Hive Swarmed - Let me run this plan to recapture them by y'all

I’m a beekeeper, and I have a question

Zone 6b (United States)

I had a hive that was showing signs that they were going to swarm, and I could not get to them in time. This morning I spotted them on a tree branch ~30' above the ground, about ~25' away from where my hives are.

I sustained an injury this past weekend (hence why I could not get into the hive) so climbing up into the tree or using a ladder is not an option right now.

My plan:

  1. Grab one of my extra hives (my nuc is in use at the moment because I needed to stop another swarm last month)
  2. Place empty hive under the swarm
  3. Add honey or maple syrup to the to the frames in the empty hive in an attempt to attract them.
  4. ????
  5. Bees live in the new hive?

I'm in full on MacGyver mode at the moment, so I am open to suggestions.

Posted Jun 2, 2026, 1:13 PM UTC

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