Capturing a BEE SWARM! | Raw Honey | Pollinators | Keeping Honey Bees

[@theelliotthomestead]

Beekeeping can be a bit scary :) Do it anyway! These creatures are AMAZING! Thanks for being here, my friends.

[@hillsboroughhomesteading-b6368]

It seems soooo overwhelming! There's so much equipment, so much to learn, and the cost of learning is stings and dead bees =/

[@klazyy641]

I was born on a ranch in Wyoming and one of my earliest memories was of going with my grandfather to the hives to collect the combs----basically in my T-shirt and shorts. Never got stung once! A hive split off and swarmed into the wall of our ranch house (on the outside). My granddad merely cut a door inside where he could care for the bees and harvest all at the same time. Again---it was right by the door to the basement and I went by there gobs of times each day and never bothered them and they never bothered me. Great creatures and an honor to have had them in my life. Great job, you two, in relocating the wee busybodies.

[@jenniferj6580]

Just curious, what year did you have this experience with your grandfather? Great story, thanks for sharing it with us.

[@klazyy641]

@@jenniferj6580 That had to have been around 1948 or so. That 'indoor hive' was still there when my grandpa 'retired' and moved on. According to my uncle, who bought the ranch, it was going strong for a while after the house was left unoccupied and then they swarmed away. It was like the knew they were unattended. Good little guests, though, although they did sort of mess up my grandma's root cellar because she had to rearrange her shelving for her canned goods. Thanks for asking and bringing back some fond memories.

[@jenniferj6580]

@@klazyy641 Beautiful memories are a treasure to behold. The natural world was a normal part of our everyday circle of life then. I enjoyed reading your commentary. Thank you for responding.

[@klazyy641]

@@jenniferj6580 Actually, it was probably from when I was born back in '43 until my dad moved us down to Denver in '46. Many trips back to the ranch found them still in residence and still just as benign. Thanks for the update . I remember Grandma having to rearrange her shelving, too, but the freezer stayed right where it was at the bottom of the stairs..

[@jenniferj6580]

@@klazyy641 Great story, is the home and or land still in the family?

[@dritch2472]

Great job. Lucky to catch them at the end of the day. They won't fix that comb though. You need to slip each piece into a wooden frame (secure it with elastic bands) in an orderly fashion or you'll have crazy comb and never be able to inspect the hive or harvest honey.

[@BobbyRodDallas]

👆🏿agreed

[@shellyabraham5695]

I am really surprised to see how the honey bees were collected. It resembles the way fruits are collected from a tree and put into a box.

[@angelacross2216]

Swarms are usually super gentle, that one looked particularly calm. I hope you got the queen.

[@marikapaprika5833]

I was really nervous along side of you Shaye, then I saw the comb and I freaked out - you were very lucky that they didn't become aggressive! These were not docile overfed bees in the process of swarming. This was the beginning of a hive you captured. It is pretty unusual for a swarm to settle in so close to its old hive. Usually after the split they rest in a nearby tree/shrub while sending out scout bees to search for their new place of residence. They can stay resting for a few days, but they prefer to move on within 24 hours. They don't set up their hive on their resting place! As such, it is entirely possible that these bees could have been from elsewhere and not from one of your hives. After all, your property would be an ideal place for a foreign swarm to migrate to, it has all the food that they need. Wherever they came from I hope they survive and thrive!

[@lanapavlenko7158]

Oh my goodness, it’s like you read my mind! I just crawled into bed because it’s super gloomy weather here and I found myself thinking, gee I wish Shaye put up a video today it would be so perfect. Not even 5 minutes later here you are! Impeccable timing. Going to grab my tea now

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I think swarm might be something of a misnomer, it looked like they’ve been there quite a while!

[@lisaporria7307]

I think that swarm had been there some time given the size of the comb. How exciting.

[@KeepingItDutch]

So im not the only one who gets lazy about checking the bees 😁😁

[@whattovisitinromania5044]

Wow, you are a brave person!👏 Beautiful video, thanks for sharing! 🐝🐝🐝

[@kaseyc.johnson9926]

I've always been so interested in this, and plan on beekeeping on my own homestead in the future. You guys have always been an inspiration and a reaffirmation of what I am striving for in my life. Thank you for all you guys do.

[@kristenshipwash968]

I completely enjoy your videos. Your family is lovely. Your homesteading is inspiring. Thank you for all your shares.

