Swarm Flight

Started by Scott Derrick, April 30, 2007, 12:25:24 AM

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Scott Derrick

April 30, 2007, 12:25:24 AM
Does anyone know if there have ever been studies done on the average distance a swarm will fly when leave a hive? I had a swarm leave today and thought about trying to find them. I have an idea of the general direction but didn't know how far they might go. I didn't have time to chase them before church.

Thanks
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Michael Bush

#1
April 30, 2007, 08:33:04 AM
I think they typically go between a half a mile and two miles.  Occasionally they go a lot further.
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Romahawk

#2
April 30, 2007, 12:51:56 PM
My hives are in a wooded area and when a swarm departs they go straight up above the hives about 40 feet and set there in a tree top for awhile and then take off for parts unknown. I have to do some tree cutting in the hopes that they will land in a lower place so I can capture one of them or better yet work on my swarm prevention.  :-D
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Brian D. Bray

#3
May 01, 2007, 11:19:45 PM
If a swarm already has found a place to occupy they will not land in or near the bee yard but will land somewhere in between, mostly to rest the queen who is not used to flying.  They will then move to the desired location when the queen is rested.  This type of swarm will is the 1 most likely to leave a hive it was captured in.  If the swarm has not identified a permenate homesite they will usually alight fairly close to the home apiary and then send out search bees to find a home.  These type of swarms will usually take to the first home it's offered. 
The first type of swarm will land for only a few hours to a day.  The second type may remain at their interm sight until they find a suitable sight.  If they don't find a sight they will sometimes end up making a  home in the open air.  I believe there was a picture of one recently posted on the forum.
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Mici

#4
May 02, 2007, 10:01:12 AM
my menthor has observed that if a swarm isn't hived and it flies off, it returns in 3 days if it hadn't found a new home, so that swarm has to be fed the minute you hive it otherwise it dies.

distance? wouldn't know but my menthor has had swarms from 5km, that's what 3 miles?
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