Many times the swarm you are trying to catch is just out of
reach. I have copied a friend’s design
of a swarm catcher that makes it possible to avoid using a ladder or chain saw
and still get those swarms that are up to 20 feet up in the air. As shown in the pictures the catcher combines
a 24 foot telescoping pole and light plastic bucket. The plastic bucket came from the garden shop
at Menard’s although any light bucket will do.
The telescoping pole was found on the internet. My particular pole was made by Garelick and
is composed of four (4) six foot sections.
I also bought the roof rake attachment so that there was something solid
to attach the bucket to. Other makes of telescoping poles are probably
just as good.
You are probably saying a six foot person and a 24 foot pole
would give a 30 foot reach! But remember
when you catch a swarm in the bucket you will have 5 pounds of bees cantilevered
way out there. Getting the bees down to
the ground in a controlled, but rapid fashion and into the hive can be challenging to
say the least. Having another beekeeper lending a hand is
helpful.
Use of the catcher is rather simple. Slowly extend the pole up towards the swarm
and lock each section as you go. Stop a
foot short of the swarm. When you are
ready simply jam the bucket into the bottom of the swarm. This abrupt action will break their hold on
the tree branch and a large portion of the bees will end up in the bucket. Then in a controlled fashion you need to get
the bucket down and shake the bees into the hive. In theory you can lower the bucket by
unlocking each pole section and let the pole collapse into its original 6 foot
length.
If you are lucky and the queen is in the bucket and you get her
into the hive, all the bees in the swarm will eventually follow. Sometimes it takes several attempts to catch
her. Good luck and happy swarm
hunting.
I will have this catcher at the ECWBA field day at the end
of May if you are interested in making one.
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