Any scouts at your swarm trap?

[Erichalfbee]

None!

 

[JamezF]

None!

I'm sure there'll be one along shortly. It's still early after all. (Though I am still averaging more than one swarm a day so far for May.)

James

 

[maggiescrase123]

As the saying goes ....'Always expect the unexpected!' - Set up my empty WBC as a bait hive, there seemed to be some interest ..... but not a lot. On Monday last I was checking the chickens when loud buzzing and lots of bees in the air near my hives attracted me over - to find a swarm sitting on the trunk of one of the pollarded willows just outside the apiary enclosure. Called my mentor for assistance (she dropped everything and came over), moved the WBC over to the tree and managed to knock the bees down onto my best John Lewis tablecloth (first thing I could grab!) the bees then walked up into the hive - fascinating. This left me with the hive balanced precariously on the edge of the ditch - to cut a long story short - managed to lift the hive up onto my garden trolley and am now in the process of moving it a little each day in order to get it into my enclosure - difficult as the ground is very uneven. However, so far so good, have a very dark queen and a good sized colony drawing out foundation rapidly. I now have a my poly nuc set up as a bait hive - as I said earlier 'Always expect the unexpected!' The only problem is I may need another WBC - this beekeeping lark is proving to be addictive!


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[Do224]

Really busy at my swarm trap now. Always find it exciting anticipating when they’ll arrive (or not as the case may be )

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[RichardK]

Really busy at my swarm trap now. Always find it exciting anticipating when they’ll arrive (or not as the case may be )

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Looking very hopeful there - not so much as a sniff my way. You do have a certain reputation for catching multiple swarms each year to keep up!

 

[Do224]

I wonder if the main spell of swarming will be pushed back a bit this year. There seems to have been more talk of starving than swarming and I suppose even with a change in the weather, it might take a week or two for colonies that are light on stores right now to start thinking about swarming…

Just the odd scout at my swarm traps at present

 

[madasafish]

I wonder if the main spell of swarming will be pushed back a bit this year. There seems to have been more talk of starving than swarming and I suppose even with a change in the weather, it might take a week or two for colonies that are light on stores right now to start thinking about swarming…

Just the odd scout at my swarm traps at present

My stronger colonies have not been fed, are filling a Lang jumbo brood box and if not supered would be making swarm preparations.
I am sure that with the weather there are lots of hives which have survived in a simlalr fashion - but have not been inspected or supered due to the weather,,

 

[JamezF]

We're about to hit a spell of drier, warmer weather here this weekend and I'd not be surprised if swarming kicked off very soon after. Watching my bees at home this Spring and over the Winter too, I've become convinced that they will fly when conditions are worse than people think are possible.

If colonies are being fed and have had at least some access to pollen, a dry day or two could be sufficient for them to start pushing swarms out left, right and centre.

I had scouts at my home bait hive before the most recent cold/wet spell, but I haven't seen any today. I have seen a photo of what looks to be a decent-size swarm from today on the Dillington estate close to Ilminster. It might even still be there, if anyone wants it. Way too far for me to go.

James

 

[Fellstoflats]

Watching my bees at home this Spring and over the Winter too, I've become convinced that they will fly when conditions are worse than people think are possible.

I'd agree with that. Mine have been flying in light drizzle/10c etc.

 

[madasafish]

I'd agree with that. Mine have been flying in light drizzle/10c etc.

Ditto: 9C and light drizzle and bees flying...

 

[Dodge]

My swarm box is currently getting zero attention. I suspect though would the forecast really improve that the situation will change within a week.

 

[Jack00scarecrow]

10 or so scouts checking out my bait hives in the last few days, i'm pretty sure i will get one soon. It will be 17c here in Devon on Tuesday so it could be swarm time by then.

 

[rossbyjove]

I wonder if the main spell of swarming will be pushed back a bit this year. There seems to have been more talk of starving than swarming and I suppose even with a change in the weather, it might take a week or two for colonies that are light on stores right now to start thinking about swarming…

Just the odd scout at my swarm traps at present

Full on here with swarming, probably had a couple leave the hive today.
Ignored my baited nucs.

 

[inthewoods]

no scouts but those Duke of Edinburgh's Award kids are sniffing around ...

 

[Parsonage Bees]

I wonder if the main spell of swarming will be pushed back a bit this year. There seems to have been more talk of starving than swarming and I suppose even with a change in the weather, it might take a week or two for colonies that are light on stores right now to start thinking about swarming…

Just the odd scout at my swarm traps at present

Looking back a couple of years there was interest in my bait hive from now, early May. This year no interest yet so, yes, delayed but better than average temperatures in the forecast that could all change. Swarm that arrived May 11th last year now my best hive. I could do with some more free bees.

 

[Moobee]

I predict swarming will start in earnest on Tuesday. We are going camping for a couple of days and that’s what normally happens when I’m miles from home

 

[Dekzion]

Just missed a swarm yesterday, The landowner couldn't find my number so called the local club, Grrr!

 

[Buzzo]

zero activity for a week , 5 scouts here today. warming up down south....

 

[Swarm]

Just missed a swarm yesterday, The landowner couldn't find my number so called the local club, Grrr!

You need to work out better communication.

 

[Newbeeneil]

Nothing at most of my bait hives but I got 2 calls re swarms today. I missed a call at 11am but picked another swarm up out of an apple tree at 1800 today.