Getting bees

Methods of obtaining bees
The most common is through another beekeeper. Some beekeepers sell hives or 4-frame nucs. Queen breeders sell queens and nucs. Some beekeepers give away bees to start a new person off. Look through the trade and exchange advertisements - bees for sale. Bee clubs advertise bees for sale. The National Beekeepers magazine also carry adds.

Alternative is to catch a swarm
Put out a bait hive, a single super with one or two old frames (the rest foundation) inside and an entrance no wider than 2.5 cm on a shed roof. A swarm is attracted to the hive by the smell of the dark frames and bee's wax.

Some bee clubs have a list of beekeepers wanting swarms. Usually the nearest beekeeper is sent. If there is not a club in your area or an organised swarm list, contact your local council, police, regional council, and the SPCA, CAB and pest destruction firms.

Leave your contact telephone number. Remember once you agree to collect swarms, you should continue to collect them that season even though you don't need them.

Best to put swarms in old gear, as there is a slight chance the swarm is from a BL infected hive.

Care of swarms. Requeen and feed for at least a week or until the flow starts.

List of equipment to collect swarms
Large bag (woolsack) or box (2 feet X 1 foot). A rope to tie bag or throw over high branch, (some beekeepers use a long pole with a hook at the end to shake the bees off the branch or to hold a bag under a high swarm). Tape to secure bees into box secateurs or loping sheers
All your protective gear, smoker and fuel. A nuc box or super with frames just incase you can't get swarm. 6 foot extendable step ladder etc.

Bees don't usually sting when swarming - BUT SOME DO, so don't take chances, cover up. This also presents a good public image. Don't take risks - don't work above your head - bees in a swarm are heavy. Tie ladders where possible if you are on your own. Hire lifting equipment for tall swarms or ask the fire brigade if they want a training exercise.