Bees & Beekeeping

Captured my first swarm!

I spotted a swarm of bees right close in our yard, at only about 4-5 feet from the ground in a cedar tree. Couldn't have been more conveniently placed.

Cut off the branch with clippers, but couldn't catch it before it fell to the ground.

Picked up the branch and shook the bees into the hive body, but obviously didn't get the queen.

And they reswarmed, even lower, so I could get a better angle.

My neighbor came over and cut the branch while I held it.

This time it was easy to put the entire swarm right on top of the hive, and they settled right in. We could see them sinking into the hive. Just to check, I pulled out one frame, and sure enough, they were covering it.

And then put on the top, picked up the whole hive up and carried it across the yard to its new home.