Honey Bee Swarn

[Columbarius]

I collected these from their Hawthorn tree this morning and popped them in a hive. If they decide to stay I may have another 10-15,000 pets!

Honey Bee Swarm - 13-05-15-2 by Russell Hunt, on Flickr

Honey Bee Swarm - 13-05-15 by Russell Hunt, on Flickr

[Tigger]

Re: Honey Bee Swarn

wow ....how in hecks name do you collected bees from one tree to another ?

[Columbarius]

Re: Honey Bee Swarn

how in hecks name do you collected bees

Step 1: Put a protective veil on
Step 2: Work out a plan.

In this case, as the bees were in easy reach, I decided to snip off the branches and put them into a cardboard box. Then turned the cardboard box upside down and waited. Bees always climb upwards so (assuming you have managed to capture the queen) they will all make their way to the top (that is the bottom) of the box. Flying bees will scent the queen and follow her into the box. Meanwhile I sorted an available empty hive. When the bees had settled down I picked up the cardboard box (leaving the bee free branches behind on the ground), shook the bees into the hive and added frames of wax foundation. Job done! Hopefully they will like it there & stay - and no - this time at least I didn't get stung!

[Tigger]

Re: Honey Bee Swarn

not something to take on if you don't know what your doing...

I had a swam of bees invade one of my orange trees last year and at first didn't notice them and scared the &^%%*! out of me walking up to the tree - they only stayed for a day and moved on

[Columbarius]

Re: Honey Bee Swarn

Ian,

Always remember that before bees swarm they stuff themselves with as much honey as they can manage in preparation knowing that they could be without food for several days. But when they're full they are rarely aggressive.

[Tigger]

Re: Honey Bee Swarn

Ian,

Always remember that before bees swarm they stuff themselves with as much honey as they can manage in preparation knowing that they could be without food for several days. But when they're full they are rarely aggressive.

thanks I'll remember that

[tesarver]

Re: Honey Bee Swarn

Well that's a lot of Bees Russell and you certainly know what you are doing. Job well done.

Tom

[Columbarius]

Re: Honey Bee Swarn

Thanks Tom, I checked this morning. They're staying put for now at least (it's a miserable day here) so I've given them some food & hope they settle in.

[lunarbo]

Re: Honey Bee Swarn

I just love this forum. I learn something new every day!

Thanks for sharing.

[Columbarius]

Re: Honey Bee Swarn

Thanks for looking Lunarbo

[Fr1so]

Re: Honey Bee Swarn

You are a bee thief ...

[Columbarius]

Re: Honey Bee Swarn

More their guardian and protector Friso. They probably came from one of our hives anyway.

(Sorry for the delayed reply - I've been bobbing about on a boat for a few days. R.)

[Parsen66]

Re: Honey Bee Swarn

Holy heck and crikey, that's a whole mess of bees!! If they settle, will you charge them rent and rates , or is it more of 'a honey trap'.....i'll get my coat.

[Columbarius]

Re: Honey Bee Swarn

is it more of 'a honey trap'

LOL