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How to Catch a Swarm of Bees

Humboldt County Department of Agriculture

This month’s event will feature Eric Christian, a skilled beekeeper and woodworker, will be diving into the fascinating topic of honeybee swarms and how to catch them.

Note: this is not our usual first Thursday of month.

Picture a buzzing tornado of honeybees erupting into the sky—tens of thousands strong, humming with raw energy as they swarm, searching for a new home. This isn’t just nature’s chaos; it’s your golden ticket to catch a thriving colony in action! In the spring, swarming happens when a hive outgrows itself, and the old queen jets off with half her crew—up to 20,000 bees stuffed with honey—leaving the next generation to rule the original hive. They’ll hang out, clustered on a branch or fence, while scout bees dance and debate the perfect new spot. That’s your moment: with a box, a little skill, and some careful moves, you can scoop up this living community, ready to build a robust colony under your watch. It’s a high-stakes thrill ride—part treasure hunt, part bee rodeo—where you’re not just witnessing their wild teamwork and instinct, but grabbing it for yourself. Catching a swarm is the beekeeper’s adrenaline rush, turning nature’s chaos into your next honey-making empire!

DATES/TIMES

WHERE

• Humboldt County Department of Agriculture

PRICE

• Free