How I catch swarms high off the ground safely.

How i catch swarms with my scoop and score.

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Very good idea on the trash can . I saw that video you did on this swarm catch but I guess old age caused me to forget about it. Lol lol . I already have two of those poles I use to wash my motor home . Randall if you do not care I would like to add something to this . There are two sizes of these poles a small an a big diameter please do not waste your money on the small one yes they will work great on washing or painting BUT they will brake on using the small one trying to catch a swarm just like Randall said they are heavy with a bucket an bees up in the air that far . It is great having all kind of bee keepers around giving all kinds of informative information to EVERYONE that is what makes this so helpful. As always Randall THANK you an everyone for helping everyone. A big bee keeping family. THANKS

[@randallcarter-carterhillho2277]

You are welcome and thank you for your input on the pole. Great information.

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

That was the best idea I’ve ever seen. I purchased my trash can on Amazon. It works great. Thanks Randall!!!

[@randallcarter-carterhillho2277]

Thank you Rodney!!

[@bettydaltonnewbold2019]

What a great swarm catching system. Thanks VERY much!

[@randallcarter-carterhillho2277]

Thank you.

[@flowerstreetfarmbees]

Randall, I really like your mesh bucket. I bet that makes a big difference. I use a telescoping pole with a paintbrush frame, too. I like to use my paint roller frame on my pole to pull down a branch for easier reach. Sometimes I'll shake the branch that has all of the stragglers. That forces them to take flight and search for a new place to land, hopefully my box with the rest of the swarm. Since your roller frame is taped on, you might want to consider having an extra along for those purposes.

[@randallcarter-carterhillho2277]

Thank you, I do have a spare handle ready for use.

[@meloneycrews]

This is a game changer!! We did this last year and like you said the bees will cling to the outside instead of flying away or back up to the limb! Thanks so much for the idea! Best Beekeeping hack ever!!

[@randallcarter-carterhillho2277]

Thank you!! I am happy that has worked for you.

[@MikeBarryBees]

Great demo Randall. And promoting a safe way to catch high up swarms. I need to replace my 5 gallon bucket. I have it taped to a pruning pole, but that metal mesh can seems way better. Thanks for sharing!!

[@randallcarter-carterhillho2277]

Thank you Mike!!

[@hickoryhives8372]

Good stuff Randall, I have that pole with a water jug on the end. It gets darn heavy with a large swarm! Best of luck this season!

[@randallcarter-carterhillho2277]

Thank you.

[@matthewmyers4500]

Hey Everyone, I tried looking at Big Lots for one of these wire baskets last year but, to no avail. I read in the comments, someone found them on Amazon. If you have a Menard’s in your area, they come in two colors (black, grey). I picked up one for $5.00 a couple weeks ago there. Thanks Randal and Ricky for sharing your education and innovation to the rest of us.

[@Steele_Wings]

Everything you said is the truth. I tried a 5 gallon bucket on a pool cleaning pole and the weight snapped that aluminum. I will modify a paint roller to a mesh bucket. Still manage to catch 7 of my own colonies that swarmed this year.

[@donbearden1953]

Randal, that is definitely a great tool to have! The first time I retrieved a swarm that I couldn’t reach from the ground was a 10 foot piece of pvc pipe with a 5 gallon bucket gorilla taped together it worked just fine. Now I have a fiberglass extension pole and a 3 1/2 gallon bucket. I’ve actually thought about drilling lots of small holes through the walls of the bucket but now I think I’ll just buy a wire trash basket like yours. One advantage to my bucket is I would have a lid for it that I could drill vent holes in also. I’m already seeing drone brood and dry queen cups here near B’ham.

[@randallcarter-carterhillho2277]

Thank you Don. I too have pondered drilling holes in a bucket, and then lining the inside of the bucket with 1/8 hardware cloth and trying that. Although I have added bucket feeders to a few of my colonies I have not looked in any yet. Just guessing but I believe there might be a little drone brood starting now but not much capped if any. I will probably wait about 2 more weeks before looking in some.

[@PennsylvaniaBeekeeper]

Thanks for the tip. I think I'll build one for myself.

[@jhulin9018]

Very helpful!

[@joekuder]

i seen one made with an adjustable flag pole mount. sturdier than a paint roller handle and you can adjust the tilt

[@donstanley8514]

Great idea!!

[@randallcarter-carterhillho2277]

Thank you!

[@reneallen6405]

About a close up on your swarm catcher bucket?

[@randallcarter-carterhillho2277]

Yes, I can make a video on that. Thank you.

[@troywinters1875]

what is the width and height of your mesh can please?

[@randallcarter-carterhillho2277]

There is only the one size can It is apx 12" in diameter and about 14" tall. You can get them online or menards.