Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:10 AM AWST

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Manage honey bee swarms

Manage honey bee swarms

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCBEK301
State Code
BAL72
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
19/12/2018
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/01/2017
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
12/01/2017
Nominal Hours
15
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to collect and establish bee swarms, determine the health of bee swarm and manage swarming behaviour in hives according to quarantine and biosecurity procedures.The unit applies to beekeepers who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources and to solve problems.State and territory regulations and local government by-laws apply in some jurisdictions to beehive ownership and biosecurity.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to catch a swarm of honey bees
  • 1.1 Assess swarm location, size and condition and determine the options for dealing with the swarm
  • 1.2 Determine equipment and resources required if catching the swarm is a viable and safe option
  • 1.3 Select equipment and ensure serviceable for collecting swarms
  • 1.4 Identify health and safety in the workplace hazards and risks and apply appropriate controls associated with collecting a swarm
  • 1.5 Select, ensure serviceability, fit and use personal protective equipment
  • 1.6 Conduct work according to quarantine regulations and biosecurity codes of practice
2. Collect a swarm of honey bees
  • 2.1 Place foundation frames in hive box to encourage collected swarm to remain according to biosecurity code of practice
  • 2.2 Catch swarm by shaking or placing into an empty box
  • 2.3 Move boxed swarm to new location after confirming that entire swarm has been collected
  • 2.4 Quarantine swarm from apiary to monitor hive health according to biosecurity procedures
  • 2.5 Monitor egg laying performance of queen to determine if re-queening is required according to workplace procedures
3. Manage swarming behaviour in a honey bee colony
  • 3.1 Monitor honey bee colony for signs that swarming may occur
  • 3.2 Consider options for controlling swarming behaviour and select and implement the best option
  • 3.3 Monitor colony to ensure that swarming behaviour has been managed and assess further management options
4. Update and maintain apiary records
  • 4.1 Update apiary records for increased hive numbers according to workplace procedures
  • 4.2 Notify authorities of amended hive numbers according to legislative and regulatory requirements
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D6679 AHCBEK301A Manage honey bee swarms Unit of competency