Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => RAPID BEEYARD GROWTH => Topic started by: contactme_11 on July 22, 2008, 01:42:46 am

Title: Hunting for a swarm?
Post by: contactme_11 on July 22, 2008, 01:42:46 am

I walk quite often around a resevoir in my area that is about a mile from an orchard. When walking I often smell honey very strong in one area of the woods near the water. I believe strongly there is a swarm residing in the bushes or trees or something but I've been unable to find it at this point. I would collect it but I just can't find it. Any tips for tracking this mystery hive?

Title: Re: Hunting for a swarm?
Post by: Bill W. on July 22, 2008, 01:52:30 am

Find foraging bees and watch where they fly.  It can be a real test of patience, but they go home eventually.

Title: Re: Hunting for a swarm?
Post by: eri on July 22, 2008, 02:36:07 am

This is an interesting step by step guide to beelining. Does sound as if it takes a lot of patience but would be fun to try.

http://www.savethehives.com/fbp/Beelining.html

Title: Re: Hunting for a swarm?
Post by: Kathyp on July 22, 2008, 11:20:54 am

it's probably a hive in an old tree or something.  if you find it, do some research here on the removal forum.

Title: Re: Hunting for a swarm?
Post by: contactme_11 on July 22, 2008, 03:15:23 pm

Quote from: kathyp on July 22, 2008, 11:20:54 am

it's probably a hive in an old tree or something.  if you find it, do some research here on the removal forum.

That's what I'm figuring. I went back early this morning and walked around looking for bees foraging. I found several. They all looked to be feral but I couldn't see where they were going through all the bushes and trees. I think I got pretty close as the smell of honey was very strong in one spot I was standing.

Title: Re: Hunting for a swarm?
Post by: Robo on July 22, 2008, 04:45:48 pm

If it is a bee tree,  I would suggest leaving it alone.    Set up a few swarm traps in the Spring to try and get a swarm from it. 

Title: Re: Hunting for a swarm?
Post by: BGhoney on September 07, 2008, 02:01:48 am

Bee hunting is quite an art.  Some quick tips. Find bees Watering up, Sprinkle them with powdered sugar, and count how long it takes for them to show back up, Watering bees are making round trips back to the hive, and you can guage how far the hive is by clocking the return time.  Cant remember the turn around time sorry,.  I bought the Brushy Mt , Video on bee hunting, its not bad..Just haven't watched it in 2 years..

Title: Re: Hunting for a swarm?
Post by: TwT on September 07, 2008, 02:34:37 am

Quote from: Robo on July 22, 2008, 04:45:48 pm

If it is a bee tree,  I would suggest leaving it alone.    Set up a few swarm traps in the Spring to try and get a swarm from it. 

this is a good idea, this is what I do unless the tree is getting removed and the its time to get the chain saw out, I try to get them from the tree before its cut down unless it to high.