Retrieve Your Own Swarms?

by | Apr 5, 2021 | Advanced, Beekeeping, How To

Discussion below describes this beekeeper’s general approach to capturing swarms. Every situation is slightly different. (Other beekeepers will have slightly different approaches).

Capturing swarms can be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of beekeeping. 😃 It may seem challenging, and sometimes it is, however, capturing swarms is a way to expand the number of your colonies. Advance Preparation is of upmost importance. – (If you are reading this because there is a swarm to capture… It may be too late. 🤔

First: Can swarms be prevented? – Yes, but not always successfully.

  • Swarms are a natural form of Colony Reproduction, therefore a colony’s urge to reproduce, to Swarm, is extremely strong.
    • Swarming is most likely from mid-April through June.
    • Beekeeper vigilance is the best way to minimize the chance of swarming
  • Strategies to prevent/limit swarming
    • Splits – (How make splits is another discussion)
    • Early Spring Colony Management – (Another Discussion)
    • Destroying queen cells and reconfiguring frames. – (Another discussion)

Why attempt to save Swarms?

  1. Feral swarms are likely to die! Feral colonies, particularly new from swarms are likely to die overwinter. By capturing a swarm you give that colony a better chance to survive.
  2. Reduce the angst of family and neighbors. – Swarms may end up on a neighbor’s tree, bushes, fence, etc. Preventing or capturing them minimizes concerns.
  3. A captured swarm is the equivalent of a package; they have value. A swarm, particularly an early season swarm, is an asset.
  4. Save your investment (Swarm represents half of your bees)

Important Swarm Need to Know

  1. Swarms are Very Docile. – They will not attack!
  2. Swarms will leave in a few hours to couple of days.
  3. Swarms require immediate attention!
    • Swarms will leave when they are ready! 
    • Swarms will NOT wait for you to get ready.
  4. ADVANCE Preparation is Imperative
    • Once a swarm is evident there is no time to begin gathering what is needed.

Your Swarm Retrieval Kit: Items readily available during swarming season.

AN ABSOLUTE MUST – An Appropriate Container for capturing the swarm. — READY to USE at a Moment’s Notice.

Preferably a light weight nuc-type box with frames. Keep it in your car trunk

  • At least one Brood Frame if possible. Does not need to be fancy; bees are attracted to the scent, not the appearance. (Ask an experienced beekeeper for an old brood frame to include in my retrieval box).
    • Lighter weight box is easier to work with on a ladder or if you must hold box close to the swarm cluster.
    • If your new bees come as a nuc – SAVE the nuc box. (Lately, nuc-boxes are plastic).

Other Items (In descending order of helpfulness (In this beekeeper’s opinion.) 

  1. Veil and Gloves (Often not needed… IF you are comfortable not using them).
    • Rem: Swarms are Very Docile. May not be needed.
  2. Pruning Shears and Small Bow Saw.
    • To trim twigs and small branches away from the swarm cluster).
    • Anvil-type pruners are best.
  3. Step Ladder with bucket rest. (Ask if the home-owner has one you can use… Often they do)
    • AVOID extension type ladders. They can be very unstable, particularly when used against limbs.
  4. Tarpaulin. Useful if swarm cluster must be dropped onto open retrieval box. – Not absolutely necessary, but helps.
  5. Bungee Cords. (For stabilizing nuc box on step ladder, or holding nuc lid in place for transporting.)
  6. Duct Tape. (One can always find a use for duct tape).

Basic Steps for Capturing the Swarm Cluster

  1. If swarm is in a bush or on a tree limb, trim away excess twigs and small branches using pruner. If swarm cluster must be dropped onto a box, be sure there is a clear drop to the box. (Ask homeowner if it is OK to do some pruning)
  2. Position retrieval box, top removed and entrance open, under swarm cluster, as close to swarm as possible
    • If possible, place box on something below the swarm; actually touching the swarm is idea.
    • If at chest height or lower, you may be able to hold it in place
  3. Direct bees onto exposed frames of retrieval box.
    1. If possible, bend branch or move box in contact with bees
    2. Use brush, hive tool or gloved hand to push bees onto open box. or tap bees onto top bar
    3. If bees must be dropped onto top of box
      • Trim away any branches between swarm and box below
      • Spread tarp if you have one. Place box directly beneath swarm.
      • Give branch a SHARP RAP, to drop mass onto exposed frames.
        • A “wimpy-rap” may leave the queen on the branch
    4. If bees are on a fence or solid structure… This is more difficult
      • Get box as close as possible
      • Use hands or other method to move masses of the bees onto top of frames. Normally, the rest will follow, particularly if there is old brood comb in the box.
        • In such instances, smoke may help drive the toward the box
    5. Bees will continue to migrate into the box.
      1. You may not see the queen, she does not lead the other bees, she follows them.
      2. If bees all return to the original location, the queen was not with them. – Start over.
      3. You can place lid loosely on box: bees will continue entering around the lid and through the entrance.
  4. Close & Secure top of box once most bees are inside. However, be sure there is an opening for bees to enter.
  5. Wait until evening if possible — Transfer to permeant location
    1. Close the entrance.
    2. Transport to new hive.
    3. Transfer frame at a time, in order of position in box.
    4. Once home, place nuc box in the location you intend to keep them. Allow them to fly.
      • Remember field bees will quickly “zero-in” on the new location.
      • If a new hive box is not immediately available, place the in the intended location. Transfer to new hive body ASAP.
  6. What if you do not wish to keep the swarm?
    1. Another beekeeper will be happy to take it from you.
    2. Swarm colony may be let in capture nuc box for a few days.
      1. Be sure the entrance is open so they can fly.
      2. When giving to another beekeeper, this is best done by closing the entrance after dark, when all foraging bees are inside. Then give to next owner ASAP.

Remember: This is one beekeepers opinion. Other beekeepers may have their own approaches to dealing with swarms. 

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