swarm from tree

rockdoc · Jun 25, 2011

Having managed to catch part of a swarm from an oak tree, and placed the bees in a brood box nearby, how soon will I know if I've managed to get the queen? We stayed a while after decanting the bees we caught into the brood box and there wasn't a mass exit. I noted several bees with bums in the air on the landing board plus much coming and going. However, there was still a sizable swarm bunch that regrouped up in the tree. The 'catch' occurred around 7.30pm tonight.

Andre cardona · Jun 25, 2011

somke the tree to lose the sent i think

Midland Beek · Jun 26, 2011

If the queen is still in the tree I think you have to expect the swarm to re-form around the queen rather than for the queen to find her way into the hive, but you never know.

TJSnapper · Jun 26, 2011

As the other guys have said, you may have her scent on the tree so a good smoke there should sort it. How is the situation this morning?

oliver90owner · Jun 26, 2011

About twenty minutes is the answer to the oribginall question.

RAB

rockdoc · Jun 26, 2011

Thanks all
I've not checked today yet.I've taken the view of what will be will be, so will check on Monday. The swarm was about 40 feet up in the tree and required a lot of pole etc to get (pics to follow!), so smoking is not really an option. Although it is a very valid point about scent. I always cut the branches and take them away on the few swarms I've collected from trees.