Tree swarm

[Hasbee]

Hello, I got called to a swarm in a neighbouring village, the bees, possibly a cast swarm, has settled in a cherry tree about 25 feet up, is there a method of collecting them or moving them on that doesn’t involve me up a ladder 25 up!? They have been there now three days .

 

[drex]

Throw a rope over a branch above the swarm. Tie on a drawn comb. Pull up to be adjacent to swarm. Bees crawl onto comb. 3 days is a long time to hang out. Probably gone by now

 

[Hasbee]

Throw a rope over a branch above the swarm. Tie on a drawn comb. Pull up to be adjacent to swarm. Bees crawl onto comb. 3 days is a long time to hang out. Probably gone by now

They are still there, unfortunately they are on the top branch of the tree,I had said to the owner they would probably move on but they haven’t as yet.

 

[enrico]

They are still there, unfortunately they are on the top branch of the tree,I had said to the owner they would probably move on but they haven’t as yet.

A good bait hive with some lemongrass oil is your best bet. Don't risk your life.

 

[pargyle]

I have one of these and some long extending poles .... bit too far for you to borrow them sadly ...

https://www.thorne.co.uk/hardware-clothing/hive-hardware/swarms/swarm-catcher.html

Actually, mine was the budget version bought in the sales - but ... works OK.

https://www.thorne.co.uk/hardware-clothing/hive-hardware/swarms/budget-swarm-catcher.html

 

[Hasbee]

Thanks for all those suggestions, will try the bait hive first… if they are still there.

 

[Sutty]

If the tree is near vehicle access you could use a car and a towrope fastened as high on the tree as you can to give it a shake and hopefully dislodge them to a lower accessible position.

 

[Antipodes]

If the tree is near vehicle access you could use a car and a towrope fastened as high on the tree as you can to give it a shake and hopefully dislodge them to a lower accessible position.

They do tend to go back up to where they were - unfortunately

 

[Hasbee]

They do tend to go back up to where they were - unfortunately

You are right I was able to dislodge them by shaking the branch with a long implement and then within minutes they were back again, three times. A few have shown interest in the bait hive but only a few. They are still on the tree, no comb on the branch when shaken off.

 

[Sutty]

You are right I was able to dislodge them by shaking the branch with a long implement and then within minutes they were back again, three times. A few have shown interest in the bait hive but only a few. They are still on the tree, no comb on the branch when shaken off.

Maybe you didn't dislodge the queen.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I find a chainsaw usually works

 

[Antipodes]

You are right I was able to dislodge them by shaking the branch with a long implement and then within minutes they were back again, three times. A few have shown interest in the bait hive but only a few. They are still on the tree, no comb on the branch when shaken off.

I got one from the same height once (7.5m) because the landowner had an extremely long wooden pole with a hook on it that he had ready for firefighting...to pull down flaming branches from gum trees in a bushfire. I didn't understood quite how that would work, but a frame of brood (I only use smaller frames) tied along the end of the pole and leant up near the swarm soon attracted a cluster of bees on it. Lowered down carefully and put in a box below, had the whole lot leave their swarm spot and move down into the box. Perhaps you could try similar using the long implement you have?

 

[Hasbee]

I got one from the same height once (7.5m) because the landowner had an extremely long wooden pole with a hook on it that he had ready for firefighting...to pull down flaming branches from gum trees in a bushfire. I didn't understood quite how that would work, but a frame of brood (I only use smaller frames) tied along the end of the pole and leant up near the swarm soon attracted a cluster of bees on it. Lowered down carefully and put in a box below, had the whole lot leave their swarm spot and move down into the box. Perhaps you could try similar using the long implement you have?

Thanks a different version of an earlier suggestion, worth a go.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

Hello, I got called to a swarm in a neighbouring village, the bees, possibly a cast swarm, has settled in a cherry tree about 25 feet up, is there a method of collecting them or moving them on that doesn’t involve me up a ladder 25 up!? They have been there now three days .

Chainsaw and fell the tree?

 

[ericbeaumont]

within minutes they were back again, three times

The branch must be cut to remove the queen pheromone, otherwise they will return repeatedly.

 

[Hasbee]

The branch must be cut to remove the queen pheromone, otherwise they will return repeatedly.

I put up a pair of old frames on a rope (eventually) a number bees marched on looked around and marched off again! I set up a bait hive and a few bees went in and out but none settled. The bees are still there, looks less that at the start, they are on the main trunk and the owner not surprisingly does not want this tree lopped. The owner of the tree is happy to leave them there, unless there is a change in their location or behaviour. I have left them to it.
Thanks for all suggestions.

 

[judy12]

I have heard that a hosepipe to dislodge them then a good spray of the branch with water and lemon juice will do it - it worked when a neighbour had a swarm under a gutter that was too high to reach.