Well, I said the box felt light.
This morning it was raining in Atlanta and I could see about six bees at the entrance to the cardboard nuc. When the rain slowed down I went to my yard and lifted the top of the box. No bees....
The six or eight bees hanging on the entrance were the scout bees who were out scouting when the swarm left for its new home, wherever that may be. This often happens with swarms and when I have actually caught the swarm (unlike this one), homeowners often call me the next day, concerned about the bees they still see at the swarm site.
I dumped the scout bees on the landing of one of my active hives in hopes that they find a new home. They will either die there or they would have died on the box entry.
If you find a swarm in Atlanta, call me: 404-447-1943. I need a success story!
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Sounds like it's time to build that bee vacuum. :-)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I am going to try a queen excluder on the entrance this year after having a newly installed swarm fly off last season. It should keep her majesty inside.
Linda, how disappointing! I have read that using a swarm "bob" is effective when you can't get to the queen easily...you take frame with open brood and hold it next to the swarm. They are supposed to be very attracted and will cluster onto the brood frame quite quickly, and then can be hived without losing bees or queen. I have never tried it, but maybe something for next time. We are having an early spring as you are: there should be tons of swarms this year. Reference to technique: http://www.beesource.com/resources/elements-of-beekeeping/beekeeping-articles-worth-reading/how-to-get-high-swarms/
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