Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => HONEYBEE REMOVAL => Topic started by: Angi_H on February 12, 2008, 12:24:11 am

Title: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Angi_H on February 12, 2008, 12:24:11 am
I just got a call on my voice mail for someone in a neighboring county to remove a established hive in a hollow of an old tree. Hopefully it is an old tree that they no longer want.  I am going to call them tomorrow Morning and find out all about it and how long it has been there. We were almost 70 today and will be also tomorrow. And I know it is not time for them to swarm. I bet they have been there for a while. What would be the best way to go about this? I know I would have to take the tree down in sections. But what if they dont want the tree down? Do you think depending on the tree if I cut the opening big enough to be able to remove the brood and honey that it can be done if they want the tree. Do you think the tree would heal over if I sealed where I cut with tree seal? Please any thing for my first hive removal. I really do hope I can get this hive as it would be a great start to getting my package in mid April.


Angi
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Cindi on February 12, 2008, 12:37:59 am
Angi, sorry I can't give you any words of advice, but that is so cool that you got this first call, and you don't even have your bees yet, just wait until you get bees and you are well known, lovely.  If and when you do it, have a great time, you may become very addicted to this line of stuff like so many of some other forum members.  Have fun.  Have a beautiful and greatest of this day, love this life.  Cindei
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Angi_H on February 12, 2008, 12:52:57 am
Well we have to do it before Monday next week as hubby goes back to work then. If they are in the same county as the Farm show I am going to for the next 3 days. I will go by after we get done there. I know trying to place a trap out wont work very well. And where would I find Queens now if I dont get the queen Omg UGGHH> I plan on having hubby take pictures. If I do this. Wish me luck.

Angi
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Jerrymac on February 12, 2008, 01:18:57 am
Don't know about California but around here hollow trees don't last long. The wind breaks them then a mess of tree is falling on houses and cars and such. Just tell them it is a hazard and it really should be cut at least down to the hollow spot.
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: NWIN Beekeeper on February 12, 2008, 01:40:27 am
[What would be the best way to go about this? ]
[I know I would have to take the tree down in sections.]

This is the best way.
Screen the openings before starting to cut.
Keep in mind that live tree trunk is a lot heavier than you probably imagine.
Also consider, the more cuts you make, the more exposure you have to the bees.
It also means more chance to kill the queen.
If this is to happen on your time schedule, I would recommend trapping foragers with a cone.
This depopulates the hive a little bit and helps prevent too much congestion.
Congestion causes heat and too much heat will kill the colony.

A lot of how to cut a tree depends on the type of tree and how the colony is located in the trunk.
Other factors like how many entrances and nearby dead branches can impact the integrity of the tree.
It also depend on if you have professional help and buckets and boom trucks.
A good tree company can gently fell a tree without a sound.
Any redneck with a chainsaw will inevitably will kill the bees and get everyone stung and still want a jar of honey.

[But what if they dont want the tree down?]

Tighten your boot straps you're in for a ride.
Just kidding, your next best option is trap out.
But you might get your package before the trap out is complete.

[Do you think depending on the tree if I cut the opening big enough to be able to remove the brood and honey that it can be done if they want the tree.]
[Do you think the tree would heal over if I sealed where I cut with tree seal?]

You might be able to cut a sizable hole, but like you said, it depends on the tree.
The cells and structure of a tree is like a bundle of straws.
If you cut them low, you damage much of what is above.
So if you cut any sizable hole, it probably will adversely impact the tree.

Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: BenC on February 13, 2008, 12:32:28 am
Do you think the tree would heal over if I sealed where I cut with tree seal?
Angi

