Bees are adorable creatures with a sting that inflicts painful stings; Sometimes, however, it is necessary to catch one of these cute but dangerous insects. Whether it's a science school project, having to take one away from home or for any other reason, catching a live bee could be a potentially painful and risky experience; however, you can take some precautions to reduce the risk of getting stung while catching. Remember that no matter which method you choose to use, you need to be cool and calm; if you act recklessly or excessively, you may be stung.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: with Flowers and Honey
Step 1. Dress appropriately
Before thinking about the method to implement, you need to get into the role of a beekeeper. Of course, it's not always possible to have the same protective clothing as this professional, but try your best. Cover most of the skin and face if possible. Currency of:
- Wear a long-sleeved sweatshirt to protect your neck, head, arms and chest;
- Put on long pants; the best are probably jeans, because they are of strong and thick fabric;
- Dress in layers if possible as stingers can go through clothing.
Step 2. Get a large vase with a tapered neck
You have to get this container in which you will have to lure the bee. Make sure the opening is large enough for the insect to fly inside; also check that you have something to close or cover once the bee is captured.
Step 3. Take some small flowers and place them inside the jar
They represent the main bait to attract the insect; There are many different varieties that are effective, but some are more suitable for attracting bees and other pollinators:
- Honeysuckle;
- Monarda;
- Lantana.
Step 4. Pour some honey inside
Do not put too much of it and prevent it from clumping into large drops in which the bee can get trapped. It is sufficient to spread a little around the pot to attract even more the insect; if you are worried about hurting them, the best way to avoid it is to put honey under the flowers, so that the bee lands on them instead of on the honey.
Step 5. Look for the bee and trap it at the right time
You have to stay alert and check if it flies in the jar; once inside, quickly put the cap on, making sure it is hermetically sealed; after all this work, you certainly don't want to get stung!
Step 6. Free the bee
Take the jar outside and wait for the insect to calm down for a couple of minutes. Especially observe the moment when he examines the flowers in the vase and does not flutter in the container, because it is the right time to open the container and walk away to a safe distance, waiting for the bee to fly away.
- Once released, close and take away the jar; you have to prevent the same or other bees from returning again.
- Do not run away. You could run and hurt yourself; just walk slowly until you are at a safe distance.
- Check where it went; this way, you can tell if there is a nest nearby.
Method 2 of 2: with a non-lethal insect vacuum
Step 1. Purchase an insect vacuum cleaner
There are many non-lethal models on the market, whose function is to suck these little creatures - in your case the bee - inside a tank. Once the bee has been "sucked", you can close the device, remove the tank and free the insect outside. While this is quite an effective method, remember that this is an offensive technique and you may increase the risk of getting stung.
Step 2. Prepare the vacuum
Make sure you read the user manual, have new batteries and know how the tool works; check that the tank is engaged and flush with the rest of the equipment - you must prevent the bee from escaping and stinging you!
- Test with a piece of paper or a fly.
- Make sure you have no difficulty attaching and removing the tank. Most of the models foresee to tighten the container and deactivate the suction action; learn the correct procedure.
- Practice disassembling the containment chamber to be able to release the insect without being stung.
Step 3. Dress appropriately
Since you have to physically get close to the insect, you have to cover yourself as best as possible to avoid a painful encounter with the sting; the greater the protected surface of the skin, the less likely it is to be stung if the bee decides to attack.
- Get a regular or hooded sweatshirt; this last piece of clothing is perfect because it protects the neck, head and arms; choose a pattern of rather thick fabric.
- Wear long pants to cover your legs as well.
- If you are particularly worried, use goggles or a mask.
- Make your clothes thick. Bee stings have no trouble getting through clothes, so choose clothes that offer you excellent protection.
Step 4. Approach the bee with the vacuum cleaner and catch it
After getting dressed appropriately, use the suction power of the machine to suck the insect from a close distance; since you have been practicing, you shouldn't have difficulty. Most of these devices should be powerful enough to be able to catch the bee without harming them; you don't have to be particularly brave, just get close enough to allow the vacuum cleaner to suck in the insect.
Step 5. Free her
Remove the tank from the tool and wait for the bee to relax for a couple of minutes. In this phase you have to wait for it to stabilize and stay still for a few moments; after this time take it outside, place the container on a table and open it slightly. Step back a few meters and wait for the bee to fly away.
Advice
- Free her immediately after capturing her to allow her to return to her hive.
- Any sweet product is a great choice.
- Don't kill the bee! It is essential for pollinating flowering plants!
