TO REPORT A SWARM IN DOUGLAS COUNTY AND SURROUNDING AREAS, PLEASE CALL:
* SWARM HOTLINE *
* 541-236-4732 *
Swarm in a tree! The worker bees and drones all stay with the queen, keeping her safe. She's inside that drooping ball of bees.
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This UVBA beek caught the swarm in a swarm box by shaking, then scooping them from the branch (hopefully with the queen!) and into the swarm box.
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A few weeks later, the colony was transferred into its new home. The girls had built five full frames of comb by this time, full of brood and honey!
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Bee Swarm List
What's the best way to be included on the swarm list each spring?
Join the Umpqua Valley Beekeepers Association!
ATTENTION MEMBERS: SWARM PROCEDURES ARE HERE
Members will be alerted first when a swarm report comes to our
Swarm Hotline: (541) 236-4732
What are bee swarms?
Every year, beginning in early spring, colonies of bees begin making their way through the warm air, looking for new homes. There are many reasons why they leave their home in search of another, but as beekeepers, these swarms are desirable for several reasons: wild bees are already acclimated to Douglas County's weather patterns and forage, it's fun to catch thousands of bees and bring them home to your hive that's ready and waiting for them to move in and make themselves at home, and ... they're free!
But catching swarms is not an intuitive activity, this is why it's so helpful to have others in the UVBA help you catch your first swarm. Experienced beekeepers can make a cardboard box work, and by joining the UVBA, we will be able to help you do that! After you bring your girls home, we can help with knowledge about their care too.
Join the Umpqua Valley Beekeepers Association!
ATTENTION MEMBERS: SWARM PROCEDURES ARE HERE
Members will be alerted first when a swarm report comes to our
Swarm Hotline: (541) 236-4732
What are bee swarms?
Every year, beginning in early spring, colonies of bees begin making their way through the warm air, looking for new homes. There are many reasons why they leave their home in search of another, but as beekeepers, these swarms are desirable for several reasons: wild bees are already acclimated to Douglas County's weather patterns and forage, it's fun to catch thousands of bees and bring them home to your hive that's ready and waiting for them to move in and make themselves at home, and ... they're free!
But catching swarms is not an intuitive activity, this is why it's so helpful to have others in the UVBA help you catch your first swarm. Experienced beekeepers can make a cardboard box work, and by joining the UVBA, we will be able to help you do that! After you bring your girls home, we can help with knowledge about their care too.
Preparing the swarm box for the new colony with a round of food, since swarms can't bring their food with them.
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Scooping the bees right out of the tree... swarms are super chill and the chance of being stung are low. Just stay calm and move slowly.
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Most of the colony was inside at this point, hopefully with the queen, and then the beek twirled the door closed to the queen excluder so the workers and drones could get in, but she couldn't get out.
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