Swarm Prevention for Honey Beesby: Marcus Moyersbeeman.2@netzero.netTVBA Meeting February, 23, 2009Tennessee Valley Beekeeping Association Mission Statement:“To promote the study, science and craft of beekeeping and to provide education and encouragement to all Tennessee Valley Beekeepers.”

Swarm Prevention for Honey BeesWhat Makes a Swarm?DefinitionWhat Actions Start Taking Place?New Queen in Cell.Piping Sound.Purpose of the Piping Sound.The Chain Saw Sound.

Swarm Prevention for Honey BeesWhen Swarms Typically OccurTimes of the yearShook SwarmingVarious queen issuesWhen there are swarm issues, i.e. weather issues

Swarm Prevention for Honey BeesSome Swarm Behavior Questions:What is swarm behavior?Why does it occur:Once a swarm starts, can it it be stopped?Can bees sting during a swarm?What happens to the remaining hive, now?

Swarm Prevention of Honey BeesAspects of SwarmsBe informed, and be prepared ahead of time.Hive components needed.Use drawn combs or foundation.Deep hive body vs. nuc (nucleus) box.Exercising good practical judgment.

Swarm Prevention of Honey BeesPreventing SwarmsWhen to re-queen, spring or fall?Relieving overcrowdingOver-supering, what is the advantage?

Swarm Prevention of Honey BeesDiscovering Queen In the HiveWhen looking into your hives.Take notice of the queen`s laying pattern.Examine physical shape of the queen.

Swarm Prevention of Honey BeesMore About When You FindQueen CellsThe decision to save the queen.Cutting out queen cells.Splitting a hive.

Swarm Prevention of Honey BeesCatching Swarms (Question: How do you do it? Answer: Very carefully!)Has the homeowner tampered with the swarm?Some transportation do`s and don'ts.Other misadventures?

Swarm Prevention of Honey BeesHiving a SwarmImportance of having the right equipment ready.Sheet on the ground method.The use of nine frames and why.How to use smoke during this activity.

Swarm Prevention of Honey BeesQuick Review of SwarmSwarm PreventionWatch for overcrowdingWatch for increase in populationWatch weather conditionsUnderstand what wet/rainy conditions can doLearn your hives by working and observing them.