Swarm Management Workshop

This workshop will give you the knowledge and skill to prevent and control swarming so that you are in charge not the bees!

The prevention and control of swarming is one of the biggest challenges facing beekeepers and with lots of differing advice ‘out there’, it can lead to countless hours of frustration and stress. To have any chance of controlling swarms an understanding of what is happening in the hive is essential otherwise it will be a complete mystery to you. Tony will cover swarming theories in detail, including triggers and influences within the hive, the behaviour of honey bees in the lead up to swarming, the issuing of the swarm, selection and re-locating to a new nest site and what is happening back in the parent colony. Swarm prevention and control methods will be covered, including the Pagden artificial swarm, shook swarm, Demaree and Tony’s favourite and recommended control, the nucleus method. He will also consider efficient and effective approaches to collecting swarms including the use of bait hives and personal and public safety.

Tony’s approach to beekeeping, including prevention and control of swarming is to keep it simple and he will give lots of practical tips to help you gain control, rather than the bees!