Scouts and bait hives

[Somersetdrone]

Hi,

i have a dilemma. I have one bait hive which is being visited by dozens of scouts, but no swarm yet - confirmed by no pollen entering.My plan was to get a nuc for this hive, which I've ordered ...not really expecting to be successful with capturing a swarm. So, how long should I wait to see if a swarm arrives, and if I don't, what are the implications in putting a nuc in this hive if scouts are still around in some numbers?

Thanks- complete beginner BTW.

 

[Karsal]

Do you really need to move the bait hive and replace with a nuc?
If a swarm arrives you could transfer them to the nuc. Leave well alone for now and let them get on with it. I have had scouts visiting a bait hive for over a month in the past before one finally arrived to make it their home.

 

[Dadnlad]

If I'm reading this right, and your 'bait hive' isn't just a polybox from the fishmongers, then as soon as your nucleus arrives and takes up residence the scout bees will get moved on by the bouncers on the door

 

[george]

I have watched a couple of swarms move in this season so far .
A few dozen will build into a few hundred when they are imminent , they will defend the box against bees that are from other colonies , this can continue for a few days .
It's all a bit frenetic outside on the day or day before the swarm comes in then it goes oddly quiet . Most of the scouts fly back so as to guide in the queen and followers to its new home .
If you want another colony then site your nuc when it arrives just off to the side and let the swarm come in . If not , as mentioned above the nucs guard bees will keep out any scouts .
The thing I would suggest is to keep the entrance on your new nuc reduced to make it easy to defend till its big enough to cope with the full width entrance .

 

[Somersetdrone]

Yes its a proper hive. I'll probably do this but was rather hoping to wait and see if a swarm arrives...and if so buy a new hive for a nuc in a couple of weeks. Thanks for confirming what will happen to scouts though..

 

[Somersetdrone]

Thanks I'll do that...

 

[enrico]

I am near Taunton if you need any help
E

 

[Somersetdrone]

Great thanks Enrico!

 

[theeggman]

I am near Taunton if you need any help
E

enrico, could you PM Somersetdrone with your email or similar because with few posts he won't be able to PM you.

Just a thought to save time later if the manure hits the impeller.

And To the forum Somersetdrone.

 

[enrico]

Good thinking, will do.

 

[bjosephd]

You may well need a second hive before the season's up anyway.

So I'd say order a new hive, or at least brood box, crown board, roof, and floor asap. Put the nuc in the new box and leave the current 'bait hive' as is.

You'll be so pleased for the extra kit when you potentially find swarm preps in a few months... yup, even new nucs can swarm... or even better a swarm flys in, fantastic.

Either way, you need the extra kit.

Wahoo, rainy shopping day for you!

Where in Somerset are you?

 

[Somersetdrone]

Hi, Thanks -I'm going to follow your advice! I'm in Marston Magna -5 miles N of Yeovil, so S.Somerset.