How long do swarms hang out?

[jeremy_c]

I got a call this evening, however, I was out of the house. The call came in at 6:15pm and the person said a honey bee swarm just arrived and he wanted me to pick it up. I missed the call but called him back at 10pm and got his voice mail. I did not speak to him in person yet, so I don't know if it's a legit swarm or even one that is in a location that can be captured, but it leads me to the question, how long will a swarm hang out in one place? I am sure the answer is all over the board, but is there any general thinking? I am thinking since it was later in the day maybe they will be camping out for the night (I hope).

I am hoping he didn't call someone else when I didn't answer (:-)) and that it's still there tomorrow morning, oh how fun that would be. Anyway... I might be living in a dream world.

Jeremy

[JP]

If they were still there late evening, chances are that they'll be there in the morning, but go early, like first light to catch them.

On average swarms rest 1-2 days but bad weather has a bearing on how long they'll rest, sometimes 3 days or more when rainy or cold weather has settled in.

I've caught a few that were there up to five days but this is on the absolute extreme end.


...JP

[Cheryl]

Note to the wise: The longer a swarm sits, the more of their reserves they use up -- the less they have in their bellies, the more reactive and irritable they are. Sugar spray is a must in those situations. And a veil (at the very least).

This may not apply to that swarm (unless they've been on the move). Important, though.

[jeremy_c]

I got it  :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D

More to come later, gotta go put them in the apiary.

Jeremy

[Cheryl]

Awesome!!! Yay!!!!