In my experience, once a tree is old and decrepit enough to have a void in it, it's on a downhill road anyhow.  Nothing but a liability (possible fallen branches) until it is cut down.  If you do a trapout or cut enough to get your arm in you might be able to patch the hole with some great stuff+ paint, treecote or wax but its (the trees) days are numbered.  How many days can depend alot upon what type of tree it is and how drastic you are with the saw.  Same with the tree-cote, there are correct applications for it but it's not for all cuts.  If you think this hive has good genetics but you can't cut or trapping is too intensive then at the least you could set up a swarm trap, feed it like a wahoo :-P and hope to catch any potential swarms.
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Angi_H on February 13, 2008, 02:23:15 am
Well I called them today and I am going out tomorrow to take a look. It is about 10 to 15 up in an old limb that broke off a few years ago and started rotting out on the inside. It is a Modesto Ash. The limb is about 10in to 15 inches across. He said he can see comb coming out of the hole in the end of the limb. So where the limb broke off and it rotted out is where the hive is. He has no clue how long they have been there. But they have comb and it is is starting to come out the hole. I will take pictures tomorrow when I go out and take a look. I know I am going to have to rent a ladder. As I have none that are 15ft. Sounds like if the hole is big enough I might be able to chip at it to remove comb. Or just cut it off behind the hive. As I rope off the limb so that when I cut it dont fall and it can be lowered  to the ground. I will cover the opening with the screen. Wish me luck. I will post pictures of what it will entail tomorrow night.  And Should be able to make araingmants to go and do the job on Friday or Sat.  What time of the day would be the best to do this? And should I put a cone on it tomorrow and a nuc with feed and sugar syrup? I have honey B Healthy and I have some mixed in a spray bottle. I will check here before I leave in the morning.

Angi
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: BMAC on February 13, 2008, 08:45:58 am
good luck. 

Dont worry about covering the opening with the screen, the bees will be flying like crazy anyway.  I have removed a colony from a tree like this before.  It is best to have a hydraulic wood splitter sitting around and once you have the limb removed from the tree (I assume it will be a 4 foot length carefully split the branch so it splits with the way the  comb is going (like with the grain of the wood) if at all possible. 

Got a decent sized chain saw????
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: JP on February 13, 2008, 09:01:23 am
Angi, be prepared for the fact that this tree could be hollow all the way to the base. Yes, this means you could have comb that is anywhere from 12 to 15' long and a huge hive on your hands. The first thing you need to do is find out how large the hive is before you make any attempt at all to deal with this thing. Some of what I mention may have been presented to you already so I apologize first hand for any redundency on my part. You need to have a drill with you, no questions asked, and some long wood bits say in the 1/4 inch range. You will need to drill some test holes in the tree and determine where the hive stops so you can guage the size of this thing, it doesn't matter exactly what time you do this as long as you screen off the entrance hole, while you're drilling your test holes. After you drill, examine the bit for honey or propolise, etc...   As others may have mentioned, your best opportunity to get the hive and even possibly the queen, you will have to be able to get right up in there and physically remove and transfer the combs. With this said, and I don't mean in any way to discourage you from this undertaking, for your first removal, you are quite possibly in for a real challenge. I don't know all the particulars of the situation to guide you better, please after further inspection, if you would like, you can of course post back here with the specifics and we can better guide you from there. Please pay attention to detail and conduct those test holes. If the hive is not very large for some reason then you could take the section of the tree that contains the hive and transfer the entire thing to your apiary. Get back to us for more assistance and we will gladly help in any way we can.

Sincerely, JP
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Robo on February 13, 2008, 09:15:38 am
Boy,  sounds like you getting in pretty deep for a first time removal.   I hope your excitement hasn't lead you to bite off more than you can chew.   Be prepared with alternate plans as these never go as one plans, especially when dealing with trees and working on ladders.  The liability also drastically increases in these cases.

Don't want to sound negative, but as an experienced remover,  I know the issues involved in such a removal.

The good news is that the colony will be at it's smallest coming out of winter, so early Spring does make for easier removals.

I wish you luck.
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: BenC on February 13, 2008, 09:40:05 am
If you don't work with heights often, 10 to 15 ft is starting to get up there.  Before renting that ladder see for yourself, as in my experience if they tell you it's 10-15 ft then in reality its 20+.  Cutting a branch while you are stuck on a ladder underneith it (or even to the side) is one of the most dangerous things you can do.  It only needs to shift an inch and hit you or the ladder and that could be the end of it.  A helper is not an option- it's a requirement, even if their only job is to dial 911 for you if needed. 

...Of course, we haven't even seen the tree yet, may turn out to be a cake walk.  Exciting stuff, keep us updated.
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Cindi on February 13, 2008, 10:12:37 am
Angi, wishing you the best of luck.  All I have to say is that for someone who hasn't began to keep bees yet, you got more guts than Carters got pills.  I am not kidding. I been keepin' bees for 3 years and still am too much of a bleep to even think about doing any kind of cut outs.  Hee, hee, I can get the swarms, but I ain't goin' in no tree to soffit, yet......and doubt actually that I ever will.  Have the most best of this day, love your life you're livin'.  Cindi
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: KONASDAD on February 13, 2008, 12:07:00 pm
I am on every list imaginable for swarms and not one in two plus years! Very excited for you.
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Jerrymac on February 13, 2008, 12:30:00 pm
I am on every list imaginable for swarms and not one in two plus years! Very excited for you.

