Swarm Help!

[Electronrider]

I have a swarm that is about 50 feet up in a tree, right beside my house. I believe that they may be from the colony that is using a tree in a neighbors yard about 2 houses down. How can I go about catching them? Would I be able to just get a frame hive set up, or a nuc box, and see what happens? My wife and I have been reading up on beekeeping, and were thinking of starting with a new colony next year, so we are not really ready for bees yet, but I am willing to give it a try. I feel we both have a good handle on the hobby, but want to see what you all think. I used to come to this board and read a lot, back when it was different then it is now, so I am thinking that it was upgraded? Anyways, what should I do about this swarm? :-D

[JP]

I have a swarm that is about 50 feet up in a tree, right beside my house. I believe that they may be from the colony that is using a tree in a neighbors yard about 2 houses down. How can I go about catching them? Would I be able to just get a frame hive set up, or a nuc box, and see what happens? My wife and I have been reading up on beekeeping, and were thinking of starting with a new colony next year, so we are not really ready for bees yet, but I am willing to give it a try. I feel we both have a good handle on the hobby, but want to see what you all think. I used to come to this board and read a lot, back when it was different then it is now, so I am thinking that it was upgraded? Anyways, what should I do about this swarm? :-D

50' up is up there, unless you have a safe means to get to 'em, leave them to mother nature. You could try putting out a swarm trap but there are no guarentees, but put one or two out anyway, you may catch another if you don't in fact get this one. I like to hang them 12' or higher, but low to the ground works also, I find higher is better though.

...JP

[Moonshae]

I have to agree, 50' is way up there. Unless you have access to something that can lift you safely that high, you're probably out of luck. A swarm trap baited with lemongrass oil might work...try using a wooden or cardboard box with a 3/4" hole cut in it, strap it to the tree securely as high up as you can, and cross your fingers.

And order a hive to put them in, they'll need one right away! Even if you don't catch them, you'll have the hive for next year. Check out Michael Bush's info on starting equipment (website: http://www.bushfarms.com/bees); he has fantastic advice. Also, pick up Beekeeping for Dummies, great book.