Safari - catch a swarm

[empilolo]

If I want to keep bees, I have to catch them first. My situation is more or less the reverse of what other members here are used to, that is there are no domesticated bees around (within a 200 km radius that I checked out), only feral ones. There certainly are wild ones, if not that many. So how to catch that first swarm ? Forget locating a swarm somewhere hanging in a tree, this is jungle country.

Yes, a bait hive (several, actually, in diverse locations) is the way forward. Suitably prepared with Lemon Grass and Bees Wax odors. A beautiful new home on offer for any bee takers.

Now I have a question. What is your opinion of bait-feeding near the trap hive ? By bait-feeding I mean to place some syrup in the vicinity of where I plan to put up a trap hive for the swarming season. That is put out some food on a regular basis, say a month or two weeks before the swarming season, thereby attracting bees to that area (including scouts, one hopes) and eventually to the trap hive ?

I think this may improve my chances, or at least not be detrimental to my intentions.

[Michael Bush]

>What is your opinion of bait-feeding near the trap hive ?

In my experience, it will make no difference.  Bees looking for food and bees looking for a home are two different things.  Scout bees will notice it if there is lemongrass or old wax even if there is no honey and they will remember.

[wayne]

Are you familure with the Bees for Development site?

http://www.beesfordevelopment.org/info/info/topbar/better-beekeeping-in-topb-5.shtml

 There are some pages on your problem and area.


wayne