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Three ways to capture bee colonies
With the growing popularity of "pollination agriculture," more and more beginners are getting into beekeeping. However, many new beekeepers face challenges when they notice their bees have split from the hive. This is a common issue, but it's not as difficult to manage as it may seem. Here are three simple and effective methods for capturing swarming bee colonies, tailored for beginner beekeepers.
One of the early signs that a colony is about to swarm is the presence of the queen bee and the worker bees showing less activity. At this point, it’s crucial to check the hive and take action to prevent the swarm from leaving.
First, the "Queen Scent" method: Place the queen bee you intend to remove into a sealed container, such as a 50ml or 100ml bottle filled with 75% alcohol. This is known as the "Queen Scent." When the swarm starts moving, close the hive entrance and open the collection box. Place the bottle inside a white gauze cloth and put it in the collection box. Add a honeycomb and some frames to the box. The bees will be attracted by the scent of the queen and gradually move into the box. Once the colony settles, cover the box and carefully transport it back to your apiary.
Second, the "Queen Spotting" technique: When a swarm is on the move, the queen often lands on a specific object, and the worker bees will follow closely. The queen is usually more active, and the workers will make way for her. Look for a “pit†near the queen’s area, which looks like a dark spot. Quickly catch the queen by pinching her wings and place her in a queen cage. The worker bees will immediately surround the cage. Hang the cage with the guard bees inside the collection box on a frame. Then slowly guide the rest of the colony into the box or sweep part of them in. The remaining bees will eventually return to the box.
These two methods are effective ways to capture a swarmed colony.
Third, the "Water Spray" technique: Sometimes only a portion of the swarm has left, or the bees are just beginning to split. If the hive is noisy and the workers are escaping, don’t panic. Spray water over the top of the hive, and at the same time, gently separate the bees. This will trick the bees into thinking it's raining, causing them to calm down. The scattered bees will then return to the hive. Once they settle, you can introduce a new queen or reorganize the colony.
It's important to note that after years of observation, bees typically follow the old queen. If the old queen has already left, there may be a new queen in the hive, or even two queens that haven’t met yet. Introducing the new queen too soon may cause another split. This is a natural process, so beginner beekeepers should prepare accordingly and avoid mixing wild bees with managed ones. Always stay alert and act quickly when signs of swarming appear.
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