The Unpredictable Adventure of Swarm Catching: A Tale of the One That Got Away
Swarm catching is a vital aspect of our work, ensuring that we rescue bees from unwanted places and provide them with a new home where they can thrive. However, sometimes, nature has a different plan, as I discovered in my latest swarm-catching attempt, which turned out to be quite a fail.
As Spring enveloped the air, the bees were buzzing with excitement, and so was I. The swarms were swarming, and my phone was buzzing with messages from people reporting bee sightings. It's always a thrill to head out and engage in a swarm rescue, but this day proved to be a tad more challenging than usual.
Upon arriving at the scene, I was greeted by a swarm with a mind of its own. Despite my enthusiasm to catch them, these clever little creatures decided to play a game of hide and seek. They'd flown away, exploring various corners of a residence, including a wall hole that they seemed to fancy quite a bit.
As the chase intensified, I found myself in a race against time, trying to coax the swarm into a catch box before they settled into the brick wall of the house. The situation became a blend of chaos and comedy as I even found myself lying on the ground, searching for a stick to try and guide them. And oh, did I mention the curious cat that was spectating the whole scenario from a window?
But alas, the bees seemed to have made up their mind. Despite my efforts to provide them with a new abode, they chose a tiny hole in the wall to be their new residence. As they say in the bee world, a swarm in hand (or in a box) is better than two in a bush (or a wall). The swarm-catching mission was indeed a bust.
While the situation didn't turn out as expected, it was a reminder of the whimsical and unpredictable nature of beekeeping. Each day is a new learning experience, and this failed attempt was no exception. Swarm catching is indeed an art, a dance with nature where sometimes you lead, and at other times, you're led.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. If you'd like to watch this buzzing adventure, check out our latest video on YouTube titled "Bee Swarm Takes Over a House: Can We Save Them?." And remember, whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or someone just starting out, the world of bees is full of sweet surprises waiting to be discovered.
Catch you next time,
Mark, The Bush Bee Man