Got a call this morning about a swarm, about 10 minutes away. Huge swarm, compared to the others I've collected. I'm guessing this was 7 or 8 lbs of bees. On a branch but half through a fence. It wasn't too hard to get them into the box, but it took a while with so many of them. I don't have a veil that I can wear without a suit, which is why I wore my suit.
(http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/7057/snc10606hp3.th.jpg) (http://img162.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snc10606hp3.jpg) (http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/2924/snc10623zw1.th.jpg) (http://img162.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snc10623zw1.jpg)
The family showed no fear, too.
(http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8828/snc10627hc4.th.jpg) (http://img210.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snc10627hc4.jpg)
That sure is a big one. It looks similar the one I got Friday - but what an awkward location on that fence! I really dig that staples box with the screen cut in. What size mesh did you use? I think Im gunna modify my styrofoam box with a better vent system, like yours.
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc304/SystemShark/Second%20Swarm/DSC01101.jpg)
Big swarm season apparently ^^
I keep two jackets w/veils in my truck, along with a full body suit and a hat and veil set up. I often wear the jacket w/veil set up, its comfortable and offers great protection.
Protecting yourself is the right thing to do, its nice to give the impression of machoism, but its not as important as saving your eyesight.
(http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/5600/cimg0726wl3.th.jpg) (http://img217.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cimg0726wl3.jpg)
Right after this picture was taken some of these bees decided to sting me in the face, one near my eye. My rule now is, suit up, shake them, brush them, whatever... after the shakedown you will instantly know if a swarm is testy or docile as a newborn. Once you discover they are docile you can remove the veil if you like.
An after shot: (http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8440/cimg0740nc1.th.jpg) (http://img217.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cimg0740nc1.jpg)
...JP
I cut the screen off a package, so I'm not really sure what size the mesh is. I just taped it to the inside of the lid, and taped the handles and corners closed. I put two strips of duct tape across the top to be able to rest a small feeding jar on, to keep the weight off the screen (if I have to keep them in the box overnight). No escapees and plenty of ventilation. And with the lid slid back, no bees can get out the back, so I only have to watch the front to avoid squishing bees when closing it up.
i did a really nice, gentle, swarm. even shaking them off on top of my head they were gentle....except for the one that got caught in my sleeve and stung the crap out of the inside of my wrist. better the wrist than the face!! or down the shirt. next time i won't be so macho and i'll wear my gloves. man, that hurt and the swelling was impressive. :-D
Yeah Kathy, some bees seem like they will let you do just about anything to them.
Now in your post you use the word crap & someone else said hell, I wonder what other words we can get away with? :shock: :-D 8-)
...JP