Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: cao on March 30, 2024, 01:37:11 am

Title: first swarm of the year
Post by: cao on March 30, 2024, 01:37:11 am

I was reading on another post this morning about a swarm moving into a trap.  I was thinking it was a little early for swarms although it has been warmer than normal.  I am planning on going through some of my hives tomorrow, so I was getting some boxes and other equipment out that I know I will need and what do I see.  You guessed it, a swarm hanging in an apple tree.  I knew after going through my hives earlier that it was going to be an early year but, I thought I had another week.   :shocked: Time to do some splitting with those swarm cells.  Just need to find out which one swarmed.

Title: Re: first swarm of the year
Post by: Occam on March 30, 2024, 01:39:01 am

Glad you were able to put them in a new residence

Title: Re: first swarm of the year
Post by: Ben Framed on March 30, 2024, 01:56:17 am

Thanks for the post and heads up Cao. Looks like the new season is here since both you and Occam have reported! You are further North than me so I had better go back and check again soon!

Thanks for the picture also. That is a sight I can?t help but enjoy. It?s the retrieving that is fun!). 😊

Phillip

Title: Re: first swarm of the year
Post by: Terri Yaki on March 30, 2024, 10:12:32 am

I'm jealous. You're actually north of me and I believe a little colder. I'll have to keep an eye on my swarm trap. I'd love to catch them in the act. Imma have to see if one of my cams will work out that far so I can look from the comfort of my Lay-Z-Boy.

Title: Re: first swarm of the year
Post by: Kathyp on March 30, 2024, 11:00:11 am

That looks like a nice one.  Still some time here I think.  Frost this AM, but the days are getting warmer and the dandelions are out along with some of the fruit trees!

Title: Re: first swarm of the year
Post by: cao on March 30, 2024, 11:20:51 am

I guess that this is a result of several things.  I had several strong hives that I left extra honey on them last fall.  Also we had a mild winter this year.  Plus since they were flying early, I had pollen substitute out for them early this spring.  I guess the empty boxes that I added to them earlier wasn't enough to stop them from swarming.  They have just surprised me since the apple trees haven't started to bloom yet.