I picked up swarm #18 in a back yard today, about the size of a volleyball,
clustered 10 ft up in a magnolia tree.
 
For those of you who are into removing those large clusters of
bees......you know the ones that are the size of basketballs and larger
:)... I highly recommend using a copy paper box as a temporary hive.  Keep
a couple on hand in your vehicle during the swarming season. Cut a small
opening at the bottom of the box to create an entrance for the bees.
 
These boxes are perfect size to put a 9 5/8 frame diagonally, and the top
is just like a telescoping hive cover.  Not to mention that it is light and
easy to transport up and down a ladder.  I suggest having a few bungie
cords on hand to wrap the box onto a branch to keep it from falling.  Come
back at night when all the bees are inside clustering around the frame.
Tape up the entrance and then transport back to you apiary. Lift off the
top and you will note that the bees have started making comb on the frame.
Put the frame with clustered bees into a hive box and then turn the box
upside down and hit the bottom to dislodge the bees from the copy box into
their new permanent home.
 
To get those really high swarms, put a frame of uncapped brood into the
copy box and hoist it up to the bees. OR I like the idea that was mentioned
on this list about getting a long pole with a bee vac.
 
Picking up swarms is a great way to increase your apiary numbers and
provides a much needed community service.
 
And I don't charge for swarm gathering either. I consider it a community
service. The PR is fantastic!!
 
 
Paul Cronshaw, D.C.
Cyberchiro and Hobbyist Beekeeper
Santa Barbara, CA  USA