Nov 22 2008
Moving Bee Swarms
If you find that you have a bee swarm on your property that you would like to move into a man-made hive, you’ll most likely need the assistance of an experienced bee keeper. Swarms may be unpredictable and exhibit defensive behavior. Bees often swarm when they outgrow their existing home. This happens often in the spring or fall, though it can occur at any time during the warmer months.
Bees can swarm around areas that you don’t want them, especially around your home, entrance to barns or even in a tree in your front yard. Occasionally they’ll even begin building honeycombs from tree limbs or your front porch if they don’t find a suitable home quickly enough.
A resourceful farmer will assist the bees and provide them with housing. In return, you’ll be able to collect honey for your own use, or even to sell.
Remember to have the housing ready for the bees before you attempt to collect the swarm.
- Collect the swarm in the evening when most of the bees will be in and nearby the swarm.
- Remove them by gently brushing them into a container. Do this with the assistance of an experienced beekeeper, as the swarm may exhibit defensive behavior.
- During the summer, some bees may stay away from the hive at night, so you may need to collect the remaining bees the following day.
You may find beekeepers locally to help you with this endeavor by using your local phone book or by doing a Google search for beekeepers in your area. Alternatively, contact your local Cooperative Extension who will also have this information.
Find out more about beekeeping in these informative blogs:
Run a Profitable Beekeeping Business
Will All of the Honeybees Eventually Die?
~~Charlotte