Come down here. I've already taken my name off most bee removal list. Too many calls from too far away. 
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Angi_H on February 14, 2008, 12:17:17 am
Hi all First off I want to thank you all for the info and help. I know it is hard when you have not seen pictures or even seen it first hand. You can see comb coming out of the hole. There is a rotten loose peace on the left hand side that leads to a crack. Looks like I can gain access to more of it from there. But dont know yet. Also there is another rotten side to the left with a board on it but no bees in there. He will have a tree service go there after the bees are removed as much as I can.  Tree guys wont go and cut those. The limb is tall with lots of wood on the top. Dont worry I was a firefighter and my hubby was a firefighter and he is helping me. We are going to rent a 24ft ladder and go for it. You will see the pictures. It is about 13ft up to the fork in the tree. And looks like they might be in the middle of the fork. But till I can take off that side strip of wood that is loose it is hard to tell the opening where you can see the comb is about 5inches wide by about 14 inches long. Tell me what ya think by the pictures I will try to get what I can and then place a card board nuc and place the frames with the comb rubber banded to it with some lemon grass oil and a feeder in the top of the fork and screen the big opening and then make a cone so that once they leave they can not get back. And hopefully I will get the queen. If not then I will have to try and order one. Or if I have good comb with eggs they can make one. They have not been there even a year. As of fall nesting of the black birds he was up in the tree and nailed the board you will see in the picture to the one spot where the baby birds were always falling out of the tree. And he did that in Sept. And he would have noticed a bunch of bees in the hollow. Ok here are the pictures let me know what you all think. Oh and I have fallen tons of trees in the fire service as well as have done roofing jobs in high places so it does not bother me. I will take rope and tie my self off to the branch.  I feel safe about it.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/am6845/Farmshowandbeeintreehollow006.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/am6845/Farmshowandbeeintreehollow007.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/am6845/Farmshowandbeeintreehollow008.jpg)

this last picture shows how high up. There is only about 2 ft more to the tree. Where the hive sits it about 1 foot to your right of the fork with the board on the other limb. The middle picture to the inside of the fork where the hive is that piece has a crack that runs down the laft hand side of the hive. I should be able to pull that peace off and get to the comb better but I will be able to stick my hand in there.

Angi
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: JP on February 14, 2008, 12:48:18 am
I would screen off the large cavity and any other cavaties that bees can escape from. Drill below the comb and determine where the hive stops. Have the tree cutter cut above the fork and get rid of those branches protruding from the fork, if the tree is hollow there, you will need to seal the top off, probably would have some bees exit, but just smoke the others down and screen over. Try and determine if the tree is hollow all the way down or if it gets solid again. Have the tree cutters cut into solid tree below the hive, if there is any solid part, then have them lower the section to the ground. Important, keep this section vertical, just like it sits. You can either bring the section with you if its not too heavy, which it probably won't be, and perform the removal at another location, at a more appropriate time, or do it at the site, but by all means perform this job with the section on the ground. Best wishes for a most successfull new hive.

Sincerely, JP
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Angi_H on February 14, 2008, 01:28:19 am
No they are not removing the tree. So I have to try to keep all as is. And even if I screen the tree guys will not touch the tree. AS a few of them are alergic to bees. So I either have to try to break it open as much as I can and rescue as much as possable and then screen and cone and put the nuc in the fork of the tree with feed. Or Kill the bees. And I dont want to do that. That limb was removed early last year and it was not hollow then and the guy said the other side is only like 6 inches deep the one with board. I was going to slide a coat hanger down and up to see how deep it goes on friday. In order to try to save these girls I have to work with the owner. He dosnt want to see them have to die either but he needs them gone before the tree guys remove that branch down to the fork. If I had the money to rent a sizzor boom I would do that and take the whole limb out in sections starting at the very top after I screened it. I will know more once I get up on the ladder on Friday Even if I have to screen and leave the nuc and  take what comb I can reach and hope and pray they move up. Not alot blooming in housing tract at this time. So if it had a feeder on top of the nuc they might go crazy and move right to a food source. I will let you all know more on Friday.

