SWF ISO BEES

[Lisabeth Ryder]

I have the bee suit, smoker, equipment, and hives. I need to get some bees though. My hives have stood in my back yard for over a year waiting for bees. Please let me know how to get bees into my hives. Thank you!

[susan rudnicki]

Hi, Lisabeth—you have reached the right source! First, tell us a little about yourself and what education you have taken to learn about bees. Where do you live? Have you been to some of the HL Monthly Symposiums where we have topics presented on beekeeping? How about visiting the HL Sanctuary? Rob and Chelsea have written a excellent guide for all things related to keeping natural honey bees, using wild bees (survivor stock) caught from the great population of the LA Basin. Please tell us what books you have read to guide knowledge.
However, hives set up in backyards to attract swarms are not guaranteed to be occupied, as you have discovered! Sounds like you have more than one hive, which is a smart setup—when something needs remedying for a problem, one of the hives can often be the donor of what you need. Are you wishing to keep in Langstroth hives or Top Bar hives?
Very important—have you made contact with a mentor who is experienced and accessible to you? (I am not familiar with the acronyms this post is titled by—SWF, ISO?) Let us know the answers to these questions which can help route you to sources and help. You can also call me, the HL Forum moderator, at 310-374-4779 Thanks! Susan

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