[@shelbyandblush]

This was SUCH a visually stunning video you two! Even more than usual, just lovely and so vivid! That hive was stunning. I loved seeing all those happy bees. ♡🐝♡

[@amandac7267]

Thank you for respecting the bees! I love your channel and it has been a source of inspiration to create more beauty in all aspects of my life.

[@WildOnesHomestead]

How exciting!!! I'd love to keep bees oneday!😁

[@JanalynVoigt]

I love bees! They are amazing. I'm glad you appreciate yours.

[@TheDailyConnoisseur]

You are brave. I could not do this! Actually, we have a bee box (not even sure of the terminology? ha) set up by Ben. But we haven't taken the plunge yet. I'm allergic to bees so that is what is holding me back :) Good job, Elliott fam! xx

[@ShanniM]

Can't wait to see another garden tour for this year. I think I watched the video from last August 10 times now easily my favorite gardening video on KZbin. Thanks for the work you do for those of us still saving for a property of our own. Love!!

[@jenniferf4812]

I watched this when you posted it and now I’m a second year beek and came back to watch this today. I can appreciate this more today and understand what caused it and what you are doing now. I am also a sissy and get fully geared up when I work on my hive 😅

[@annamartin5707]

I loved that you said you were shaking and terrifed. My husband and I just last week captured a bee cluster from my brother in laws house! I was so excited to start bees again, but I was terrifying and my adrenaline was pumping! Great Job on capturing your bees and your hive splitting!

[@andypayne1571]

I'm no expert as only been beekeeping a year but I have collected 3 swarms and the advice given to me was once you had that main comb/cluster in the box to put the lid on and leave the box secure on the steps or as close to the original spot until the sun had gone down that way the bees will go into the box to be with the queen and any that are out foraging will come back and go into the box rather than find an empty nest. If that happens they will just hang around that area until they die as they have no purpose and will just get more angry and more likly to sting people passing by. It was a beautiful shaped swarm and they looked very productive.

[@denisescull4227]

I had goosebumps and adrenaline right along with you guys! Thanks for taking us with you!

[@homewoodstoves]

Beautiful video as always thank you!

[@edjennblack3138]

My dad was a bee keeper before he passed away. The Father’s Day after he passed I went with a friend to collect some swarm traps he had set out. It was so scary but so awesome at the same time. I really want a bee hive in my yard but some younger family members are freaked about the idea. Someday! Thank you for sharing... ❤️💋

[@tammyi363]

Good job! It is scary at first but if you remain calm, so will they. Just a piece of advice for next time. After getting as many bees into the box as you can, leave the box right there until dark then move it. You will get all of the bees that way and they prefer to be moved at night.

[@Cenepk101]

Y'all made that look easy. My bees have swarmed a few times... I wasn't terrified until last summer when I was stung when about 13 got into my suit... Will definitely make you more respectful of their fury.

[@twistedgoats8305]

I would have been shaking too! Even though you were scared, you powered through and tackled the job! That was so brave.

[@-conormahon5634]

I loved how you licked the knife to taste the honey. Like you couldn't wait. Nice story guys.

[@sarahannrolston]

Wow this was so fun for my kids to watch! Love your channel. Thanks for sharing!

[@sharongruener6078]

Yes, brave and great job. Blessings.

[@rebeccaasher5850]

Keepers of the earth...thank you!

[@tinacoppenbarger3412]

How long were they up there to have that much honey??

[@1flying]

When I was a beekeeper I found bees inside my bee suit after tending the hive. Not a single sting. Love bees!

[@OldReddingFarm]

ooooh congrats on your bee swarm!!!

[@ponytales.]

Wow, that was really neat to see! Educational too!

[@SweetAndSimpleHome]

You are so brave! 👏🏻👏🏻 We buy from a local beekeeper and love his honey! 💕

[@lisaporch8922]

Amazing and scary lol. I think I will just watch you be a bee keeper 🐝😉. I howled when you drop the hunny 5 second rule lol

[@PegsGarden]

Oh wow! I was scared for you both, glad you got them safely ♥️

[@nancycowan6109]

I hope Stu has some pajama pants on as well. 🐝 And I love how great you both work so well together. Yep. You and the bees. ❤️Stay safe and be well.

