Well, put a swarm trap out the last week of April, and check it every day on my walk with the dogs, and low and behold bees in the entrance! Put my ear up to the back of the box and heard the hum of a bunch of bees inside! Don't know how big it is, but now I have to figure out where to put them! I made a 6 frame nuc, put two frames of comb, and two frames with foundation, and (of course) queen pheromone scent. I am quite excited!
I'm located in the Hudson Valley, and most folks I've talked to have said swarms aren't overly common unless you catch your own. But, there they are! And, my other hives have not swarmed.
It's going to rain the next few days, so I have a bit of time to get the new hive ready!
What an awesome day! :-D
Have a great one all, Rich.
congratulations. that's the best way to do it!
Congratulations that is truly awesome! X:X X:X X:X X:X X:X X:X X:X
I've had my swarm trap out but have nothing to show for it yet.
Ever hopeful,
David
Woooo Hoooo ! ! !
Thats the way to do it. Congratulations. The first one is always a blast. Once you get the hang of shaking, sweeping and coaxing bees into boxes it gets even more fun.
Old Blue
In the land of cruel and unusual predatory taxation with no representation (except for the monied). Where else but..............
Kali-bone-ya
The last I heard, 2 + 2 does not equal 6. Get 2 more frames in there asap or you will have a mess that you do not want.
what happens if you do not have 6 frames, do they just expand to quickly, run out of room and leave?
I had read to leave two spots open to create the sense of a larger space. But, Adding two more is certainly on my priority list, along with going to the Hudson Valley Bee Supply!
Thanks, Rich
Bees will hang natural comb first, then use frames when all natural space is full.
Where in the Hudson Valley?
In Lake Katrine. Kingston area. :-D
I found out the hard way that you need to fill up the box with frames. They will build comb in the empty space for sure.
Good luck and congrats on the new hive!