big swarm

[bill]

Just before dark I got a large swarm out of a 20 ft Elm tree. It was higher than I wanted to climb so I let my sone do the climbing we tied a rope to the base of the branch, cut it off the tree with the homeowners permission, and slowly lowered it to the hive, and  cut of the excess branches, let the stragglers walk in and taped the entrance shut. when I got home There was some visitors in the yard and It was just about dark so I put it on blocks and will open it early in the morning. It alooked like a huge swarm.  At least compared to the other ones.

[Miss Chick-a-BEE]

Fantastic! Tell us how it goes.

Beth

[Robo]

Bill,

I hope you provided some ventilation for them.  It is very easy for them to overheat if they are boxed up, especially overnight.   You might want to consider using screen on the entrance instead of tape next time.

[bill]

I didn't purposefully leave air holes but my hives are old and they breathe so I was not overly concerned. I think though, it might be a good idea to drill a few air holes in some of the stuff I uses for that purpose. I would really feel bad if I smothered a big swarm like this one.  A mistake I am making is cutting off the branches into the box. I found this morning it was hard to get the bees off the branches which they were still clinging to. At the time I was wanting to get them closed up quickly because of all the spectators. It was their big event of the week. and they are all crowding around but if a bee flies near them they panic.lol they are doing fine now but i got stung getting a frame out of another hive for them as my son took my veil (still in his truck) to work with him.. right on the nose too. and robo that is a great idea. I want to put together a kit. but every timeI start I keep robbing stuff out of it to put somewhere else. I'm sixty-eight years old so I am allowed to be a bit potty. I am going to fix them up with a feeder today. but I saw some screen wire somewhere I might make a entrance cover with it. I might even cut a hole in a cover and put screen over it so I can look in.

[Robo]

I might even cut a hole in a cover and put screen over it so I can look in.

Good idea, the more the better when catching swarms.  Usually they are packed in there,  excited by the change, and can easily overheat.

I generally use a double screen board (entrances closed) for the lid when catching swarms.  I try no limit the amount of unique equipment and multi-purpose use as much as possible.

[Horns Pure Honey]

Sounds sweet. :D