Actually, I am trying to encourage 'serious' discussion of the topic. if you are not going to contribute to that, I ask please don't keep posting scornful or making fun of the discussion.
If you are among those who considers it myth, saying such is all that's necessary. Thank you.
Big Bear
Oh you demand serious comments. How's this?
It's called a myth by many, as YOUR title claims.
I thinks it's bogus that a queen can not "HEAR" other bees flying in a swarm due to some guy running around banging on pots and pans. Maybe you can look up the word pheromone and actually.....no seriously, discuss how bees track each other in a swarm.
Bees do in fact HEAR sound, which happens to be "VIBRATIONS". That is what "sound" is for Pete's sake. What? Because they have no ears, that they can not hear?
I believe that all swarms come down. Almost all swarms when first issued, will land within 100 yards of the colony. So whether one bangs on pots or not, swarms will land. And I still believe me sticking my thumb in my ear is as effective.
I give much in my amazement to what bee can do. Absolutely fascinating creatures. I know they can sense an approaching storm front, can feel barometric changes, and feel electric static in the air. I am not one to think that they are so easily fooled by banging on pots.
I've had bees actually stay up in trees for days through thunderstorms. But I am supposed to consider that storm had a weaker effect then some pot banging.
I actually thought this was some badly timed "April Fools" joke for the new beekeepers to enjoy. But this whole thing is sad to think of some of the comments that were presented.
I thought it was hilarious and joined in. But now you are demanding I can or can not express my opinion, take part in this hilarious discussion, or comment how I feel beyond simply acknowledging it a myth or not....get real. This is a discussion group.
Here is a challenge,.....Lets have a video contest this coming year. Lets see how many verifiable videos we can make PROVING this? Seems we have filmed about everything else. Why no video of someone sitting under a tree with some pots and pans, and seeing if the bees in a swarm will respond on cue to a swarm box below. Don't you think this has been called a "myth" long enough?
And to think I've been climbing up a ladder after swarms all these years. I'll try sitting around banging on pots next year. Just be serious now, and let me know how long I should bang on pots before I give up and climb the ladder and knock them into a box?
And please let me know of any potential "problems" that may be used as an excuse in "why" the bees did not go into my box or come lower after I banged on the pots. Do I need particular pots? Cast iron, steel....come on now, do not let me hang here. I look forward to banging on pots next spring as I go about collecting swarms.
Let me know of any further demands on the subject. I'll see what I can do.