[@melissasprinkel1670]

You had my adrenaline going I have to say! Nice job ♥️🐝

[@joanneganon7157]

Awesome job ooooow and your assistant is handsome👌🎉🎆🙌💥. That is quite the hair raising Job! We have a whole lot of Humble Bumbles this year, it's so good to see them. JO JO IN VT 💕😄

[@kingstitanhomestead]

As many pointed out, that was a well established colony. There are a few ways to save the comb. First brush off the bees from the comb. Then using either a custom made frame for comb transferring or an empty wood frame and rubber bands, strap the comb in the same direction it was taken off the limb......one by one so that no bees nor the queen are damaged and you don't end up with a huge mess. Hope they all survived, I tried finding a follow up video but didn't see one...........how did they do?

[@HarvestandGather]

I find this very interesting to watch. thanks for sharing :)

[@michelle4153]

That's really cool. Just remember to keep the orientation of the comb that they've drawn so you have to prepare the new box with frames that you can put their foundation on in the right order. Otherwise you "mess up" the "rooms" of their "house". :)

[@mamakbear1154]

Your videos always are so soothing! We just recently got some bees too, I’m excited to have the fresh honey!

[@barrysullivan59]

Oops!!..Somebody forgot the cardinal role in beekeeping,observation+remedial action. I hope you've retrieved the queen and re-homed the colony successfully. Please remember to add frames and when full,another super. Good luck and take care Baz in Cornwall U/K

[@jayyoung8892]

Hi what beautiful garden in the background . What are those roses on the trellis? they are so beautiful.

[@charaayars4692]

as you kids have gotten older, have they started to come into the food production more and more? We just bought six acres in rural PA and are putting in our first gardens, our first egg layers and meat chickens and so on. Our kids have gardened with us in town gardens, but not quite on this scale!

[@malviaharrismcpherson6946]

"WOW"this is so-so powerful great job, look at God given nature stay bless & be bless of God 🙏👍💙❤

[@75reyna]

Challenging beekeeper job. New friend here bringing support.❤❤👍

[@lisagerlach2960]

Just beautiful

[@sauliusogamas8165]

omg, you is a brave woman

[@brendasanchez-ic2ld]

That was interesting to watch. Bee's are amazing creatures. Do you sell your honey to the public? Thank you for sharing, I enjoy your channel.

[@AbbyCd]

That was so cool 🐝!!

[@rickayers3150]

You got grit girl.

[@sandrafarley2966]

always remember to have a good herbal garden they use them as a pharmacy.

[@anjanas4061]

Beautiful as always. Love your family &farm ... Lots of love from India

[@TambovP4elovoD]

Привет из России! Спасибо за видео👍🌷🌷🌷 Приятно видеть такого красивого пчеловода!🐝🐝🐝

[@karynelizabeth7256]

You are brave😅 I’d have bee nightmares for days

[@patriciacinea3097]

You are brave!

[@OdeToFoliage]

Will you be transferring them into a bee box with slatted racks? Or just leaving them loose to make their own comb? This is very cool to watch, I hope you make more bee keeping videos!

[@aprylmoore6241]

they’re called frames. hopefully they do add frames and rubber band the comb to them. otherwise they’ll have a lot of problems with the hive and won’t be able to inspect them.

[@susantaylor8507]

Wow that looks like the hive at my husband's work

[@gingerkoel5608]

Good video, love bees. Generally when bees swarm they gorge on honey to make their new home with, so they are very docile. But, those bees have been there for a long time so might have been a bit feisty. I must say I am very surprised that they made their home out in the open. Scout bees usually find an enclosed environment to take the queen to ahead of time (they want her safe). I am hoping you got your queen, if you find the bees going back and forth from the box to the tree, she is still in the tree. There are so many other things to point out but, its a learning curve each year. Love that you two hopped in to save them, great job.

[@kristinfrancis7798]

If it’s a swarm from your bees that just happend there wouldn’t have been comb. They must have been there for a while they rarely stay in the first place they swarm to. They inevitably will move to a final location. Different for them to be out in the open. Your new bee box needs foundation or at least frames. It’ll be a mess if you just leave that odd comb laying inside that box. By cool you’ve added to your hives!

[@enadimi]

you are too brave! This may be too much to ask but will you be willing to share with me what is the font on your The Elliott Homestead plaque at the beginning of the your segments.

