Blueblood's Second Swarm Missed 2015

[blueblood]

I missed the first swarm in my yard completely this season about a week ago.  I found this one and thought I had an easy shake but the bees had a different idea!  I tried one shake but noticed a handful of bees arrive from somewhere else.  The bees started buzzing back and forth and within a minute had the entire swarm in the air.  I followed them to the at center clump of woods in the field but lost them after that.  Further, I lost my hive tool running across that field, bummer! Win some, lose some.  There were a handful of bees left on the pine when I returned.  I found the same size clump of bees last week on one of those pines and figured I was too late to a swarm then.  I believe my assumption is correct after seeing this one.

[tefer2]

Been there, done that too!
Hang a swarm trap in that spot.

[blueblood]

I had a trap within ten feet.  That is what is frustrating.  Good to know I am know alone in that frustration.  Geesh, bothered me all afternoon.  I tell ya what helps me feel better about it though.  I just helped populate my local area with some strong bees.  Maybe I will get a swarm off of them in the next year or two after they have diversified their genetics.  I thought I could keep up with them but I found myself running with my suit on with no water and 86 degrees! They were cooking across that field.  I checked that center clump of trees but no luck.  I think they may have traveled further, maybe a mile.  I didn't want to use my truck or four wheeler since the farmer just seeded.

[rrog13]

I’ve got a couple swarm traps in my bee yard.  They've had “some activity” but not a lot.  I was watching a video last night which made me think I’m over doing it with the lemon grass oil.  I didn’t realize to much is actually a deterrent.   

[tefer2]

I have unsuccessfully chased many swarms by foot and by motor vehicle
I was able to keep track of them for a while.
They seem to grab another gear and are gone in the blink of an eye.

[tefer2]

One of the first signs that a swarm has arrived is my Q-tip being thrown out the front door.
Lemongrass oil does attract them, but can be overpowering if you are a bee.
I like the one drop method.
Old comb is really hard to beat for an swarm attractant.
You just have to have some, takes years to make your own.

[Jen]

I have read that if you grow the plant lemongrass that you can pick off a few of the long leaves, wad them up and rub it on the inside of the swarm trap, and that is plenty of scent to attract the bees.

Essential oils are very strong, like 100 times, or more, as strong as the plant. One drop is plenty.

Tef, your Q-tip application is perfect 

[blueblood]

They seem to grab another gear and are gone in the blink of an eye.

You hit the nail right on the head....that is exactly what it was like, ha!  I was in the middle of them for about 50 yards and thought I could just walk with them until they landed but then zooooooooooom!

I kind of knew I was in trouble when I started seeing the waggle dance happening.  It wasn't long after I noticed the dance that they shot off.

[efmesch]

Blueblood, you break my heart.  What a nice swarm that could have been.  Like the proverbial fish that got away.  But at least you got a video. 
I have never ceased to be amazed at how difficult it can be to spot a swarm clustering on a tree.  I can have them right in front of my eyes and not see what I am seeing.  But to see them fly away once you've almost got them, that is really rotten luck.    :'(
When I go for a swarm, it is always with a hive, and most important, one or more built frames.  I think they find them irresistable.

[blueblood]

Hi Ef!  It did surely break my heart all and the next morning.  The only thing that made me feel better was the thought that I am repopulating the area with with good bees.  I had a full 10-frame box with all drawn comb below them before they took off.  I got one good shake in but they returned to the cluster within seconds.

On a side note, the tour group leader from my Israel trip is trying to get a number of us to return in December.  I am so tempted to go and take my wife this time.   Money is the stopper.  Very expensive trip.  I miss Israel very much and really want to visit again and possibly stay for an extended time.  This is something we want to to do when our kids are all out of the house.

[Slowmodem]

I thought I could keep up with them but I found myself running with my suit on with no water and 86 degrees! They were cooking across that field.

If swarm chasing is ever an Olympic sport, you'll be ready for a gold medal!