swarm box overnight and pick it up early the next morning before bees start flying.
So, would anyone buy captured swarms? Who could I sell them to? Our swarm season here is right around Memorial weekend. Is there enough people wanting to get into the hobby late in the season after all the packages are gone and swarm season is over?
I can start charging a small fee to remove swarms. Capture them in 5 frame wooden nucs, and sell them. Would there be a market for "freshly caught swarms" in a wooden nuc box. I don't feel It would be ethical to sell them as nucs, due to the fact they have very little wax, no brood and are just a bunch of bees with a queen. (I'd guess I get the queen 95% of the time or more) I usually leave the swarm box overnight and pick it up early the next morning before bees start flying.
So, would anyone buy captured swarms? Who could I sell them to? Our swarm season here is right around Memorial weekend. Is there enough people wanting to get into the hobby late in the season after all the packages are gone and swarm season is over?