Quick advice needed!!!

D Semple · May 04, 2011, 11:08:48 AM

On my way to catch a large swarm hanging on to a solitary small branch. All I've got with me is a solitary 8 frame deep with foundatioless frames, a bottom, and a lid. Also lemon grass oil. Should I put them in the box branch and all leaving a few frame out for 3 or 4 days, or shake them off, or coax them to walk in???

Thanks. Don

VolunteerK9 · May 04, 2011, 11:36:16 AM

I say drop of lemongrass in the hive, shake em, close em up and hope for the best. Then later, add a queen catcher to the must have items lol.

JP · May 04, 2011, 11:41:11 AM

Shake them. Adding the branch just complicates the transfer later on. If its a mated queen you could clip one of her wings.

...JP

D Semple · May 04, 2011, 11:46:54 AM

Just saw them, only about 2 lbs of bees . I do have a queen catcher. It's only 53 degrees here and they are in the shade and are clustered very tightly, I'm sure they have been there over night. My house is 15 minutes away, I'm going to run get a smaller box. How warm should I let it get before I shake them?

Thank, Don

D Semple · May 04, 2011, 11:54:23 AM

Also, it's an after swarm, I picked up a large one at the same location last Friday night, should I even bother trying to cage the virgin queen? Keep in mind I have terrible close vision.

Thx Don

Kathyp · May 04, 2011, 12:30:24 PM

you probably won't find her and then you have to turn her loose anyway. if it were me i wouldn't bother, but then i never cage queens from swarms.

D Semple · May 04, 2011, 01:01:19 PM

Shook them in very pissy, took about 10 hits. They are boxed and marching in.

Just got another swarm call, headed there, hope the boss is forgiving.

Will post pictures tonight.

Thanks tons everybody!

D Semple · May 04, 2011, 03:37:29 PM

1 st Swarm today

Thanks everybody their caught.

JP · May 05, 2011, 01:34:33 AM

Congratulations on all the fun you're having!

...JP

D Semple · May 05, 2011, 08:20:24 AM

Quote from: JP on May 05, 2011, 01:34:33 AM
Congratulations on all the fun you're having!

...JP

Thanks JP, you have shown me how!!!

VolunteerK9 · May 05, 2011, 10:32:10 AM

But what about that peach salsa jar feeder? Never had any of that-any good?

D Semple · May 05, 2011, 01:00:27 PM

Quote from: VolunteerK9 on May 05, 2011, 10:32:10 AM
But what about that peach salsa jar feeder? Never had any of that-any good?

I hope that salsa jar of sugar water helped calm them down, it was very cool here yesterday in Kansas City and this small aftersworm that had been stuck out all night and was craaanky! Popped my bare hands like crazy and followed me all the way back to my truck 100 yards away. Took them home last night, if there attitude doesn't improve soon they will get a new queen.

Home owner provided the jar and sugar water, I didn't get to tast the salsa. :(

Don