• Swarming is a colony’s natural way of reproducing itself. Bees will swarm when their hive is too crowded with bees and honey, usually in the springtime. The queen will leave the hive taking about half the bees and most of the honey with her.

• After leaving the hive, the swarm will usually cluster on a nearby branch. During this time, the bees are inspecting the surrounding area for a new place to live. This is your chance to give them a new home.

• Put on your bee suit, gloves and veil before you approach the swarm. Although bees are usually gentle when swarming, it’s best to be safe.

• Make sure you have a clear path to the swarm. If needed, you can trim some of the branches close to where the swarm is clustered, but be careful not to shake the branch they are on at this point.

 Instructions

• Place your brood box under the branch where the swarm is, and make sure it’s level. If you have the Flow Hive 2 you can use the hive stand’s adjustable legs to ensure it is level. This is important to ensure the bees build their comb correctly.
• If you’re using the Flow Hive 2, keep the vents closed, this will help the bees locate and adjust to the new hive.
• Place the brood box directly underneath the swarm, and remove some of the brood frames in the centre to make space for the bees.
• Grab the branch that the swarm is on and give it a strong sharp downward shake. The bees should fall off the branch and into the box.
• Cut off the branch that the bees were on, and shake it again until most of the bees are in the box.
• If the queen is in the box, the rest of the bees will follow.
• Gently put the brood frames back in the box, being careful not to crush any bees. 

IMPORTANT: Press the middle frames tightly together to make sure the bees build their comb properly. If there is space between frames, make sure it’s at the edges of the box rather than the centre.

• Brush away and bees from the top of the box, and then put on the inner cover and the lid. 

• The bees should now settle into their new home, and you’ve got a new hive!

• If there are not many plants in bloom in your area, you may need to feed your bees, this will depend on the season and your location. If you’re unsure, talk to your supplier or other local beekeepers to get their advice.