Not your usual swarm shake.

Psparr · May 08, 2016, 05:23:00 PM

Here's a video from today. Hope you like. https://youtu.be/salkqJql8ys

gww · May 08, 2016, 09:31:13 PM

psp
I like and hope it worked for you in the end. Update?
Cheers
gww

Psparr · May 08, 2016, 09:57:06 PM

Won't know till tomorrow. Had to do the Mother's Day duties for the wife. Will check on them after work tomorrow.

BeeMaster2 · May 09, 2016, 01:16:46 PM

Next time if you can pull the branch down close enough to reach, spray some Bee Quick on the branch to cover up the Queen Pheromones or smoke it real well.
Jim

Psparr · May 09, 2016, 01:45:35 PM

Quote from: sawdstmakr on May 09, 2016, 01:16:46 PM
Next time if you can pull the branch down close enough to reach, spray some Bee Quick on the branch to cover up the Queen Pheromones or smoke it real well.
Jim

Thanks for the tip. Wasn't expecting a swarm and was totally unprepared.

Psparr · May 09, 2016, 06:22:10 PM

So I stopped by after work. Bees were coming and going from the hive as they should. Looked up and a volleyball sized cluster was still hanging out. Got out the smoker and ladder. Shook and smoked, shook and smoked, and smoked some more. My hands were about worn out till they gave up. Most found the hive and started fanning. Hope all is good now.

cao · May 09, 2016, 09:54:36 PM

Just a thought, could that swarm have had multiple virgin queens? Some going in the hive with one queen and some hanging on the branch with another queen.

BeeMaster2 · May 09, 2016, 09:59:07 PM

Yes, as a secondary swarm, it could have 6 or more virgin queens.
Jim

Psparr · May 09, 2016, 10:19:33 PM

I'm running out of equipment for all these bees. I'm happy to get at least one hive out of it.

alexlloyd · August 01, 2016, 10:01:59 AM

Just a point on the ladder. You don't need it. Place a bed sheet on the ground, put the hive on one end of the bed sheet and then shake the swarm onto the sheet. Have your camera ready because the outcome is awesome and quick. They line up and march right into the box. Amazing. I will try to find my video.