Catching a Bee Swarm - Part 1

Swarming is an instinctive part of the annual life cycle of the honeybee. This swarm landed on a limb nearby our apple orchard. After they land, scout bees are sent out to find a permanent home. When they return, they will do a dance that indicates the direction of the new home so if you want free bees you need to catch them soon.

Catching a Bee Swarm - Part 2

Mark from Beech Mountain Beekeeping is using a bee brush to brush the bees on the frame. Then the frame is placed in the swarm box. Once bees start going into the box, the rest will follow like ants marching to the ant hill.

Catching a Bee Swarm - Part 3

Ready to capture the swarm, a cloth was laid out below the swarm in front of the swarm box. The majority of the bees have been shaken on to the cloth and have begun entering the hive.