Welcome to The Bee Hive, your go-to destination for all beekeeping supplies and custom beehives. We offer expert insights on hive management, including tips for utilizing Long Langstroth hives, brought to you by Risky’s Bees.
🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝. SWARMING BEES. 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
What to do if you find a swarm of bees
Don’t panic 🫨. Is it Dangerous? While swarming bees may look frightening, they are generally in their most passive state. Without a hive, honey, or young to protect, they are homeless. These bees are less likely to sting unless they feel directly provoked or are crushed. If you find yourself dealing with a swarm, South Gippsland beekeepers offer specialized swarm collection services to help safely relocate them.
Collecting your SWARM the bees 🐝🐝🐝
How to Report a Swarm
As the coordinator for swarm collection within the South Gippsland Beekeepers, we offer free beekeeping services for swarm collection. Please be aware that travel costs may apply.
Take a Photo: If possible, capture a photo of the swarm.
Send a Text: Text the photo to Risky Beesiness at 0421107951 before making a call. This helps our team quickly assess the size, height, and location of the swarm for more effective collection.
Call me to arrange for a beekeeper from the Bee Club to visit your site.
Swarm Coordinator: John Riske
Mobile: 0421 107 951
What happens to the Bees when collected?
The Collection Process
Containment: Beekeeping services often involve the use of a "nuc box" (a small, portable hive) or a cardboard box to house the bees.
The "Shake" or "Scoop": When South Gippsland beekeepers encounter bees on a branch, they give it a sharp, firm shake to drop the cluster into the box. If the bees are on a flat surface, they are gently scooped by hand or brushed in.
Securing the Queen: The main objective during swarm collection is to capture the queen. Once she is inside the box, she releases pheromones that signal the rest of the bees to follow her.
Gathering Stragglers: Beekeepers often leave the box near the original site until dusk. This allows scout and foraging bees that were out looking for homes or food to return and rejoin the colony.