Best practice for swarm collection. Post May 2024. AFB reported on border of Rotherham area. A reminder of how to deal safely with swarms of unknown origin.
HIVE on FOUNDATION. The bees use the honey stored in their crop to draw the foundation and do not store this honey which may contain pathogens. Also when foundation is used, the bees must first draw out comb before beginning brood rearing, and they are therefore more likely to purge themselves of the infection they are carrying before beginning to feed larvae again.
HIVE IN OLD EQUIPMENT It will not be as costly if the equipment has to be destroyed.
FEED AFTER about 48 hours. Again, let bees use up stored honey first. Time dependant on weather and size of swarm.
ISOLATE Ideally separate site. At least as far away as possible from other hives. Entrance facing opposite direction.
VARROA. Treat with Oxalic acid while broodless.
EFB. Monitor. Two brood cycles - 6 weeks or longer if virgin Q.
AFB. Monitor. Spores can be spread on the bees as well as in the honey in crop. Monitor two brood cycles.
RE-QUEEN. With Queen known to be from good - non swarmy/ good tempered stock. In the longer term this should improve the overall quality of colonies.
HYGIENE. Sterilise any equipment used to collect swarm.
