The sight of a swarm of bees can be both mesmerising and intimidating. However, catching swarms is a crucial skill for beekeepers and anyone interested in fostering a healthy bee population. In this guide, we will explore the fascinating world of bee swarms and provide you with all the information you need to safely catching them.
Understanding Bee Swarms
Before delving into the process of catching swarms, it's essential to understand why bees swarm in the first place. Swarming is a natural reproductive instinct of honeybee colonies. When a colony becomes overcrowded, the queen bee and a portion of the worker bees will leave the hive in search of a new home.
This phenomenon ensures the survival and expansion of the bee population. The swarming process typically occurs in the spring or early summer when the colony is at its peak population. Swarms are not aggressive, as their primary focus is finding a suitable location for their new hive.
They are also generally stuffed full of honey so even more docile than usual and very reluctant to sting. This behaviour presents an excellent opportunity for beekeepers to capture and relocate the swarm, benefiting both the bees and the local ecosystem.
The Importance of Swarm Collection
Catching swarms is not only beneficial for beekeepers but also for the environment. Swarms that are left unattended may take residence in undesirable locations such as residential areas, leading to potential conflicts with humans. By capturing swarms, beekeepers can prevent these issues and contribute to the conservation of honeybee populations. Even better, responsible beekeepers will keep up their inspection regime throughout the season to minimise the chances of the bees swarming in the first instance.
Preparing for Swarm Season
To successfully catch a swarm of bees, preparation is key. A beekeeper should consider the following steps:
Educate Yourself: Before attempting to catch a swarm, educate yourself about honeybee behaviour, swarm dynamics, and the basics of beekeeping. Understanding the nuances of bee swarming will enhance your ability to handle the situation confidently.
Invest in Proper Gear: Equip yourself with the necessary protective gear, including a beekeeper's suit, gloves, and a veil. Safety should be a top priority when working with bees, even in non-aggressive swarm situations.
Assemble Essential Tools: Gather the tools you'll need for swarm collection. Included in my swarm kit are the following items. Ventilated poly nuc with vented screen. Frames with wax foundation. Entrance disc with screw to secure into position. Rope. Secateurs. Ratchet strap. This is a really simple kit but one that can manage even the most demanding swarm scenarios.
Identify Potential Swarm Locations: Be proactive in identifying potential swarm locations in your area. It's amazing how bees tend to swarm into the same locations year on year.
Advertise your services: It's surprising the amount of swarm calls I get through Facebook. It's my number one avenue for local swarm collections. Advertise on local village groups offering your services. Also sign up for the BBKA swarm list or through your local beekeeping association.
Catching Swarms: Step by Step
Once you've prepared adequately, follow these steps to catch a swarm:
Observe from a Distance: When you notice a swarm, resist the urge to panic. Instead, observe the bees from a safe distance to assess their behaviour and determine if they are in a swarm cluster. Wait for them to actually fully cluster before attempting to catch them. But don't leave it too long, bees will swarm onto a tree and stay for 30 mins, before taking flight again. As soon as you have a chance to catch the swarm, take it straight away.
Prepare Your Tools: I always keep my swarm kit in the back of the truck ready to go as soon as you get the call. Swarms are hot property and by having the kit readily available, will mean you are able to respond as quick as practically possible.
Approach Calmly: Approach the swarm calmly and slowly. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could agitate the bees.
Capture the Swarm: If the swarm is hanging on a branch or another surface, gently shake or brush the bees into your collection container or nuc. I like to then strap the nuc into the position of the swarm and leave for 10-15 mins. If you have captured the swarm into the nucleus box, the bees will fan her pheromone which will attract all of the bees inside the nucleus box.
If the bees come piling out straight away, it means the queen isn't there. You can reset at this point. Shake all the bees back out and leave for 30 mins. They will re-cluster and you can start again.
The aim of catching swarms is to get the queen in the box, get the bees to follow and then seal them in with ADEQUATE VENTILATION. It's very easy for swarms to overheat without ventilation.