Swarm-catching supplies

Having a list of stuff to take on a swarm call can save you a lot of hassles. I wrote this list on top of my swarm-catching box. (The bees pictured here are the ones I caught yesterday.)

• Spray bottle with water
  
• Ladder or stepstool
  
• Clippers/loppers
  
• Headlamp (if the call comes late in the day)
  
• Straps (for securing the box to a ladder or stool, for example)
  
• Masking tape
  
• Headnet or bee suit (even if you don't need them, you may have an observer or helper who would appreciate a little extra protection)
  
• Gloves
  
• Bee pick and/or small plastic dustpan (for scooping bees)
  
• Bee brush
  
• Bedsheets (spread one under where you are working; many bees will fall to the ground, and the sheet will help you avoid stepping on them. When you leave, you can gently and loosely fold the sheet up over the box and put another on top to contain any bees on the outside of the box.)
  
• Camera and tripod
  
• Business cards
  

And this important reminder: Remove your rings!

Even if you are not particularly reactive to bee stings, a well-placed zap to the finger can cause enough swelling to be uncomfortable. And should you react badly, you don't want to have your rings cut off your fingers.