I caught a very small swarm last year (my first year as a beekeeper). They weren't strong enough (in number) to defend against the mighty small hive beetle, so they didn't last long. This year I put two swarm traps out. I placed them in the trees approximately two weeks ago (one in my yard and one in my neighbor's yard). I've seen scouts checking them out the whole time, but yesterday, before I left on a business trip, I saw a lot of unusual activity on the one in my very own backyard. I had to go to the airport, but not even two hours later my wife sent me a pic and video of a fairly large cluster covering the front of the trap. She said that not long after she took the pic, they had moved inside completely. This is such an exciting, yet peaceful, hobby. Thank you for showing your experience. Great video!

Truly an awesome video. I have seen several swarms in my life when they were clustered in a tree, and then when they decided to leave. I only had one hive for two years and after they swarmed, the ones left slowly dwindled away. I didn't know enough to know what to do and no one close I could ask. Found out about horizontal hives watching Dr Leo's videos so thought I would try again. Bought one of his swarm traps and built a second one. Had them out last year on two farms in south western Ohio, but never caught any swarms. Trying again this year different locations. So enjoyed actually getting to see that swarm occupy the trap. Truly a rare opportunity to film. Great job!! Never seen anything like it before.

Thanks Gene. Great to see, it's just about spring here in the UK so we will have similar wonderous sights very soon!😅 I have got some bait hives out already

Great video! So fun to watch the process

Great video, I'm still amazed at a swarm. I've stood in a swarm like you and the feeling is amazing.

Fantastic!

Hello Sir, I'm new to your channel and wanted to say thanks for the vid. It's always an amazing thing to watch no matter how many times you see it. Best of the year to you and your bees.

Daffodils are just starting to bloom here in central NH and I have 3 traps up. I guess I better hang a few more. Thanks for sharing, take care.

Had to sub. You got a great personality and loved watching this swarm

The Rick Moranis of beekeeping. I like your attitude. 😊

Very nice, lucky guy.

Big swarm!

You're my favorite bee guy! Thanks for sharing your videos

Awesome video. It's amazing that many bees can fit into that box.

That was an awesome sight to behold, thanks Gene! I have 4 swarm traps up here in western PA. Praying to make a start on my first year. 3 insulated Layens hives nearly finished. Got 23 pounds of wool from a local Amish gentleman for just $10!

This is awesome, Some times bees will move in and start working long before the Swarm brings the Queen. I cannot tell you how many times I have had bees instantly come to my empty hives and lots of activity then it suddenly stops and the next day. Boom swarm arrives. Soon as the activity suddenly stops I know the warm is just an 1-24 hours away.

A beautiful sight. That's a nice size colony, too. Had a hundred or so scouts seriously checking out a trap on the deck earlier this evening, but then it started sprinkling and got dark on us. Hopefully we'll have a swarm move in tomorrow.

The afternoon delight

Too cool! It doesn't get any better than that! I've had scout bees checking out one of my traps for several days, but not more than a dozen or so at a time. I am hopeful, tho. It's in the same place as where I caught a nice swarm last year. Swarms are fun!

Loving your videos! My dad was a commercial beekeeper and had bees in 18 different counties in Texas. At one time, he sold packaged bees through the Sears catalogue and sent queens all over the world. I spent my springs making increases, summers robbing and the rest of the year raising queens in nucs. Great memories.

That was just an amazing video. Thanks for sharing this beautiful bees "capturing" process. I wish all my swarms were that selective and easy to deal with.

Dude-great vid. the march.

Every time I see a swarm,( either in person or on camera) takes me back to the first swarm I witnessed. More like I was in the middle of. (At first) I was overwhelmed, and afraid. After a few minutes the fear had gone away and pure amazement had set in. But I just knew I was going to get stung. So I thought, the only thing that happen was a girl landed on my shoulder and took a big poop and flew off back to the swarm. After that every year my bees swarmed on or just before Good Friday. Thanks for the memory.

Hi Gene. My experience around my apiary is that I can move the bees where I want as long as they were not "captured" in a swarm trap (i.e., before the scouts found a place). This has happened 6 times thus far this year and 3 times last year. None moved on from where I put them. The bees were collected from tree branches, rocks and on hives. Appreciate your channel.

Im in Arkansas may 11. Weather is raining most of the day stopped about 3 and on and off

Goodday sir,good to see. That other swarm trap with the empty hive below. How long after catching the bees do you transfer the bees over to the hive. What do you have to look for to avoid loosing the swarm. The fact that they are so close to each other minimize the chances of loosing the swarm? My thinking is that the transfer should be done quickly. Taking to long they will not find the hive,even with the hive nearby. Cobus🐳

Hey Gene! Long time-Brad Oliphant here. Great video! I’m a tad confused about how you move your hives. I always knew to move them at night, but then I thought it was a good idea to keep the bees locked up for a day-of course with good ventilation, and then prior to opening the entrance, place lots of debris in front of it. What are your thoughts on that? I have to move a couple hives in a few months. Grateful. Good to see you again.

Gene, wonderful video as usual. I hope to experience that feeling soon. Question, what type of alcohol are the dead queens in that you use for lure. Ethyl alcohol (drinking) or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing)?

Is bee keeping one of those hobbies you have to grow with it or could i have just 2 long hives and keep it at that. I'm retired and dont want a job. Thank you

Why didn’t you give them a landing board under the box?

This is my 5th year to have a swarm trap out. Last year I had some scouts show up for a few days. So I got a hive ready but no luck yet. I’m going to buy a package next year if I don’t get a swarm this year. When should I put my name to if I buy one from you?