So, I was a beekeeper for about 6 years, who gave up in about 2000. At this time the Varroa mite in my area just about started to become a problem, there wasn't much use of mesh floor trays and I had never heard of polystyrene hives....Move on to 2012 and on tidyng out my garage I decided to move one of my old hives outside on the chance I might catch a swarm....On again to 2021 and having had no luck with a swarm. I decded to put some Lemongrass oil on a pad inside the hive.
Yesterday, I happened to note 20-30 bees outside and in the entrance to the hive, they disappeared n the evening, but they were back this morning in increased numbers but rapidly diminished at lunchtime, leaving only 2 or 3 around the hive. 20 mins later they arrived and what a marvellous site to behold; in about 15 mins the entire swarm was inside the hive (See attached video).
BUT, at this point I realised I had forgotten much of what I once knew and could do with some advice before I dig out my old bekeeping books.
I have a deep broodbox wth 2 frames of empty comb (probably eaten by wax moths) a crown board and a somewhat motheaten roof. The hive can stay in ts current postion, but I am conscous that I need to put some more frames in the box before the bees start to draw comb from the roof. When I attempt to do this I assume bees wll be postioned all-over the inside of the brood box and roof (includng the queen).
I would be most grateful of advice on how to proceed. Thanks Ian
. Feeling very excited. Checking the boxes now with ridiculous regularity.
