We Start Preparing for Trekking Swarms
 
On Monday this week we began receiving bee removal calls. We suspected them to be a bit early but nonetheless they have started!

With our first rains in Johannesburg area in many many weeks it is the sign of the change of season. Soon bees will begin their natural instinct to propagate, create a new queen & split the colony. Why do they do this? To ensure biological diversity while improving the overal survival of the species.

How do you take advantage? By placing bee trap boxes or catch boxes near flowering plants where bees are visibly foraging. Prepare the catch box by using a few dabs of raw honey inside on the bottom bar of your frames, or use propolis as well if you have any. 

How long does it take? This time of year it should take up 3 to weeks. However it is my experience that with good lure and placement catching a trekking swarm is a matter of days or sometimes hours. 

It is one of the reasons there is little market in selling queen bees in South Africa. If you know how you can simply catch 2/3 of the catch boxes you put out in the field for free!  

The BEST TIME to start beekeeping is now! If you are in the Southern Hemisphere You should get your starter kit, a copy of the blue book & some raw honey to bait your catch boxes!

Within a matter of weeks, following the second rain, flowers and bees join forces to dance the celebration of spring.

If you want to start beekeeping you should begin preparing your site, building a hive stand or placing pallets, or some kind of raised platform for the trap boxes and later your bee hives.

Clear the area from undergrowth and debris to avoid fire hazards, ants and snakes form taking up residence near or damaging your apiary site. Avoid using pesticides of course.

Come on our Beginners Beekeeping Course and get a copy of the Beekeeping in South Africa bee book. We also have an Afrikaans edition now which was originally published in 1978 and revised for 2010.                                

Easy Buzzing bee course End July