Scout Bees

[Bear]

I can hear tanging, presumably to bring the swarm down.

No. Somebody out of shot fitting aluminium guttering.

 

[Do224]

I put out my first ever bait hive last week. 1-2 scout bees turned up within 24 hours. For the past couple of days there have been 12-20 bees showing an interest. Does scout activity like this keep increasing (if they are keen on the possible new home)?

Is the scout activity still ongoing?

 

[gwt_uk]

Is the scout activity still ongoing?

It’s died right down. Still the odd one coming to have a look. Back to cold weather again though!

 

[gwt_uk]

Is the scout activity still ongoing?

Any joy with yours?

 

[Hull Bees]

Some of the more experienced beeks have established bait hive locations, does that make a difference?

If one swarm liked a location chances are another will too, after all they're looking for the same parameters.
If you know any beekeepers near yourself try raising the topic of swarm control in conversation, I found two people keeping bees very near me who do no swarm control at all () so my traps go near their apiaries.

 

[E&MBees]

If one swarm liked a location chances are another will too, after all they're looking for the same parameters.
If you know any beekeepers near yourself try raising the topic of swarm control in conversation, I found two people keeping bees very near me who do no swarm control at all () so my traps go near their apiaries.

I have a bait hive out as there are a number of beeks in the village. No sign of scout bees so far, but the weather has been poor. Yet another frost last night.

 

[Do224]

Any joy with yours?

Not seen a single scout at any of my six traps....

 

[Erichalfbee]

Not seen a single scout at any of my six traps....

You’re in Cumbria?
Have any swarms been reported in your area?
Im a little further south than you and the earliest swarm I have ever had was May 19th last year and early build up was phenomenal before it all came crashing down.
Patience, Grasshopper

 

[gwt_uk]

Not seen a single scout at any of my six traps....

Still very early. Weather looking cold and showery for the next couple of weeks up here in Scotland.

 

[Boston Bees]

Annoying thing is that I've had swarm cells in 3 hives, but still no scout bees at my traps! My bees are like "yeah, we're going to swarm, but not into those things lol"

Ho hum.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Annoying thing is that I've had swarm cells in 3 hives, but still no scout bees at my traps! My bees are like "yeah, we're going to swarm, but not into those things lol"

Ho hum.

And have your bees swarmed?

 

[Boston Bees]

And have your bees swarmed?

Nope. Split them. But I might have expected a bit of preparatory scouting ....

 

[Erichalfbee]

Nope. Split them. But I might have expected a bit of preparatory scouting ....

Probably similar stuff going on with your neighbours

 

[Do224]

You’re in Cumbria?
Have any swarms been reported in your area?
Im a little further south than you and the earliest swarm I have ever had was May 19th last year and early build up was phenomenal before it all came crashing down.
Patience, Grasshopper

I know, I know....I’m just keen to get my first colony and the swarm traps seem to be my best bet. I missed out last summer and don’t want to let another year slip by without getting started!

 

[drex]

I know, I know....I’m just keen to get my first colony and the swarm traps seem to be my best bet. I missed out last summer and don’t want to let another year slip by without getting started!

Working alongside another beekeeper , helping with their bees, is the best way to get an intro to bees and to learn . I supply a free nucs to anyone , who shows enthusiasm and who does this with me. Might be worth a thought.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

Working alongside another beekeeper , helping with their bees, is the best way to get an intro to bees and to learn . I supply a free nucs to anyone , who shows enthusiasm and who does this with me. Might be worth a thought.

Having observed the effects of beginners struggling solo to keep collected swarms under control last year when lockdown prevented intervention by mentors its worth uttering a word of caution about starting out with swarmy bees.

 

[madasafish]

I requeen any swarm I catch. Period.

Unless they pass the "no running, no following and no stinging" test.

 

[TryingToLetThemBee]

I had an odd one a few years ago. "Scout bees" (no swarming possible) from a Q- colony preferred my synthetic queen essence (2 drops lemongrass one geranium) to none at all and set up an outpost tiny colony in the bait hive. I think I shook them back when I put in the cell or LQ or whatever I did and they didn't repeat. But it shows my recipe wasn't too far off.

 

[holmbee]

I keep seeing two or three scouts around and in my bait hive but so far no numbers like I had last year - albeit in mid May just before a large prime swarm arrived. They were very Ligurian coloured, built up amazingly fast but provided no stores so they received a new queen courtesy my best colony.
Michael

 

[Do224]

Working alongside another beekeeper , helping with their bees, is the best way to get an intro to bees and to learn . I supply a free nucs to anyone , who shows enthusiasm and who does this with me. Might be worth a thought.

Totally agree. I’m desperate to gain as much experience as possible. I’ve found a local farm where I can set up an apiary and there’s another beekeeper going to keep some hives there too. I’m hoping he’ll show me the ropes....