[andrew Bennett]

I was asked to remove a swarm last year but it was to late in the season, so we decided to let it stay the winter. The bees survived the winter and we are now ready to remove the colony. The temperatures here in eastern Massachusetts are in the 50's, on a good day. Is there a safe time of year for swarm removal to insure the survival of the colony?

 

[AmericasBeekeeper]

Sure, when there is not a tornado or hurricane in the neighborhood. Seriously 55 would be better but they will survive at 50.

 

[Bens-Bees]

I shoot for 80, although it's a little more unpleasant, it gives you a lot more time to let the brood comb sit without bees on it before the brood dies.

 

[USCBeeMan]

When the nights are in the 50's and days in the 70s.

BTW, your title "When to collect a swarm". Is not accurate.

When do you collect a swarm? As soon as you get the call.

When do you collect/cutout a hive? Now that's a whole different ball game.