When dealing with a swarm of bees situated on the bottom of a tree limb, the primary goal is to safely and effectively relocate them into a hive box. The process involves using sugar syrup to calm and disorient the bees, a bee brush to gently guide them into the box, and a strategically placed stick to facilitate their movement. This method ensures minimal stress to the bees and increases the likelihood of successful relocation.
Key Points Explained:
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Aggressive Spraying with Sugar Syrup
- Sugar syrup acts as a calming agent, making the bees less likely to fly away or become agitated.
- Spraying more aggressively ensures the syrup reaches all bees, especially those clustered tightly on the limb.
- The stickiness of the syrup can also weigh down the bees slightly, making them easier to brush into the box.
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Using a Bee Brush
- A bee brush allows for gentle sweeping motions to guide the bees into the hive box without harming them.
- Brush in one direction (toward the box) to avoid confusing the bees or scattering the swarm.
- The brush should be soft to prevent injuring the bees’ delicate wings and bodies.
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Placing a Stick Diagonally in the Box
- The stick provides a surface for the bees to cling to, mimicking the natural grip they have on the tree limb.
- A diagonal placement ensures the stick doesn’t obstruct the box’s entrance or exit.
- This setup makes it easier to shake the bees into the hive later, as they’ll naturally cluster around the stick.
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Shaking Bees into the Hive
- Once most bees are in the box, gently shake or tap the box to encourage the remaining bees to join the cluster.
- The stick helps keep the bees together, reducing the risk of them flying away during the transfer.
- Close the box securely once the majority of the swarm is inside, leaving it near the original swarm site for stragglers to join.
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Post-Relocation Considerations
- Monitor the hive for a day or two to ensure the queen is present and the bees are settling in.
- Provide supplemental sugar syrup if needed to help the bees establish their new hive.
- Avoid disturbing the hive excessively during the initial adjustment period.
By following these steps, you can efficiently and humanely relocate a swarm from the bottom of a tree limb to a hive box, ensuring the bees’ safety and your own.
Summary Table:
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spray sugar syrup aggressively | Calms bees and makes them easier to handle |
| 2 | Use a bee brush gently | Guides bees into the hive without harm |
| 3 | Place a stick diagonally in the box | Mimics natural grip for easier clustering |
| 4 | Shake bees into the hive | Encourages remaining bees to join the cluster |
| 5 | Monitor post-relocation | Ensures queen presence and hive stability |
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