Angi

oh ya and he went through all of the tree guys in there county and none will touch till they are gone. Even if it was screened off and they couldnt escape.
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: JP on February 14, 2008, 08:45:37 am
Angi, I wish you the very best of luck with this endeavor. If you are able to get into that cavity and  remove brood comb, they just may make a new queen for you. Who knows you may get that queen, I hope you do. We're here if you wanna talk.

Sincerely, JP
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Robo on February 14, 2008, 09:00:06 am
The pictures do give a better idea of what you have.  But it is still hard to tell just how much access you will have to the comb.  Chances are if there is any brood,  it will be way back in the cavity away from the entrance.   Hopefully you can get most of it (and the queen).   I'm not sure about your area,  but here we don't have drones available for mating, even if they raised a queen.

good luck
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Jerrymac on February 14, 2008, 09:08:15 am
You know. That might not be much of a cavity at all. Just where some wood was pulled out by the limb pulling free and a wee bit of rot.
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Cindi on February 14, 2008, 09:49:34 am
Angi, whew!!!!  That is scarey stuff, all I can say is go, girl, go, you are an amazing woman, and I can't wait to hear how things turned out for you.  You have got the guts of something else in this world, I love that adventuresome part of the human being.  Wishing you all the luck that I can muster, and that is a lot of wonderful and great wishes, hee, hee  :) :) :)  Have an awesome and wonderful day on our earth.  Cindi
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Angi_H on February 15, 2008, 12:30:40 am
Well tomorrow is the day. We reserved a ladder and we are going late afternoon. I will take the camera up the ladder with me. I am crossing my fingers and hoping. Well for the last 3 days we have almost hit 70 degrees. But chilly at night. There was flights going on when we were there taking pictures and trying to figure out a plan of attack. I am going to give him a stack of business cards as well. As last year his mom had a swarm in one of her bushes they called a beek who came out. I am not charging yet as I dont even have my bees. And he said he would not have called if he would not have found someone to do it for free.  And who also wanted the bees to save them. So cross your all fingers and wish me luck. As I will need it. I am also using a climbing harness.


Angi
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: JP on February 15, 2008, 01:38:43 am
See if you can put out a swarm trap, it seems they have bees often. Get you a good swarm, Good luck with the tree, and be careful up there.

....JP
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Cindi on February 15, 2008, 10:41:46 am
Angi, your adventure is beginning probably in a few hours time from now, we will hear your stories probably tomorrow morning.  Now that will make for some interesting reading for when I arise, bright and early.  Best of luck again said, enjoy this day, and be so careful, girl.  Cindi
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Angi_H on February 16, 2008, 03:38:19 am
Ok Just a quick recap. I got about 3 foot long comb pieces with brood, capped and uncapped and eggs and some smaller pieces with honey and pollen. I could not reach down far enough to get the rest. It was dark but I had a head lamp. Went by dadants to go and get the cardboard nucs and syrup and pick up my pollen trap they forgot. They had not gotten them in yet. So I had to take the big nuc box with me. I put the brood comb and what bees I got in the nuc rubber banded om frames. I placed a 4%pollen bee pro patty half of one because it is a nuc or it would have covered the entire top and I had cut a whole on the top for the feed bucket. it is supposed to be 33 degrees in Tulare tonight so I hope they dont get to cold for the amount of bees in there. Half of them are in the nuc and the other half are still in the tree. I screened off the big opening and placed a cone on there so they can go out but not back in. I put the nuc box in the fork of the tree about 10ft down and about 9ft from the ground and tied it into the fork to make it stable. I also placed a bucket of syrup with honey b healty in it on the top of the nuc. So that should draw them in. I also droped drops of lemon grass oil on the tops of the bars and at the entrance to the nuc. I will go by and check them tomorrow and to take back the ladder and climbing harness to the rental place. I told the guy that the box might have to be there for a few weeks or more and he said no problem he is just worried because his daughter is alergic to bees. But he wasnt. He was out watching so was his neighbor. The neighbor wanted to call the news media lol. I said Ummm Not. Not for my first one lol. The honey from them tasted good. The kids ate a few of the comb with honey in it. When we are said and done I will rent the ladder again and remove the screen and cone and see what bees are left if any and then plug the hole with expansion foam to seal them in and to make it so other bees wont build nests there again. I just wished he would have allowed me to cut off that section of the tree. It goes down about 1 1/2 feet down and over to the other part of the fork. and I could not get my hand down far enough or over enough to get the rest of them and the cone. What I did pull out full sections of 1 ft long and it broke at the end. Killed some brood poor things. The hive was very healthy and very calm. They looked like Italians.. lots of gold with black bands thin. I will try to get pictures tomorrow as the light was fading fast. the guy got home late so we had a late time starting. hopefully most will move over to the other new hive in the nuc tomorrow. I had a spray bottle of honey b healthy with sugar syrup mixed according to the directions on the bottle for a spray god that stuff smells great. Tastes good to. The kids were tasting the sugar syrup from dadants and it was cold so it was flowing like maple syrup. Very thick. Do I have to dilute that for spring feeding? If so I will do that tomorrow when I go back over there. Anyway more news to come.