[@debrahenderson798]

I maybe wrong but I've watch people capture swarms so many times, but I thought you were suppose to shake the bees off into a box like you had (or 5gal bucket) then remove the comb and try to attach it to some frames? Then add bees back. I'm just concerned some bees where crushed the way you put the comb in. I'm not a pro just a beginner who has a great teacher 😁❤

[@redroofhoney9389]

Debra Henderson typically a swarm doesn’t have comb yet, so yes you would shake them in a box. A swarm is it’s first split, then they find a home and start building comb. Shay found their home it seems after it originally split. Bees will be fine.

[@debrahenderson798]

@@redroofhoney9389 awesome. Thank you for your response. As I stated I am a beginner and love learning from others who have way more knowledge than I.

[@redroofhoney9389]

Debra Henderson absolutely! There are teaching videos through the university of Guelph on beekeeping. They are such amazing videos and so full of information. That’s where we started years ago and I always try to direct new beekeepers to them. Bees are amazing and the more beekeepers the better. Let me know if you have any questions, we are always willing to help.

[@charlesbale8376]

Terrifying and so amazing.

[@rosejarman6920]

Show us how you harvest the honey!!! I have been wanting to do this, but....... like you said a little scary

[@ct9737]

This is just a question,why aren’t you using a smoker on the hive ?

[@leonardohernandez991]

One day I would love to keep honey bees. I was mesmerized by the Roses in the background. Do you know the cultivar/variety?

[@ellenross1947]

I've never seen a swarm with comb....I don't think that's a swarm ...those bees have been there a while...

[@sarahmichaels2117]

Bee careful🐝

[@abbykmackenzie]

bee swarms are the ONLY reason i haven’t dove in and bought my first hive yet!!

[@aprylmoore6241]

swarms are actually extremely gentle. they have no babies and no honey to protect. this was not a swarm but the colony was making themselves a new hive in the tree. they still seemed very gentle.

[@MsCaterific]

💗

[@susantaylor8507]

I would love to have bees 🐝

[@jenniferpruett8164]

What book would you recommend for just starting to tend bees?

[@dakotahlavender]

I've never been stung, I run when one flies at me LOL wasps are the worst.

[@garyfreeman5999]

The combs should be tied into frames vertically . . . . held into the frames with string. I have no idea what will happen when the combs are just laid into the hive horizontally. That's gonna be a mess! LOL!

[@-CrampedStyle-]

This pretty lady is hardcore. Subscribed.

[@susantaylor8507]

At my husband work they have a swarm at the rest area and they don't know what to do but there a hug swarm I just got stung my one of my neighbors honey bees a few days ago and its been a few years but I have never got stung before

[@jcomer7368]

Winnie the poo wud love all that honey😋🐻

[@juliecarns]

Bravo on your successful capture! Am I the only one wondering why you are letting others pick your cherries? I’d be freezing them and eating them every week of the year along with making jam, salsa & canning them for crisps and other desserts. 🍒

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Julie Carns I think they were on someone else’s property, a cherry orchard.

[@lynnrushton7458]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👌❤️🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 well done‼️

[@kristinfrancis7798]

Did you just lay the comb in the hive body and just put the hive in place? Did you not replace it with frames? No hive just has comb just laying in a pile on the bottom. It’s gonna be a mess and you won’t be able to do any kind of thorough hive inspections...

[@sjmsark]

Hello there, that looked terrifying yet exhilarating I am sure. Do you sell/ship your honey??

[@janiceseigler6317]

The bees are very important. I realize that you are terrified of them by throwing the combs in the hive box with no understanding of how they live, survive, and raise their brood. It is about more than just honey.

[@michaeldemetriou3043]

🙂👍

[@Princesshelyne]

That was terrifying to watch. The reality is someone had to be the first to try and because people were brave many years ago we enjoy honey today. Would love to know the first person who figured out how to eat lobster🧐

[@ohske]

☺️👍👍👍👌♥️

[@c.r701]

When you oh so want to have bee boxes but are allergic

[@jed206]

You should watch JPthebeeman.... :)

[@Madisondmclean]

Anyone else terrified stew was going to trip with the bees in hand?!! 🥴😬

[@diennaschiro65]

Hi will I really don’t knoto sa

[@diennaschiro65]

Sorry I messed up ya”ll live in a little wonder land and you work so hard at it.😪please tell me when to plant Daisy’s black eyed pansies and some of your recipes please God Bless.