In the swarm-catching season, many beekeepers are thrilled to capture free bees. This is one of the favorite things in beekeeping! However, the successfully caught swarm can be followed by a disappointment: absconding. It is good to understand that bee swarms are usually on the move. They may change their minds even after choosing your location. They may decide to leave immediately or after a few days since they have no babies or food stores to protect. Unlike a package or a nuc, the bee race and other qualities are hard to determine. 

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How long can bees stay in a swarm box?

After successfully catching a swarm of bees, you should transport it to your apiary. Most beekeepers wait until dusk to move the bees from the swarm box to a hive or a permanent location. They are more likely to abscond if you transfer them in daylight. Bees usually like a place other bees had inhabited before, so it is good to use an old box if possible. 

It is advisable to give them ample space. If you are lucky to catch a giant cluster, you can give them two full-sized boxes. If you use a wooden five-framed box, you can leave them for about a week. This will give them some time to make comb and brood giving them a reason to stay. Leaving them in a swarm box for long will make the box too heavy to move and transport.  It is advisable to transfer cardboard boxes on the same day since you don’t want them to build comb on the box. You can use a nuc box if you do not have a ready hive. 

How do l keep a newly caught swarm?

Until the bees have brood, there is a high chance of absconding. Here is what you can do to minimize this happening. 

Be Gentle on the Bees

The more you are gentle on a swarm, the more likely they will stay. You should be thoughtful about how you transfer them. 

Use a Used Box

Using a brand-new box reduces the chances of inviting them in. Place your swarm catch in a used piece of equipment if possible. The smell of beeswax and propolis will encourage them to stay.

Give them Brood or Comb

You can encourage a swarm to stay in the hive by giving them an empty comb and brood. It is like giving them a furnished apartment which is very appealing.  This is an excellent reason to make them stay. The brood requires care from adult nurse bees. They will not abandon the brood but will adopt it as their own. 

Leave Them for a Week

You should not disturb a newly caught swarm. Avoid inspecting them too soon or making changes in their new home. This may prompt them to abscond. It is advisable to leave them completely for a week. After a week, they will have invested in their new home with comb and brood. 

How long can l keep bees in a nuc box?

Bees can stay in a standard nuc box for about two to three weeks before filling it up. Since the nuc is small, they are also vulnerable to robbing by stronger colonies. This can make them starve or be killed. If the nucleus box is made of cardboard and closed off, they are bound to heat up. They should not stay in such a structure for more than a few hours since they can die from overheating. Cardboard structures should only be used for transportation purposes. 

How long can you keep a bee package before installation?

While it is advisable to install a bee package as soon as possible, beekeepers sometimes are unable for some reasons. Bees should stay in a shipping container for not more than four days. They can stay for about a week if you feed them. You should ensure their feeding can have sufficient syrup. You should keep the packages in a dark, cool and quiet room. About 10-12 degrees centigrade. If the place is too warm, they will move around and want to fly.