How to Make Your Own Beehive From a Swarm of Bees

Capture the Swarm

• 1

  Check the bees to make sure you are dealing with honeybees and not Africanized bees. Africanized bees should never be collected in the manner described here, since they can be extremely dangerous.

• 2

  Trim around the branch the bees are on to make it readily accessible, and then cut the branch from the plant. The swarm of bees will stay in place as you do this.

• 3

  Cut the branch to fit into the box or cage you brought to contain them. Be careful when cutting close to the swarm, so you don't injure any bees.

• 4

  Sweep bees that have swarmed onto a wall or other surface into the box using a bee brush. Be very gentle so as not to hurt them.

• 5

  Lay the branch in the box, carefully close the lid and tape it shut. The bees do not need air holes for a short trip to the hive. Some keepers prefer to use a bee cage, which is made of screen and is appropriate for a longer journey.

Relocate the Bees

• 6

  Mix equal parts sugar and water in a new, clean spray bottle. Never use a bottle that has had any kind of chemicals in it.

• 7

  Spray the bees with a fine mist of sugar water, letting it drip into their cage through the screen. This helps feed them and keep them calm. If they are in a cardboard box you can open it slightly to spray them.

• 8

  Remove all but 10 panels from the hive, to allow a space for the new bees. Spray the panels in the new beehive with the sugar water. Use the smallest reducer on the beehive entrance to keep the queen in the hive.

• 9

  Pour the bees from the box or cage into to hive. They will not try to fly away or sting you, though one or two stings are possible when moving them into their new home.

• 10

  Close the beehive and leave them to get familiar with their new home. Feed them every day for the first two or three weeks, since they will need time to make food for themselves before being left completely on their own.