Swarm collecting kit
Are they REALLY honeybees?
FIND OUT WHERE IT IS, AND AT WHAT HEIGHT.
Has it been there long?
PPE:
Clean beesuit, gloves (including disposable over-gloves), wellies (protect ankles fully, bees that are hungry can get ratty).
Mobile phone (with What3Words App, learn how to use it.) In case you need help.
Smoker, fuel and lighter/matches
Fine water spray (to keep them in place till you get everything ready)
Bottle with clean water (for spray, and to make up syrup)
Sugar in lidded jar/bottle (to make up syrup to go on drawn comb if a hungry swarm)
Frame(s) – preferably with drawn comb
Plastic bags
Bin bag
Dustpan and brush (with very soft bristles)
Container: skep, hive, nuc box, box with only 1 small entrance hole, board that fits under the box/skep
Cloths – large enough to cover box/skep/hive
For hive or nuc box: queen excluder (to prevent the queen from leaving for a few days)
Strap for hive/nuc box
Spray scent/unwanted perfume (to mask queen scent after removal)
Fly spray (if swarm is indoors, to kill any you couldn’t catch)
A Notice to post – bees, danger, keep clear. Beekeeper on way.
Ladder??
Another beekeeper if possible!
