A Beekeeper's Guide to Swarm Collection in Delaware

The Spring Surge: An Opportunity for Delaware's Beekeepers

As spring unfolds across Delaware, from the rolling hills of New Castle County to the coastal plains of Sussex, the familiar hum of honey bees grows stronger. This season marks a critical time in the life of a honey bee colony: swarm season. For beekeepers, this natural reproductive process presents a significant opportunity to expand an apiary with healthy, locally adapted bees at minimal cost.

Recent data indicates a rising trend in swarm activity throughout the state. Last season alone, the Swarmed network registered alerts for over 40 distinct swarms in Delaware. With a limited number of beekeepers currently available to respond, many of these valuable genetic resources go uncollected. This guide provides Delaware beekeepers with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively locate, assess, and collect honey bee swarms, strengthening both their own operations and the local pollinator population.

Locating Swarms in the First State

Successful swarm collection begins with knowing where and when to look. In Delaware, swarming typically peaks from late April through June, when established colonies become crowded and decide to split. The original queen leaves with roughly half the worker bees, temporarily clustering nearby while scout bees search for a permanent home.

These temporary clusters are often found in predictable locations:

• Tree Limbs: Low-hanging branches are a classic spot for swarms to rest.
• Fences and Posts: Fence posts, mailboxes, and railings offer convenient, exposed landing spots.
• Shrubbery: Dense bushes can provide a temporary refuge.
• Man-made Structures: The eaves of a shed, playground equipment, or parked vehicles can also host a swarm.

To proactively attract swarms, consider setting up swarm traps (often called bait hives). A well-placed trap can lure a passing swarm looking for a new home. For best results in Delaware:

• Placement: Position traps 10-15 feet off the ground along a wood line or in a visible, isolated tree.
• Volume: A standard ten-frame deep hive body provides an ideal volume (about 40 liters).
• Lure: Use lemongrass essential oil or a commercial swarm lure to attract scout bees. Old brood comb is an excellent attractant.
• Entrance: A small, reduced entrance of about one square inch makes the potential home seem more secure.

The Essential Swarm Collection Toolkit

Being prepared is crucial for a safe and successful collection. Spontaneous swarm calls require having your gear ready to go at a moment's notice. Your toolkit should include:

• Protective Gear: A full bee suit or jacket, veil, and gloves are non-negotiable. While swarms are typically docile, it is always best to be protected.
• Collection Container: A ventilated cardboard box, a nucleus (nuc) box, or a complete hive body with frames works well.
• Bee Brush: A soft-bristled brush helps gently move any remaining bees into your container.
• Pruning Shears: Useful for clearing small branches that obstruct access to the swarm.
• Spray Bottle: Filled with a 1:1 sugar water solution, this can help calm the bees and prevent them from taking flight during collection.
• Ladder: A sturdy step ladder is often necessary to reach swarms that have clustered above ground level.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Swarm Collection

Once you arrive on-site, take a moment to assess the situation before acting. Confirm the bees are a honey bee swarm and determine the safest method for collection.

1. Assess the Cluster: Is it a cohesive, hanging cluster of bees with no visible comb? Are the bees relatively calm? This indicates a true swarm. If you see bees flying in and out of a structural cavity (like a wall or attic), you are dealing with an established colony, which requires a different approach.

1. Position Your Container: Place your nuc or hive box directly beneath the swarm cluster. If the swarm is on a vertical surface, hold the box opening as close to the bees as possible.

1. Capture the Majority: The quickest method is often the best. If the swarm is on a branch, give it a single, sharp shake to dislodge the majority of the bees into your box. For swarms on solid surfaces, gently brush them down into the container.

1. Confirm You Have the Queen: The goal is to get the queen into the box. Once she is inside, the remaining bees will follow her scent. You will see bees at the entrance fanning, releasing the Nasonov pheromone to signal to the others that this is their new home.

1. Be Patient: Allow 20-30 minutes for the remaining bees to march into the box. This is a sign of a successful collection.

1. Secure and Transport: Once the bees are inside, screen the entrance and gently move the box to your apiary. It is best to move them at least two miles from the collection site to prevent them from returning.

Swarm vs. Established Colony: A Critical Distinction

Communicating effectively with the public is a key part of swarm collection. Homeowners often do not know the difference between a swarm and an established colony, which has significant implications for the work involved.

• A Swarm: A transient cluster of bees resting for 24-72 hours. They have no comb, no brood, and no stored honey. Because they are protecting nothing, they are docile. Beekeepers typically collect swarms for free, as they provide valuable, healthy bees for an apiary.

• An Established Colony: Bees that have built wax comb inside a structure (wall, roof, chimney, etc.). They have brood and honey stores, making them defensive of their home. Removing an established colony is a complex job known as a "cutout." It often requires carpentry skills, specialized equipment, and structural repairs. This is a professional service that beekeepers should provide a fair quote for based on the time, complexity, and materials required.

As a beekeeper, it is important to explain this difference clearly and professionally. Quoting fairly for cutouts while offering free swarm collection builds trust and establishes you as a knowledgeable expert.

Join Delaware's Swarm Response Network

The rising number of swarms in Delaware presents a clear opportunity for beekeepers to grow their apiaries with strong, local genetics while providing a valuable service to the community. Being in the right place at the right time is everything, and connecting with a modern alert system is the most effective way to do that.

Expand your apiary this spring by joining the Swarmed beekeeper network. You will receive free, real-time swarm alerts in your local area with no commitment to respond. It is the easiest way to find healthy bees and connect with residents in need. Sign up for the Swarmed beekeeper network today (opens in a new tab) and be ready for the next call.