Moving a bait hive

[Terry G]

To my slight surprise the bait box on my roof is attracting a lot of attention. From bees rather than disbelieving neighbours, I hasten to add. If a swarm sets up home in there, can I immediately move them 50 metres away or does the 3 ft 3 mile rule apply straight away?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I think the consensus is 24 hours or so they won't have set their GPS to the new location, so move them any distance you like

 

[drstitson]

you're fine for a couple of days. remember swarms are happy to hang on branches for a few days before heading to new home.

 

[Terry G]

Thanks, I wasn't sure if hunkering down in a bait hive was different from hanging in a fruit tree.