I found a swarm in a tree about 15 feet from our back porch. We only have one have, its about 500 feet from the back porch. If I feed this swarmed bees will they live?
Any suggestions about what I need to do for them?
Thanks,
Weaverjc
Now is this a swarm as in no comb building at all? OR is there some hive that has been built?
Weaverjc,
Where are you located?
Sincerely,
Brendhan
A sawrm with no comb. The bees were gathering on a 2" diameter limb.
I am located in Madison County about 35 miles East of bryan/College Station.
Thanks.
Weaverjc
Central Texas
Attempts to feed then will probably not do anything for them unless they decide to settle down close by. They might not even be there tomorrow or the next day.
Stupid me! I should have stated that I got the swarm in a hive and am feeding them.
Do you think they can make it through the winter?
Sure. Since you have them hived and are feeding. You would probably need to feed pollen also. If I remember correctly your winters are very mild they will probably make it.
Weaverjc, as Jerry said you will more than likely have to feed pollen subsitute if they can't find any pollen to bring in. If it gets really cold and you are in a bind when feeding them you can open the hive and add dry table sugar atop the frames and they will make good use out of it, this is an easy feed method.