It's not unusual to get inaccurate information when you are contacted about a swarm. If your told it's 10 ft up it could be 20 ft up. If your told it's the size of a basketball it cold be the size of an orange. Needless to say descriptions can be amusing when compared with reality. But a good description helps you decide what tools are required.
This time of year I actually keep basic swarm caching equipment in my car at all times. This includes: Veil, gloves, container (Brood box with attached bottom board), duct tape, and clippers.
I catch swarms in a brood box with attached bottom board because it's handy and then transfer the swarm once I'm home. But since I have more hives this year, and I need the Bottom board, I'm going to have to come up with something else. (You can see the staples holding the Bottom board to the Brood box in the photo).
Here are some pics. These bees are very dark, as you can see from the close up. I'm thinking maybe Russian.
I know plenty of people who capture swarms in cardboard, but I prefer something sturdier. I have a friend who captured a swarm in a cardboard box. She wasn't able to go straight home and the bees ate through the cardboard. I figure why risk it. I'd rather not have bees flying around inside my car when I'm driving. Lol, it's a personal preference. #TNbekeeper
