Even if you are a bee-god and you think your swarm control technique is perfection personified – always set up a catcher hive because you might be wrong!
It’s also a good idea because when your catchers start to attract attention you can be sure some bees somewhere are having bad thoughts. Sprinke the scouts with a little flour and watch which hive they return to. Continue reading How to set up a catcher hive
Learn how to make your own straw bee skep this autumn and never lose another swarm!
One day either November 19 or 20th, 2016 to learn the techniques and make a small demonstration piece.
or
Both days to make a full size skep.
Tools and materials supplied.
Use the contact form below for further information.
The shook swarm can be used in swarm prevention and comb replacement. It can also be used in disease control. It may appear brutal but it works and once they get over the shock the bees seem to appreciate it and go like stink to get back on track. Continue reading Shook Swarm
Hiving a swarm is usually a trouble-free operation but it can all go horribly wrong. Here are a few points to consider which may affect the success of the operation: Continue reading Hiving a Swarm
The no-frills method to hive a swarm is also known as the Brutal way. Here’s how it’s done… Continue reading How to hive a swarm: the No Frills Way
There are several ways to hive a swarm. Here’s how to do it the traditional way with a ramp and a sheet. It’s probably the slowest method but well worth doing at least once for the spectacle! Continue reading How to hive a swarm: the Pretty Way
Here’s the quickest, easiest way to hive a swarm from Master Beekeeper Jim Donohoe… Continue reading How to hive a swarm: the Easy Way
It was our first year as beekeepers. We’d done the course, joined the local association then, come spring, we bought two nucs. Continue reading First Swarm
A Snelgrove board is essential but it need not be an expensive addition to the beekeeper’s armoury. This one below was home-made by me and if I can make one anybody can. If you have never seen one before, click the picture below for a closer view. Continue reading Make your own Snelgrove Board
