Pretty excited right now. We've got some decent weather today and I've got a swarm trap on my deck. There are 50 or so "scout" bees checking it out. I've caught lots of swarms in the past and in my experience when the scout bees are visiting in large numbers like this there'll be a swarm along pretty soon after. Well it just dawned on me that there is some pollen in this old comb I stuck in the trap, not much but definitely a decent amount. We are in georgia and have a few pollen sources available to the bees right now. Do you think they are there for the pollen or looking to move in? They are definitely behaving like scout bees. Flying all around the trap and really checking it out....going round and round the entrance etc etc....also theres an OLD 5 frame nuc that is completely empty right behind it with nothing in it but some old propolis and a little wax on the walls. There are a few bees checking it out as well. What do yall say?
I say scouts. I also say scouts from the same hive are checking other locations, so they may or may not choose yours.
Here's wishing you success.
Thanks idee. I'm with ya. I think scouts as well. And you are correct about them possibly not choosing my location. In my experience the more scouts the better. And there sure is a flurry of bees around it now. Maybe even 100 or so. They definitely aren't my bees. So my fingers are crossed.
If the weather permits, I?ll bet ID a cup of coffee you have a swarm move in by 2 days, no less.
Quote from: van from Arkansas on March 01, 2020, 05:28:22 PM
If the weather permits, I?ll bet ID a cup of coffee you have a swarm move in by 2 days, no less.
van we've got rain after today. Soooooo much rain for us lately
Quote from: Fishing-Nut on March 01, 2020, 05:57:35 PM
van we've got rain after today. Soooooo much rain for us lately
Been the same way for us lately. It's supposed to rain for like all of this week!
A week of rain, oh no, hate to hear that, Member and Fish. There is a good thought, so much rain is bound to bring lots of flowers when the sun does shine. Just trying to look at the bright side and say something positive, hopeful, cheerful.
Van
Fish,
I will also bet you will have a swarm soon unless they find a better location.
Jim Altmiller
Well, Van, in my opinion, I better get the pot on. I will be owing you a cup.
FishNut has not replied with a swarm lured in. Been two days now, so I buy the coffee.
I will make a donation to BeeMaster ,NOW, to buy a whole pot of coffee. So, are we good, ID!
Van
Add: donation made to BeeMaster; 6:24pm, this day.
One of my beekeeper friends had 2 swarms in her neighborhood this past weekend. My guess is you're gonna have a swarm in there....soon!
Isn't it true that bees especially swarm after a period of rain?
I have one more day of rain Wednesday/Thursday night.
I need to get my other bait box up pronto.
Bob,
What usually happens is that the bees get ready to swarm and they are delayed by bad weather. As soon as it passes they take off. During daylight hours of course.
Jim Altmiller
I think I'd be putting in one frame at least in nuc box that is empty rite.
Gives u 2