Angi
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Robo on February 16, 2008, 09:09:14 am
Sounds like you handled things well for the situation.  Not clear from the writing how close you put the nuc to the screen trap, but it sounds like it may be a ways away.   The closer you can get the nuc entrance to the funnel the better (like a foot or less).   Otherwise the flying bees will just cluster on the screen as the scent from the tree hive will be stronger to them than any lure of the nuc.   Their instincts tell them the tree is their nest and unless the lure from the nuc is stong enough by the funnel, they will continue to search for a way back into the tree.

Did you use any smoke?  I take it you did not spot the queen on the comb you retrieved.  I guess time will tell if you got her or not.
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Cindi on February 16, 2008, 09:40:49 am
Angi, nice story, sounds like you did really well, my hat off to you.  Have an awesome day, love our life.  Cindi
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: JP on February 16, 2008, 09:52:08 am
Sounds like you had your hands full, I'm sure you learned a lot. One thing, don't use expansion foam to seal the tree, it doesn't hold up but maybe a yr. Screen the opening and then seal over the screen, go with some type of roof repair product like rolled roofing repair with fibers, this will last a lot longer, yrs in fact.

....JP
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: BenC on February 16, 2008, 12:50:04 pm
Great job Angi_H!  How long did it all take?  Where any pictures taken during the procedure?  The fibered roof stuff (aka plastic roof cement) workes good, you'll need some sort of "backer" to fill the hole, them coat the face of it with the roof patch.  I've used spray foam plenty of times, it's great to fill voids but must be covered with something or as JP says it will break down- the sunlight is what gets it. 
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Angi_H on February 18, 2008, 12:42:02 am
I dont know why this thread got moved it is not done yet. Went back yesterday and did the smoke with the honey robber in a little can in the smoker. I drilled a small hole a few inches from what I thought was the bottom of the hive that was there. The drill went through then hit the hollow but still no comb or honey. I put that smoke in the hole and kept smoking as they barreled out. There was so much traffic that I removed the cone and they poured out.  I got down to put more stuff in the smoker when I looked on hubbys back and OMG OMG OMG there was the Queen. Perfict little queen. I had hubby make a quick little holder out of the screen we had left over while I held her in my hands. We had to move the laddar to where the nuc box was in the tree over to where the only spot we could put the nuc the other fork about 5ft down. And I took off the feed bucket  and placed her in the whole and she went down in the nuc. I then noticed a few of the bees starting to fan with there little bee butts in the air. And now we wait. We went back and smoked the rest of the bees out yes there is a little comb and brood that we can not get but we went ahead and filled in the hole with the expansion foam. And filled in the other hole that was starting in the other fork. that is the only stable place it can be stuck that is not 20 ft in the air. And safety wise it could not have been done with out a boom or siccsor lift. I am attaching some photos.  Day 3 will be tuesday afternoon around eve. We really angry them off day 2 with smoking there hive with robber in there. But WE GOT THE QUEEN. And NO Evidence of MITES at all not a single one. So that is very good.


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/am6845/beehiveremovalday2001.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/am6845/beehiveremovalday2002.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/am6845/beehiveremovalday2003.jpg)

I would have updated last night but I had the flu. I will post that there is an update in the other group And it is not done yet.

