Abstract

OLIVER CORTEZ, J. Cesar. Capture of swarms and colonies of honeybees (Apis mellifera) without risk or damage. Apthapi [online]. 2022, vol.8, n.1, pp. 43-51. ISSN 0102-0304.

ABSTRACT: Bees (Apis mellifera), similar to 16,000 other insect species, by collecting nectar and/or pollen from flowers to feed themselves and their offspring, pollinate native and cultivated plants, which allows the formation of seeds and fruits. The objective of beekeeping or breeding of bees of the Apis mellifera species is to obtain harvested products and, in countries with specialized agricultural production, to provide pollination services by renting hives. To minimize risks from accidental stings and during colony management, beekeepers install their apiaries in appropriate locations and conditions that allow them to collect sufficient nectar and pollen from flowers, resins and clean water, ükewise, they must have equipment for management and minimal knowledge to provide their colonies with timely attention. In order to reduce the risks during the capture of swarms and colonies, and not to transmit pests and/or diseases to the apiary colonies, technical recommendations are detailed in the different stages of the process. Because of the months of swarming or creation of new swarms naturally, lack of knowledge of the queen's age, sanitary status and other characteristicsfor bee production, expert beekeepers will hardly resortto swarm capture to increase the number of their hives.

Keywords : pollination; swarms; colonies.