So, I grabbed the swarm. Iâll explain the steps w/ this caveatâIâm a novice beekeeper. I did this w/ a more experienced keeper who is also new[ish]. Every keeper has different TTPs [tactics, techniques and procedures]. Ask 11 keepers a question and expect 14 different answers.
Decided to add frames that had honey and some âseasoning.â Think about a cast iron skillet. They work better when theyâre not fresh off the shelf.
Turns out itâs the same for frames.

I had seasoned frames courtesy of the hive I tended for a year that recently absconded.
Turns out itâs the same for frames.


I had seasoned frames courtesy of the hive I tended for a year that recently absconded.
This swarm was in the perfect* location. Plan: set bottom box under the swarm. Mist the swarm w/ sugar water and wipe them off the fence w/ a fancy tool. Heh. With a corner flap from a cardboard box, actually.
Steve wasnât excited about the picturesâI was quick he was patient.
Steve wasnât excited about the picturesâI was quick he was patient.
Steveâs proven technique is misting them w/ 1:1 sugar water. Calms them? Distracts them? Donât know. Do know it doesnât HARM them when itâs warm weather and they can dry. Next?
I *dont* think its poison ivy but I shouldnât have laughed when he asked.



I *dont* think its poison ivy but I shouldnât have laughed when he asked.




This video cracks me upâI can hear a twinge of anxiety in my own voice. I improvised a spray bottle w/ a spray nozzle and a water bottle. Awkward.
Realized I couldnât [should not] film and focus on a process Iâve never done before in a setting thatâs potentially lethal to me.
Realized I couldnât [should not] film and focus on a process Iâve never done before in a setting thatâs potentially lethal to me.
I misted. He scraped. I steadied the box and hoped we got the queen. Since we collected most of the ballâand the queen is usually at the centerâI think we did. They were PISSED thoughâwasnât the right time to play Spot the Queen.
We filled it out w/ frames [we left some out for the ball to drop into the box] and then set the second frame filled box on top of it. Left it 3â from where I found the swarmâand the hope is theyâll all relocate to the hive in the next day or so. Itâs purtyâI hope they like it!
Remember I said it was the perfect place to catch a swarm? @DevilDog6326âs comment âthatâs a small swarmâ prompted me to walk outside the fence and look at the back.
Tomorrow Iâll know if we got the queen. If not, and she was on the back of the fence, weâll rinse and repeat.
Tomorrow Iâll know if we got the queen. If not, and she was on the back of the fence, weâll rinse and repeat.
I went back a few hours later, just to see. Thereâs activity and theyâre flying in, so Iâm hopeful it was a success.
Gratuitous video because bees flying in slow mo never fail to make me happy.
Sent my buddy a photo and he said âwaitâthat swarm you found today LIVES IN LEGOLAND ALREADY?â
Yeah.
Since you put it that way.
Other buddy said âso youâre telling me you STOLE A BEE BUBBLE?â
Yes. Since you put it that way.
I can.
I will.
I am.
Yeah.
Since you put it that way.
Other buddy said âso youâre telling me you STOLE A BEE BUBBLE?â
Yes. Since you put it that way.




Hereâs the LEGO beehive origin story.
Super geeked I grabbed a swarm today.
â30â http://jenniehaskamp.com/legos-are-for-the-bees-these-ones-are-anyways/
Super geeked I grabbed a swarm today.
â30â http://jenniehaskamp.com/legos-are-for-the-bees-these-ones-are-anyways/