Angi
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Cindi on February 18, 2008, 09:25:56 am
Angi, job well done, you have worked hard, and you have some bees.  Yea!!!!  Have a wonderful, great day, love life.  Cidi
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Cindi on February 18, 2008, 10:51:04 am
Angi, it got moved because there is this forum that deals with "honeybee removal" and that is what you were doing, and obviously having some fun while you were doing it.  Have a beautiful day, Cindi
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Angi_H on February 18, 2008, 10:59:58 pm
But I thought they did not get removed till they were done that is what I was told before and the other place always has them in there. Then when they are done then they got moved. Just confused. We might have a little rain tomorrow eve and I have to go remove the Nuc. I told the owner to give me a call if the other bees were still clustered on the outside of the tree trunk in the morning. At least I got the queen that was a big deal. There  she was and no mites to boot. That is a god send. Hopefully they are all doing ok. How long do you think I should leave them in the Nuc? I need to remove an empty frame and place a foundation frame but the other frames have brood and honey and pollen in them and they are rubber banded to the empty frames. Let me all know what to do. As I am still learning and I need help and am worried it will be burried here in this forum.

Angi

Angi
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: JP on February 19, 2008, 12:16:32 am
 There  she was and no mites to boot. That is a god send. Hopefully they are all doing ok. > I really believe that feral bees don't have major mite issues. They build cells that are smaller than commercial cell. I did one the other day and the bees were small and didn't notice any mites on the adults, but some on larvae in drone brood comb. Don, aka fatbeeman said this was normal, and is a natural way for the bees to deal with varroa.

 How long do you think I should leave them in the Nuc? > If your weather is right and you won't be getting any more real cold fronts you can move them whenever you like, as long as they are stong.

I need to remove an empty frame and place a foundation frame but the other frames have brood and honey and pollen in them and they are rubber banded to the empty frames. Let me all know what to do. > Just go in and do it.

As I am still learning and I need help and am worried it will be burried here in this forum. > we won't let this happen.  ;)

....JP
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Jerrymac on February 19, 2008, 01:46:31 am
Sometimes it takes the mods a while to move things and sometimes the ink isn't even dry before it is moved.
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Brian D. Bray on February 19, 2008, 11:56:01 pm
Angi H,

You deserve a big hand.  Getting your 1st hive out of a bee tree withou any prior beekeeping experience is nothing short of fantastic.  Now you're a beekeeper for sure and have proved just how much you've soaked up reading the info on this forum.

CLAP, CLAP, CLAP.  Thata Girl!!
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Angi_H on February 20, 2008, 01:47:08 am
Well not a success. The lid on syrup feeder cracked dumping half of the thick stickey syrup into the bottom of the nuc. Drowning lots and lots of bees. I could not tell if the queen was in that mess or not. As she must have because even the front of the nuc was all covered in the mess. I am so very bummed. It was leaking a little when it was first put on it but that was until it created its suction. I want to send that lid back to better bee as it should not have cracked just sitting up there10 ft up in the tree in the fork. Ugghhh I am so angry and so mad I worked my butt off getting that hive 20ft up in that tree. Filled in the hole and everything. was gone for 2 days home and boom. 40 miles one way for 4x and renting a ladder and climbing harness. Total of 20.00 and gas and food. uuuuughggghghg. Man i feel like such a failure to those bees and the brood that is now dead in the combs. And I was so looking forward to being able to play with the girls before I got my 4lb package of italians April 11th.  How can I blame my self though if it was an equipment failure?  I knew it was a long shot for my first time but I did not expect to get this far and then have it blow up in my face by the dang syrup container lid cracking. It cracked from where they drilled out the whole for the screened feeder plug going to the outside about 3inches. If it would have been on the lid before I put it up I would have grabbed the other bucket. Maybe I will call better bee tomorrow. I have to find my order slip first.

Angi
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Brian D. Bray on February 20, 2008, 01:54:01 am
I've found with the plastic feeder buckets that it is necessary to glue the feeder screen into use a few days before use otherwise it has a tendency to pop out  (lose) at unexpected times and drown your bees--but you've already learned that, right?

Sorry about the misfortune and everything else was going so well.
Title: Re: Excited Just got a call to remove a hive in the hollow of a Tree.
Post by: Angi_H on February 20, 2008, 02:55:18 am
No it did not pop out it cracked from the center where they cut out the circle to the outside edge. I had glued them in as I was told. And this one just cracked. In a Way I wish it had of popped out then I would have known It was my falt. But no in 2 days it ran a crack from the center out 3 inches.


Angi