The Swarm

[Ric]

One of our hives decided to go into swarm mode yesterday. It was quite an amazing sight as a big cloud of bees hovered above the dam and them came to rest in the wattle above the hives.

They were to high up the tree to catch wearing a space suit so I thought I was going to lose them.

Later as I was doing the hive inspection I noticed that the swarm had dropped down onto the ground next to their original hive. I had a look and found the queen and put her next to the entrance, she was quite happy to go back in and within the hour all of the swarmed bees were back in the hive.

Talk about a lucky break. :thumbsup:

[Moon]

Lucky! What triggered them to swarm?
James

[Ric]

Hi James, it's just a natural part of the yearly cycle.

The queen will leave with half of the bees with her and they go off and start a new hive.

A new queen will then hatch in the old hive and it is renewed and life goes on.

If you can catch the queen in time and remove her and then introduce a new and younger queen you can actually stop the swarming process.

I find it easier to let it happen and hopefully catch the swarm, that way I get myself a new hive and a new supply of honey.

[astroron]

The wonders of nature :)
Thanks for the information Ric:thanx:
Enjoy the new addition to your hive collection and the honey it will bring :D
Cheers :thumbsup:

[bloodhound31]

You are a brave man Ric, space suit or not!

Baz.

[jjjnettie]

Thanks for sharing Ric. Very interesting info. :)

[Ric]

Cheers all

It really is a fascinating daytime hobby.

Hi Baz, your calling me brave???? and you get up close and personal with big spiders.:lol:

[bloodhound31]

Yeah but one at a time bee-beard man.... ;)

[Ric]

touche :lol: