I was rung by the local police yesterday to say that a seven foot long swarm had settled in someone’s apple tree – and could I collect it! I was out at the time – and asked that the woman who had rung me get in touch.
In the end I had to ring the police back to get the details and decided to go and catch the swarm with onlly an hour of daylight left.
When I arrived, the swarm was normal size – but 15 ft up in the tree – and the owner only had a 9 foot ladder. So I had to ask for a soft brush and swept the swarm onto a sheet on the ground.
It was so dark by the time I left, I am not sure whether or not I got the queen. Anyway, it just shows how information can be mis-translated! Anyone who has actually seen a seven foot long swarm please let me know!
Bee Lore 
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