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How to Catch a Swarm
Of Bees on Your Homestead
Catch a swarm of honey bees, and you will increase the number of hives on your homestead and benefit from the extra honey they will provide.
Learning to capture a honeybee swarming is a skill every homestead beekeeper should develop.
Swarming will happen naturally if you are taking good care of your bees.
It only stands to reason that they will multiply and outgrow their old hive.
Then one day you walk outside and see a swarm of bees hanging from the limb of a nearby tree, or even worse, the limb of a neighbor's tree.
So what do you do?
You'll need to catch a swarm as soon as possible, while the bees are still relatively docile.
Leave that swarm for too long, and they'll likely be irritable and much more difficult to work with.
So as soon as you notice the swarm, take action.
But Bee Ware!
If you don't have the proper equipment, don't attempt to catch a swarm yourself.
Instead, contact your local beekeepers association.
Usually, there is someone in your area who catches swarms for a living.
When You Should Leave Them Bee...
If you see a swarm on the ground, on a water meter or in a tire, the swarm is likely to be made up of Africanized bees.
They'll be mean, and you won't want to mess with them.
Call an exterminator instead, or if you do have protective clothing, douse the swarm with soapy water: one cup of Dawn dishwashing liquid for one gallon of water.
Ready to Catch a Swarm?
Here's what you will need:
- Beekeeper's veil and hat
- Gloves
- Smoker
- One jar of sugar water
- One cardboard box
- Swarm catching net - if the swarm is high off the ground
- Duct tape
- Screening or hardware cloth
- A temporary stand for your box
Prepare Your Temporary Hive
For When You Catch a Swarm
Your cardboard box will provide temporary housing for your swarm until you can get them into a hive.
Cut a hole in the front of your box that is about two inches in diameter.
Gear Up
Always wear your hat, veil and gloves when you plan to catch a swarm.
You never know when you will come across Africanized bees, who can be mean.
If at all possible, avoid getting stung.
If the Swarm is Low Enough to Reach
Catch a swarm by opening the lids of your box and holding it as far under the swarm as possible.
If the swarm is on a limb, give the limb a good hard shake or two.
Then hold the box there for at least two minutes to allow most of the bees to fall into the box.
Then gently lower the box and set it up on your stand.
The box needs to be off the ground, but it must also set firmly in place so that it does not topple over.
How to Catch a Swarm that is High Up
If the swarm is more than 100 feet up, you won't be able to catch it.
But to catch a swarm that is lower, use a swarm catching net on an extended pole.
Again hold the net as far under the swarm as possible and give the tree branch a strong knock.
Try to keep the pole as vertical as possible.
Then while keeping the pole vertical, slowly lower it until you bring your swarm safely down.
Gently shake the contents of the net into your cardboard box.
Containing Your Bees
Gently brush the bees off the lid and into the box.
Tape the lid of the box shut with the duct tape.
Then set the box back on the stand.
Go away and allow the box to sit for several hours until dusk.
The remaining bees that are loose will find their way into the box through the small hole at the front of the box.
To keep the bees from getting hot, partially cover the box with a sheet.
In the evening, come back and cover the hole with a screen to keep the bees from escaping.
Then introduce them to your new hive.
Other Useful Beekeeping Information
Raising bees for your own honey is a great first step toward self reliance. Here are some reasons you will want to keep bees on your homestead.
Interest in earning some income away from the offic? Then consider selling honey and other ways you can earn income off your land.
If you want to keep bees, it will help to understand how they work. Learn about the different members of the bee colony.
Once you decide to keep bees, a crucial part of your success will be where you place your hive. Here's how to find the best beehive location for your colony of bees.
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